The short story, “Yeshi’s Luck“ by Naomi C. Rose is a great introduction for young readers to the concept of fate and accepting how “the world shapes us.” In the tale, Yeshi learns that you can’t control what happens, and what seems like bad fortune can turn into a blessing. Yeshi’s song at the end of the story is especially relevant and meaningful, in which he sings “…Be at peace with how life goes” (Rose). I would read the story first to my students, then use the Toni Morrison conversation about self-determination to unpack what Yeshi learns about the world in this story.
Level: Elementary English/Language Arts
Subject Area: American Literature
Author: Tiffany Heitman
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