672.Resource, Gordon, Red--A Crayon's Story: Mentor Text for Identity and Agency (K-2)

Identity is our self-concept. Agency refers to our capacity to act. The theme of Identity and Agency begins with the self-awareness of one’s own strengths and weaknesses and expands to our capacity to take action and attain goals. This theme includes self-efficacy (believing in oneself), the self-confidence to try difficult or new tasks, perseverance, and resilience.  Identity and Agency are affected by our experiences.

Red is a crayon who is not very good at drawing the red color.  His teacher and family help him,  but without success. The other crayons have lots to say. Red tries and tries again. Even with the help of the art supplies, Red fails until he meets the crayon named Berry. Berry asks him to draw a blue ocean. When Red succeeds, he realizes who he is. He continues to draw his true color—blue jeans, blueberries. Red learns his strengths, tries difficult tasks, and learns to believe in himself.

Heart of Georgia RESA teachers may request a free copy of the book to use with their classes by listening to the short VoiceThread about the book, reading a brief handout that includes the ELA standards and suggested strategies for using the mentor text, and completing a request form.