Purple Hibiscus

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Purple Hibiscus Book Trailer”

In this activity, students create a book trailer promoting interest in Purple Hibiscus.

Purple Hibiscus takes place in Nigeria, but Aunty Ifeoma travels to America to provide for her family. Pretend that Aunty Ifeoma plans to tell Kambili’s story by sharing it with film producers. Create a video-recorded trailer or small skit to advertise Purple Hibiscus to an audience. Use the questions below to guide your thinking.

• Where and when does the novel take place?
• Who are the characters in the novel?
• What do each of the characters care about?
• How do the characters respond to different situations?
• What conflicts exist in the novel?
• What is the resolution?
• What is the significance of the purple hibiscus?

Draft, revise, and edit the script and narration for your trailer.

Work cooperatively with a small group to rehearse and film the trailer.

Share your trailer with the group and be prepared to field questions and facilitate a discussion after viewing.

Teaching Suggestion: Students may benefit from finding, viewing, and evaluating examples of book trailers prior to starting the activity. Depending on available resources, students might be able to record a simple trailer with a tablet or phone; students might be involved in the creation of guidelines for planning, scripting, and preparation of materials including prop and costumes.