The Little Red Hen As Told by the Little Golden Book Series

Amazing Grace By Mary Hoffman Illustrated by Caroline Binch

Character Student playing the character Narrator 1 Narrator 2 Grace Nana Ma Nathalie Raj

Narrator 1 Grace was a girl who loved stories. She didn’t mind if they were read to her or told to her. She didn’t care if they were in books or in movies or out of Nana’s long memory. Grace just loved stories. Narrator 2 After she has heard them, and sometimes while they were still going on, Grace would act them out. And she always gave herself the most exciting part. Narrator 1 Grace went into battle as Joan of Arc… Narrator 2 And wove a wicked web as Anansi the Spider. Narrator 1 She hid inside the wooden horse at the gates of Troy… Narrator 2 She went exploring for lost kingdoms… Narrator 1 She sailed the seven seas with a peg leg and a parrot. Narrator 2 She was Hiawatha, sitting by the shining Big –Sea- Water… Narrator 1 And Mowgli in the backyard jungle. Narrator 2 Most of all Grace loved to act out adventure stories and fairy tales. Narrator 1 When there was no one else around, Grace played all the parts herself. Narrator 2 Sometimes she could get Ma and Nana to join in, when they weren’t too busy. Narrator 1 Then she was Doctor Grace and their lives were in her hands. Narrator 2 One day, Grace’s teacher said that they will be doing the Peter Pan play. At that time, Grace raised her hand. Narrator 1 And when she raised her hand Raj said… Raj You can’t be Peter Pan. That’s a boy’s name. Narrator 2 But Grace kept her hand up. Nathalie You can’t be Peter Pan. He isn’t black. Narrator 1 But Grace kept her hand up. Narrator 2 Since everyone wanted to be Peter Pan, the teacher mentioned that they would be having auditions to choose parts. Then, she gave them words to learn. Narrator 1 When Grace got home, she seemed sad. Ma What’s the matter? Grace Raj said I can’t be Peter Pan because I am a girl. Ma That just shows what Raj knows. A girl can be Peter Pan if she wants to. Narrator 2 Grace cheered up, then later remembered something else. Grace Nathalie says I can’t be Peter Pan because I am black. Nana It seems like Nathalie is another one who don’t know nothing. You can be anything you want, Grace, if you put your mind to it. Narrator 1 On Saturday, Nana told Grace they would be going out. Nana took Grace to a grand theater that day. Narrator 2 The sign outside the theater read ROSALIE WILKINS IN Romeo and Juliet. Grace Are we going to the ballet, Nana? Nana We are honey, but first I want you to look at this picture. Narrator 1 Grace looked up and saw a beautiful young ballerina in a tutu. Above the dancer it said STUNNING NEW JULIET. Nana That one is little Rosalie from back home in Trinidad. Her granny and me, we grew up together on the Island. She’s always asking me If I want tickets to see her Rosaline dance. So, this time I said yes. Narrator 2 After the ballet Grace played the part of Juliet, dancing around in her room in her imaginary tutu. Grace I can be anything I want! Narrator 1 On Monday the class met for auditions to choose who was best for each part. Narrator 2 When it was Grace’s turn to be Peter Pan, she knew exactly what to do and all the words to say. She had been Peter Pan all weekend. She took a big breath and imagined herself flying. Narrator 1 When it was time to vote, the class chose Raj to be Captain Hook and Nathalie to be Wendy. Narrator 2 There was no doubt who would be Peter Pan. Everyone voted for Grace. Nathalie You were fantastic! Narrator 1 The play was a big success and Grace was an amazing Peter Pan. Narrator 2 After it was all over, she said… Grace I feel as If I could fly all the way home! Ma You probably could! Nana Yes! If Grace put her mind to it, she can do anything she wants.