1. Illustrated by K. Dyble Thompson
My Name Is Maria Isabel
By Alma Flor Ada
Illustrated by K. Dyble Thompson
American Bookseller
“Pick of the List”

2. Genre Focus: Realistic Fiction
Realistic characters and events come to life in a fictional plot

3. Selection Summary
New in school, Maria Isabel doesn’t respond when her teacher calls her Mary and so she will miss out on the Christmas pageant. After much worry, she finally explains the importance of her family name to her teacher in an essay, and the teacher asks “Maria Isabel” to participate.

4. Key Vocabulary

5. Attentively- with attention or alertness
The class listened attentively as the student spoke.

6. Disappointed- feeling like things didn’t go the way you wanted
The girl was disappointed that she couldn’t go to her friend’s house.

7. Misunderstanding- a failure to understand
A small misunderstanding can cause some serious problems.

8. Nervously- with concern, worry, or fear
The man nervously paced around the room waiting to hear if he got the job.

9. Troublesome- causing problems
The diver knew he was in a troublesome situation.

10. Latkes- potato pancakes eaten at Hanukkah
The chef was busy flipping the latkes for the family’s breakfast.

11. Pageant- a play based on events in history
Everyone who saw the pageant thought it was a huge success.

12. Menorah- a candlestick with 9 branches used in Jewish worship
Each day the family lit another candle on the menorah.

13. Strategies and Skills. Maria Isabel has a difficult problem to solve
Strategies and Skills Maria Isabel has a difficult problem to solve. As you read, stop several times to predict what you think she will do next. Then predict what you think the results will be.

14. Comprehension Skill Focus: Predicting Outcomes
Good readers are always thinking as they read. They note details as they read so they can predict what might happen next. You’re going to complete a prediction chart to develop this skill.

15. Prediction Chart

16. Prediction Chart

17. Enjoy reading Selection 1.
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