Reflection One for Skippyjon Jones: In Mummy Trouble

Analysis Summary

This book series consists of wall to wall Mexican stereotypes. This particular book involves the character Skippyjon Jones wanting to become a chihuahua and uses “spanish slang” but the context and vocabulary used is completely wrong. The Racial and Ethnetic Stereotypes can be seen as very harmful and offensive. As well as wanting to become a chihuahua, Skippyjon Jones uses his imagination to travel to Egypt and imagine himself as a mummy. This storyline also consists of stereotypes regarding evil/scary spirits in the pyramids.

Impact Assessment

This text might impact my focal student in a negative way because of the incorrect use of bilingualism and misrepresentation of Mexicans. My focal student is a bilingual Mexican girl. She might be offended by these stereotypes and confused as to why they are being used the way they are.

Alternative Texts

• Diego
• Chicano Jr.’s Mexican Adventure
• Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx

Guiding Questions

1. How is the use of bilingualism in Diego compared to Skippyjon Jones?
2. How are Mexicans and their culture and language being represented and appreciated in Diego unlike Skippyjon Jones?
3. How is the culture of Egypt represented in Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx compared to Skippyjon Jones?