Parent Guide > Hollywood Dreams of Wealth, Youth, and Beauty

This week in class, we’re reading "Hollywood Dreams of Wealth, Youth, and Beauty" by Bob Mondello.

This article looks at how Hollywood films since the 1900s have depicted life in America and how they have helped manufacture the American Dream.

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of America and Beauty & Happiness as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"What makes America unique?" and "How do we define beauty?"

Ways to support your child:

• Ask your child about this informational text at home:
  • What was "Hollywood Dreams of Wealth, Youth, and Beauty" about?
  • What did you learn about America?
  • What did you learn about Beauty & Happiness?
• Watch the following clips with your child at home:
  • '"Home Sweet Home" - Charlie Chaplin in Modern Times'
  • '"America" from West Side Story'
  • 'Defining the American Dream | The New York Times'