It Fell from the Sky
Book Summary:
When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left tells the story of a child who feels overwhelmed when nothing seems to be going right. Rather than carrying worries, doubts, fears, and frustrations everywhere, the child decides to "go left" and temporarily set those burdens down. Through imaginative storytelling and illustrations, the book teaches readers that while challenges do not disappear, they often become more manageable when we take a step back, gain perspective, and keep moving forward.
Recommended Questions:
Why do you think the insects were willing to pay Spider to see the object? What made it valuable to them?
If fewer insects had been interested in the object, how might Spider's prices and profits have changed?
Why was Spider able to charge increasingly higher prices as more insects visited?
How might Spider's business have changed if another insect created a competing attraction nearby?
What happens to prices and customer choices when more than one person offers a similar service?
Do you think Spider had the right to charge other insects to see the object? Why or why not?
Do you think it was fair for Spider to make money from the object? If you were a leader in the insect community, what advice would you give Spider?
At what point, if any, did Spider's actions change from entrepreneurship to greed? What evidence from the story supports your thinking?
How did Spider's newfound wealth and control over the object change how he viewed and treated his neighbors?
The Fan Brothers worked together to create this book by sharing ideas, responsibilities, and credit. How does their collaboration contrast with Spider's decision to keep control of the mysterious object for themself?
NCSS Theme 7: Production, Distribution and Consumption
The book introduces economic concepts such as scarcity, ownership, entrepreneurship, markets, and profit. Students can examine how Spider turns a shared discovery into a business opportunity and consider the benefits and drawbacks of controlling access to resources.
Social Justice Anchor Standard 14: Power and Privilege
It Fell from the Sky helps students examine how power can develop when one individual controls access to something that others value. After claiming ownership of the mysterious object, Spider gains wealth, influence, and authority, allowing him to make decisions that affect the entire insect community. The story encourages readers to consider how power and privilege can shape relationships, determine who has access to resources, and influence whether a community feels fair and inclusive.
WA Economics 3: Governments role in an economy
Spider creates an economic system around the object by controlling access, setting prices, and attracting visitors. Students can explore how economic decisions affect individuals and communities.
