Celebrating Our Differences: Diversity & Identity Read Aloud Book Series

Discussion Questions - “Mama Do Love Me?” By Barbara M. Joosse

Author: Barbara M. Joosse Illustrator: Barbara Lavallee Read By: Anchorage, AK Mayor Ethan Berkowitz Publisher: Chronicle Books Year: 1998 Ages: 2-4 Grades: Preschool-K

Reader Bio – Anchorage, AK Mayor Ethan Berkowitz

Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has lived in Anchorage since 1990. He and his wife, Dr. Mara Kimmel, have two children, Ziva and Noah. Mayor Berkowitz earned an undergraduate degree studying Government and Economics at Harvard University, where he graduated with honors. He received a Master’s degree from the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University, and a law degree from Hastings College of the Law. After moving to Alaska, he worked as an assistant district attorney before serving for ten years in the Alaska State Legislature, eight as Minority Leader. As a state legislator he supported fiscal responsibility and a more comprehensive and sustainable energy policy. In the private sector, Mayor Berkowitz worked on technology and energy projects, including deployment of fiber optic cables in Alaska and across the Arctic, and a major geothermal project in Northwest Alaska. Book Description:

In this universal story, a child tests the limits of independence and comfortingly learns that a parent's love is unconditional and everlasting. The story is made even more captivating by its beautiful Arctic setting. The lyrical text introduces young readers to a distinctively different culture, while at the same time showing that the special love that exists between parent and child transcends all boundaries of time and place. The story is beautifully complemented by graphically stunning illustrations that are filled with such exciting animals as whales, wolves, puffins, and sled dogs, and a carefully researched glossary provides additional information on Arctic life. This tender and reassuring book is one that both parents and children will turn to again and again.

Discussion Questions: • How do you know your parent/caretaker loves you? How do you show your parent/caretaker that you love them? • In what ways do you know that the mama in the book loves their child? • Have you ever tested your parent/caretaker? How so? How did the situation end?

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