Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Every country has its folktales. Folktales are, essentially, stories told to reinforce cultural values and emphasize tradition among a group of people. Sometimes, a group of people is united by sharing a country, a certain region, or by another common characteristic. What are some folktales in American culture? How about other cultures? What are the values embedded within those stories?

Teaching Suggestion: The stories of Johnny Appleseed and Paul Bunyan are two examples of classic American folklore, both of which promote the values of a pioneering spirit, rugged individualism, and enterprising determination. Students may offer up stories from other non-American cultures. Ask students who volunteer stories to provide a general summary of the story, and as a group, discuss what values/traditions are upheld within the story. This discussion will provide useful context for the larger discussion around Folk Stories and Propaganda Versus Traumatic Reality in the book.

• American Folklore is a collection of folktales from various cultures, including stories from American, Canadian, Mexican, and many other cultures/regions.