When I Was Puerto Rican Lesson Plan

When I Was Puerto Rican tells the story of Santiago's life growing up, which involves extreme poverty, family conflict, abandonment by her father, oppressive gender roles, racial discrimination, sex, and sexual abuse. It will be helpful to discuss some of these difficult and potentially triggering topics before reading the book, especially considering that these are Santiago's real-life experiences. Addressing the relationship between poverty and many of the other issues Esmeralda faces can provide insightful information that help students think and speak emphatically about these topics. Introducing the book by having students share some of their own experiences with racial and gender...