Reflection One for Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice

Analysis Summary

In this text, we were able to see how skippyjon jones was “Lost in Space.” In this book we learn about his trip to a different planet, and how he is surrounded by “aliens.” In this book, you are able to see the title as offensive to the Hispanic/Latino community. “Lost in Spice.” In our culture, we are known for the spices so you are able to understand how offensive it may be especially since this author is white. In this book, they have words and they consider it “spanglish,” but none of us say those words. The most offensive part of this book is knowing there are aliens from another planet. They are called aliens, and they are from a different world. This was the most offensive comment, especially since immigrants are known as “aliens or martians.” In this series which we have studied we were able to find a couple of offensive comments and can connect it to racism in our community.

Impact Assessment

This might influence my focal student especially since he comes from the Hispanic community. We have this book in class, and I decided to let him read this. I asked if he found the main plot and the first thing he said was there are spanish words that he never heard. He pointed out the way one was called Don Diego, and he was able to say this is what we call the old people in our family. Although he may not fully understand the racism in this book, he was able to point out a few words that were “spanglish.”

Alternative Texts

A book which was recommended to me by Gladyis really touched my heart in so many ways and can be an alternative text to the misrepresentation of aliens. “Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote,” is a text which discusses how the dad of the rabbit needed to come to the other side in order to provide for his family. It highlights the journey immigrants take, and the hardships they face. This book impacted me emotionally since I was able to relate. My father had to come to this country, and he faced the same threats as he was crossing. This text gives the student an opportunity to understand the hardships and why many come to this country.

Guiding Questions

1. Is anyone able to relate images that you see that are related to your life at home?
2. How can this book relate to your culture representation?
3. How does this story make you connect to your five senses?