Betty Tang's Website

The Untold Story of Student Immigrants

The Parachute Kid

Graphic Novels & Struggling Readers

• Parachute Kid: children who have been “dropped off” in a foreign country while their parents stay in the home country. 

• Undocumented: Not having the official papers or documents that show you are legally allowed to be in a certain place, like a country.

• Grief: A feeling of deep sadness or sorrow that happens when someone experiences a loss,

• Sexuality: How people feel about and express themselves in terms of their romantic and physical attraction to others. 

• Fear: A feeling you get when you're scared or worried about something.

• Bicultural: Being part of or relating to two different cultures. If someone is bicultural, they may understand and participate in the customs, traditions, and language of two distinct cultural backgrounds.

• Belonging: Feeling like you are a part of a group or a place. It's when you feel accepted, valued, and connected to others around you. 

• Adaptation: When something changes or adjusts to fit better in its environment or to meet new needs or challenges.

Before Reading:

Graphic novels differ from typical books primarily in their storytelling format. While both mediums convey narratives, graphic novels utilize a combination of illustrations and text to tell a story, offering a visual dimension that regular books lack. This visual aspect not only enhances the reader's immersion but also provides a unique storytelling experience by blending artistic expression with literary narrative. So, by enhancing students understanding of how to read a graphic novel, reading "Parachute Kids" along with other graphic novels will improve! 

Click here to watch a video teaching students to basics on how to read a graphic novel!

After watching the video, take "Parachute Kids" in hand, and skim through the book with students, pointing out anything in the graphic novel that they have learned from the video or any other questions that may arise. Below are some questions that could help spark a class or small group discussion:

• What do you notice about the cover illustration? What do you think the story might be about based on the cover?

• What emotions do the illustrations evoke? How do you think the characters are feeling?  

• After skimming through the graphic novel, what are you most excited to find out or learn about when we read it together?

During Reading:

Read along with Betty Tang as she reads the first chapter of "Parachute Kids." This video models how Betty Tang reads a graphic novel, influencing students to read in the same format!

As students read through "Parachute Kids," be sure to remind them to stay on the lookout for specific elements; students are to recognize and follow plots, character development as well as the similarities and differences between the characters.  They must grasp cause and effect, and they must learn about perspective which will improve their reading comprehension. 

Expressions and gestures are also important to how students are to understand characters and a graphic novel in itself. As students read, instruct them to find examples of a particular expression or statement that they think shows a significant character trait. Click here for further instructions!

After Reading:

SibSpheres: Exploring the Overlapping Worlds of Three Siblings

In this exercise, students will explore the similarities and differences between Feng-Li-, Ke-Gāng, and Jia-Xi. Explore the unique traits, shared experiences, and divergent paths of these characters as you delve deeper into their familial bonds. 

Parachute Kids: The Sequel

Just like authors and illustrators, we have the power to continue the adventures of our favorite characters, to explore new challenges, and to unravel mysteries left unsolved. Throughout this activity, you will have the opportunity to flex your creative muscles, combining your writing skills with your artistic talents to craft a sequel that extends the story beyond its original boundaries.