644.Resource, Gordon, The Water Princess: Mentor Text for Identity and Agency (Grades 3-5)

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.

Princess Gie Gie, like many children in Africa, rises early to walk many miles to gather water for her family. Her mother accompanies her and once they reach home, prepares the water so that it is safe to use. This is their daily, daylong, routine, requiring the willingness to act and persevere. Gie Gie dreams of having the power to make water clean and close . . . someday.

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.