This photo of an acequia was taken in the spring of 2020 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Acequias play a crucial role in the story.
Are you a teacher or parent looking for content to help middle graders process COVID-19? If so, check out my latest story, “The 13th,” which was recently published by CommonLit. The story is set in New Mexico and begins in March 2020, a few days after the first COVID case appeared in the Land of Enchantment. The main character worries that her bad luck contributed to the pandemic and embarks on a quest to find a good luck charm.
“The 13th” is written for 6th graders and tackles themes related to anxiety and helplessness. I hope that readers will take away the same message as the serenity prayer:
“Grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change...
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.”
It was an honor to write for CommonLit, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to ensuring that all students, especially students in Title I schools, graduate with the reading, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills they need to be successful in college and beyond.” CommonLit wrote assessment questions, discussion points and definitions to help readers interpret the text.
Hot air balloons flying over Albuquerque. The opening and closing images in “The 13th” both feature hot air balloons.