An Orange for Frankie is one of my favorite Christmas books that I read to my children each year. Patricia Polacco, the granddaughter of one of Frankie’s sisters, shares the true story of Frankie, who lived during the Great Depression and knew the joy of giving, even when there was little to give in their own home. I can’t read this book without crying, as it demonstrates the forgotten simplicity of life and how a tender heart toward others can be the greatest gift of the Christmas season.
Within this beautiful illustrated book, the life of the Stowell family opens with giving to others out of the little they have for their own family. It is through this example that Frankie was quick to give to strangers. As the family awaits for father to return with the simple of Christmas traditions, the family stays busy to keep from worrying. This story will hold the attention of all family members and will bring giving to others close to their minds as the Christmas season comes closer.
Here are some activities that your family can do together to bring An Orange forFrankie
to life within your own family:
- Feed the Poor and Needy – Either open your home to a family that is in need or participate in a local outreach that feeds the homeless. You may also consider buying groceries for a family and delivering it to their home.
- Collect Warm Clothing and Coats for the Poor and Needy – Ask several family, friends and neighbors to contribute to a coat drive, which can include warm sweaters, hats, mittens and scarves. Donate these to a local outreach that provides these items to the homeless.
Use this colorful printable for your own clothes drive! - Make an Orange for Frankie – Just like in the book, have each person give one section of their orange to make an orange for Frankie. Pull it together with some ribbon and display it during the holiday to remind your family that giving is better than receiving.
- Study the Great Depression – Starting in 1929 and lasting through 1933, the Great Depression was a time in United State history that many grandparents today can still remember. Have your children interview several people in your lives that lived during that time and what they remember.
- Cut Down Your Own Tree – Find a place that you can harvest your own Christmas tree and start a new family tradition.
- Make Your Own Simple Decorations – Stringing popcorn or paper chains is an activity that all children should remember doing at one time or any other.
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