694.Resource, Gordon, The Water Princess: Mentor Text for Public Spirit (K-2)

Public Spirit is about taking action. It means taking an active interest in the well-being of one’s various communities, including home, school, community, country, and the world. It includes respect for others, courage, ethical responsibility, civic responsibility, social justice, and leadership.

The Water Princess is based on the true story of Georgie Badiel, an American who grew up in the African country of Burkina Faso. Give Gie is the “water princess.” Every day, every day of the week, she walks many miles with her mother to gather water for her family. They fill their pots with earth-colored water. While Gie Gie’s work is done when they return from their journey with one day’s supply of water, her mother must boil the water so that it is safe to drink. Together they wash their clothes and cook. At night Gie Gie pretends to be a princess. She dreams of having the power to command the water so that it is close and safe and abundant.

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.