Cress Watercress

When Cress’s father doesn’t return home one night, her family packs their things and moves into the Broken Arms, a small tree apartment run by Mr. Owl. Here, Cress learns to navigate her grief, make new friends, and adapt to a new life. Intermediate-level students will engage with this story about animals who experience relatable and human emotions, allowing them to connect to Cress’s story through creative and critical thinking opportunities. The novel lends itself as a read-aloud, and teachers may use it to segue into activities on plot sequencing, story order, and comprehension. Themes of friendship, family, grief, and community may invite discussion when used as a classroom resource.