Sparrow Girl by Sarah Pennypacker is a great text to use for discussions. Based on a historical event, this story shows how one person can truly make a difference to many. In Ming-Li's village, everyone is fighting the war on sparrows by setting off firecrackers and trying to scare the birds. Ming-Li feels sorry for the sparrows and rescues a few and hides them in a barn. The villagers feel triumphant when all the sparrows are gone, however they are soon faced with a famine as the locust begin eating the crops. Ming-Li must decide whether or not to share her hidden secret.
This book could be used for many discussions, especially one about cause and effect. Ming-Li's decision to share her hidden sparrows could be a good discussion starter about right and wrong.
