About This Book
"Annie and the Old One" is a poignant story about a young Navajo girl, Annie, who is deeply troubled by her grandmother's quiet statement that she will die when the rug she is weaving is complete. Annie's love for her grandmother drives her to desperate measures, from misbehaving at school to letting sheep escape, and finally, secretly unraveling the rug. Through her grandmother's gentle wisdom, Annie learns about the natural cycle of life and death, finding peace and acceptance. This book is ideal for elementary-aged children (4-11) and offers a sensitive, culturally rich approach to discussing grief and loss.
A Navajo girl unravels a day's weaving on a rug whose completion, she believes, will mean the death of her grandmother.
Character Death
sadness_grief
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Annie feel when she first hears her grandmother's words? Have you ever felt scared about someone you love leaving?
2
What are some of the things Annie does to try and stop the rug from being finished? Why do you think she does them?
3
What does the grandmother mean when she says, "You will learn, as I have learned, that there is a time for everything"?
4
How does Annie's understanding of death change by the end of the story?
5
What traditions or special things do you share with your grandparents or older family members?
External Reviews
Awards
1 award
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