NOTES TO EDUCATORS:

The Irish Dresser: A Story of Hope during The Great Hunger (An Gorta Mor 1845-1850)

An entertaining, adventurous, and educational story about The Great Hunger in Ireland often referred to as The Potato Famine. A story of hope filled with researched accurate historical detail suitable for the classroom. Many states have passed legislation requiring this subject be included in public school curriculum. Educational resources with lesson plans are included, making this book even more classroom friendly. The Famine is recognized as playing a pivotal role in the shaping of Irish America and can become a springboard for understanding American History. This book will generate questions about ethics, economics, government, and compassion. Lesson plans also discuss finding hunger relief opportunites for students.

Hope in New York City (The Continuing Story of The Irish Dresser)

The sequel continues the saga of Nora McCabe and her family living in New York City where there is poverty, racism, injustice, and violence. Hope continues to reign in Nora's heart, but she is desperately homesick and vows to return to Ireland. The story is woven around historical events, and Nora meets Walt Whitman, visits Barnum's Museum, and becomes involved in the Astor Opera House Riot of 1849, the first major riot in American History.

Immigration is a complex and important topic in our country today and Hope in New York City can be used to teach about immigrant experiences in the 1800's, as well as the controversies and difficulties of becoming an American citizen today. There are extensive lesson plans that challenge students to ask questions about what it means to be an American. What is the American Dream? What are the prejudices that existed then, and exist now? Students are asked to create their own American Dream journals and think critically and compassionately about immigration, being an American, and their own American dreams.

Ms. Neale has participated in middle grade unit studies on immigration and presented to over 100 students. She engages the students in the study of the past by bringing history into the present, utilizing storytelling, costume, music, and dance. She invites students to live compassionately and become involved in alleviating hunger around the world through her presentations.