This week second graders shared the reading of another grade level Core Work, The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin. Students shared in read-aloud experiences and then had an opportunity to reflect on the characters depicted in the story, their actions and the character standards they noted were being demonstrated. Themes of fairness, responsibility, respect, and confidence were woven throughout this story and were the impetus of many meaningful small group discussions. Students were asked to find evidence in the story to back up their responses. Some of the discussion topics and questions this text brought to the surface were: How does someone stay strong when so many people doubt them or are against them? How does someone demonstrate confidence? Second graders dug deep this past week to explore these important questions.