Synopsis
In a poor Mexican village, Erandi surprises her mother by offering to sell her long, beautiful hair in order to raise enough money to buy a new fishing net.- ★★★★☆
- ★★★☆☆
- ★★★★☆
- ★★★★☆
- Compare Erandi’s routines and responsibilities to your own. What is Erandi’s day like? What are her responsibilities? Dough making, carrying buckets for fishing, sorting fish.
- Identify Erandi’s needs vs. wants. Why is the dress a want and a fishing net a need?
- How does Erandi show thoughtfulness and understanding towards the needs of her family? She is excited about her birthday and the village fiesta but she is keenly aware that they need a new net. While she quietly remains hopeful, she does not once remind, complain or ask for more than she knows they can afford.
- When does she show courage and selflessness? Erandi is initially fearful of getting her hair cut but then makes the decision herself to do so.
Mindful Muslim Review
In an age when we are constantly bombarded with advertisements, encouraged to blindly follow ever-changing trends, and to think only of ourselves, we need to teach children the differences between needs and wants, how to spend wisely, and show empathy towards others. In this touching story, Erandi–a thoughtful, understanding, and helpful 7-year-old girl–accompanies her mother as she completes her responsibilities for the day. When her mother attempts to sell her own hair to help make ends meet, Erandi is fearful of following suit. Erandi gains strength from watching her mother’s sacrifice and then shows immense courage in doing the same. At such a young age, she learns to put her family’s needs above her own comfort and ultimately finds happiness in doing so. The author’s note at the end of the book describes the mid-century practice of some Mexican women who would sell their hair during times of financial hardship.
