643.Resource, Gordon, The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade: 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.

Quiet Sally notices everything. The smallest girl in the smallest grade is not, however, noticed—until the day she decides to speak out. When she speaks out about students hurting each other, people listen, then join in, and find ways to help each other. Sally believes in herself (self-efficacy) and in taking action to make changes.

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.