An old, neglected wall takes up one block in Ángel’s neighborhood. With the help of his neighbors, he designs a mural that celebrates what makes his community special.
Hey, Wall: A Story of Art and Community
Discuss the Book
Eyes Down
Pages 1–10
- Important Moment: People in Ángel’s neighborhood avoid the blank, old wall of a building.
- Ask and Share: How do the people in the story feel about the blank wall? What do you think they could do about this problem?
Sharing Stories
Pages 11–15
- Important Moment: Ángel describes the happy get-togethers in his community that take place indoors or on the rooftops, but not on the street.
- Ask and Share: Do any of the sights, sounds, and smells remind you of things in your own community? What other sights, sounds, and smells remind you of your neighborhood?
A Blank Canvas
Pages 16–23
- Important Moment: Gathering sketches, memories, ideas, and imagination from friends and family, Ángel works with others to design a mural for the blank wall.
- Ask and Share: Where do Ángel and his neighbors get ideas for their mural? What parts of your neighborhood would you want to include in a mural?
This Is Us
Pages 24–29
- Important Moment: When the mural is completed, people celebrate.
- Ask and Share: Do you think that Ángel could have created the mural on his own? What is a time when you worked with others to meet a goal or solve a problem?