Our Only May Amelia

Lemming L. Holm, Our Only May Amelia, USA, Harper Collins Publishers, 1999, 251 pp. Children’s Book, Grades 3-6.

In late 1800’s May Amelia Jackson is a twelve year-old and the only girl among seven brothers in their settlement in Nasal, Washington. Her mother is with-child and all May prays for is for the baby to be a little girl so that she may no longer be the only girl in her vicinity. May Amelia tells this story and the constant use of dialect is what truly brings her story to life. May Amelia’s life was filled with heartfelt emotions, sadness and courageous actions as she struggled to form her own identity as a girl and battled with the constant expectation of her having to act different simply because she was a girl.

Activity: I think a good activity for this book would be for students to reflect on their own life and write about some of what their expectations are just because of who they are in their own family. Teacher can first lead a discussion and have students share who they are in their family. Then students can write on their own and share their writing with the class.

Example topic:

1. In the book, Our Only May Amelia May is expected to act like a lady and is not allowed to do much of what her brothers are allowed to do. How does that make her feel? What are some of your expectations for who you are in your family? Example: oldest, youngest, only child, middle child, etc. How do your expectations the same or different?