Luz and Anika are trying to think of clever ways to keep cool as a heat wave descends on Petroville. They discover that a weeks’ long drought has put not just their favorite swimming pond in jeopardy, but their entire community too! Can Luz and her friends take action to help their neighborhood and its ecosystems?
Luz Makes a Splash
Discuss the Book
Beat the Heat
Pages 6–30
- Important Moment: Luz and Anika plan to cool down with ice cream at the mall. But the air conditioning is switched off to save energy. They head to Spring Pond instead, but the pond has dried up!
- Ask and Share: How do Luz and Anika plan to cool off? What happens to their plans? Have you ever had a fun plan fall through? What are some good ways to adapt and handle disappointment?
A Drop in the Bucket
Pages 31–58
- Important Moment: Due to the water shortage, Mr. DeSouza collects rain in barrels for watering his plants. Luz thinks Mr. D’s idea is great, but it only helps him. Petroville needs bigger solutions.
- Ask and Share: When there’s a water shortage in Petroville, which solution does Mr. D come up with? Is Mr. D’s idea helping to solve Petroville’s problem? Why or why not?
Working Together
Pages 59–76
- Important Moment: While Anika and Robert work on a solution for Spring Pond, Luz has been working to improve Friendship Park. Luz feels left out. The friends decide to work as a team.
- Ask and Share: Why is Luz feeling left out? How do the friends decide to fix the problem? Do you prefer to work as part of a team or by yourself? Why?
Too Little Too Late?
Pages 77–96
- Important Moment: Luz is devastated when Spring Pond completely dries up. She tells her abuela it’s too late to save it. Abuela says that it’s never too late: We keep trying—especially when it feels like there’s nothing more we can do.
- Ask and Share: What wisdom does Luz’s abuela share with her about Spring Pond? Do you agree with Abuela? Can you think of examples of good advice you’ve been given?