While You Read - Guided Reading Questions - answer the following questions:
1. What is a prodigy and why does the mother want the main character to become one?

2. How does the mother prepare her daughter for fame?

3. What talents does the girl have?

4. Why does she start the piano lessons and how is the mother going to pay for them?

5. Describe the piano teacher.

6. What do Auntie Lindo and Jing-Mei's mother have in common?

7. In your own words, relate the events of the recital.

8. What does the author mean when she says, "I didn't have to do what my mother said anymore... This wasn't China"? page 97

9. What words does the author use to describe her mother's disappointment in her?

10. Why does Jing-mei come back to play the piano after her mother's death?

After Your Read - research online about the topics below. Find an article and a picture. Next to the picture provide a caption (5-6 sentences) that summarizes each article. Cite your sources properly.

The Ed Sullivan show
Beethoven
Schumann
the Japanese invasion of China.

Before You Read - Personal Narrative -  Think about the expectations your parent/guardian has for you. What do they think of your talents? How are you living up to the expectations? Do you have your own plans? Record your thoughts as a journal entry in a separate post.

Information Essay and Class Presentation.
We are reading a story about one parent's dream of making her daughter into a child prodigy.  Research the topic and pick a boy or a girl whose talents brought them fame or fortune.  Click here for a suggested list of children with exceptional abilities.
You may want to look into these kids' profiles

Coming soon ... task & guidelines