Super Manny Cleans Up

Super Manny Cleans Up
Written by: Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrated by: Stephanie Graegin

Element 4: Social Movements & Social Change
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Summary:

This book is about a young boy named Manny and his friend Gertie, taking on little problems that arise in their little world. They wear different colored capes for each issue; in this case, it was green for cleaning up the trash in the park. Manny and Gertie go to their local park and start cleaning up the trash scattered along the grass. They inspired other kids to join in and clean up with them. They were all taught the importance of recycling and the dangers of littering. 

Connection to Social Movement & Social Change:

This book relates to this element because it portrays the action of doing it yourself. This book teaches young students that if something is wrong and no one else is doing anything about it, you should take initiative yourself. A small effort of two turned into a bigger number, and a bigger number of helpers equaled a better outcome for the park. The book also teaches young students to be carefully aware of littering in their own communities to protect animals and the environment.

Classroom Idea (Grade Level: 4th Grade)

The students can create posters about recycling and littering to be hung all around the school. They can come up with a catchy catch phrase that can be featured on the poster that will help other students remember to recycle. The students can set up a little club where they go after school to pick up any trash along the school or the playground.