Sparkle Schoolhouse

FIFTY Study Page: Puerto Rico- "Hoy Vieques"

FIFTY: Puerto Rico- "Hoy Vieques"

Each story in the FIFTY collection focuses on a remarkable American from a different state. Below are some recommended topics to inspire further investigation of the history and geography of the state, as well as themes that can support our children's growth and development.

While the rest of her family protests at the Navy base, Esperanza and her grandfather take a day trip to northern Vieques, the small island off the coast of Puerto Rico, to see the old Ceiba tree. Esperanza’s grandfather tells her that the tree had a special message for him many years ago, and when she finally sees the tree and sits between its immense roots, she learns what the tree has to say to her as well.

* Note: Though this is historical fiction and the characters have been developed to accommodate a story, their attributes and development may be useful as reference points and inspirations. *

Puerto Rico History - History of Vieques and Puerto Rico

• History of Vieques and Puerto Rico from military perspective

Puerto Rico Geography - Map of Vieques and Puerto Rico in relation to the United States and Spain

“Hoy Vieques” Study Topics - A topical survey of the impact of non-violent protest - A comparison of the rights of Puerto Ricans as compared with citizens who live in states

Topics for Reflection

From a Child Development Perspective:

- A family is a community, and we each have a responsibility to contribute to it. While grown-ups have their “grown-up jobs,” children also have a place in making a family community strong. Even though Esperanza didn’t always appreciate staying at home when her other family members went away to protest, she was still doing her part by helping Señora Reyes tend children of the town while others were away.

• Sometimes our hearts tell us things that aren’t logical in our minds. Both our “heart messages” and our “head messages” can be true, even if they are confusing. Esperanza understood why others were protesting to get the bombing on her island to stop, but her heart told her that most of all, she wanted the protests to stop. The protesting was more upsetting to her than the bombing — even though she and others were against the bombing. Yes, she wanted the bombing to stop, but it was equally hard for her to watch her community so deeply agitated.

• Spending time with her grandparents is precious time that cannot be replaced. Esperanza jumped at the chance to spend some time with her grandfather on a visit to the Ceiba tree. During their outing, he was able to share parts of history of the island of Puerto Rico that no one else could have. Even beyond that, Esperanza was nourished by his kind, calm, reassuring presence.

• Listen to the wisdom of the elders. Even though Esperanza wanted the protests to stop, spending the day with her grandfather helped her to understand why her family was protesting and why it was time for a change on her island.

• There is wisdom to be gleaned from the messages that come to us through nature. Trees and stones and water are much, much older than we are. If we are quiet and still, they can tell us their stories. It was the story and wisdom from the Ceiba tree that changed Esperanza forever.

• Nature brings a sense of endurance and of security. Esperanza received the message of endurance through courage and the security of being surrounded by something powerful from the Ceiba tree.

  “…but what I learned is that if I can be like the tree, if I can survive, if I can accept that there are things I cannot control but I can keep growing – keep pushing my roots into the earth – know that this is my home — and keep stretching my arms to the sky – carry on and help others — and keep opening my leaves to the sun – stay positive and optimistic … then I will be okay. My family will be okay. Vieques will be okay and Puerto Rico will be okay. Just keep going – no matter what. Never give up — no matter what. Just like this tree did. It lived longer than the Spanish colonists. It lived longer than the sugar plantations and soon it will outlive the Navy port and all its bombs. It will be fine.”

  “…She knew her dear island and her family and friends would endure more hardships and be faced with more challenges – but she now knew the secret to success. Sink your roots deep, stretch your arms wide — and open yourself to the light of the sun. “

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