“Andiamo Luigi” Children’s Geography Book Series
The “Philly Phiat” Becomes The Vehicle For A Teacher’s Creative Geography Lesson
In 1969 a young boy named Luigi Borda came to the United States from Italy with his family aboard a ship. About the same time, a cute little red 1967 Fiat 500, made the same voyage. Like their American relatives in Philadelphia, the Borda family wanted to discover the American dream.
Nearly 40 years later the Bordas are proud Americans still living in South Philadelphia and the red 1967 Fiat 500 is still on the road and has actually become something of a celebrity.
Along with its owner Luigi, the “Philly Phiat” has made a number of TV appearances and even made runs around the Citizens Bank Park field on game day with the Philly Phanatic sticking out through the roof waving at the crowds. In addition they have been in several city parades and often delight passerby’s as they travel to work in center city Philadelphia
As it turns out Louis “Luigi” Borda, 42, a Geography Teacher at Masterman, Philadelphia’s celebrated academic magnet school for accomplished students, was not just out doing publicity stunts for his obligatory 15 minutes of fame.
In fact, the relentless pursuit of attention for his little red Fiat 500 was part of a master plan to focus attention on a series of self-published Children’s books — Andiamo! (Let’s Go!) Luigi Gets Around (One State at a Time) – designed to help teach U.S. geography. The first in the series “Luigi Discovers Philadelphia” is being released this week.
In this book, Luigi and his little Fiat travel from Italy to the United States and then take readers on a fun ride through the historical city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Luigi plans on using his car to help young readers ‘travel’ across the country, stopping at notable destinations along the way,” Explains Borda. “The concept of the books is to help young readers learn about, not only the cities and states, but unique cultural attractions, natural wonders, amusement parks, sporting events and special interesting ‘factoids’ about each particular state in each book.”
At a time when the educational system is threatened with cutbacks and shortages of teachers and essential learning materials, the personal effort, financial investment and sacrifice that Louis “Luigi” Borda is making with this project is truly inspirational.
I just got a copy as a present from the author himself! =D i really enjoyed the book and i think that it was very educational about both the city of Philadelphia and cars. A great start! cant wait for the next one. =D
Hello,
Great job. But not enought info. Where can i read more?
Have a nice day
Tania
I just read this book yesterday morning, and instantly began to like it. I found it to be humorous yet very educational. I learned that city hall is one of the tallest stone buildings, and that Audi’s are a German made car. I found it humorous, since the cars had faces and human like qualities. It also proved to be an easy reader since my 9 year old nephew was able to read it with few questions about the words. Even my sister who owns a daycare wants to borrow it! I wasn’t surprised that this book would be as phenomenal as it was since I knew how good my 7th grade history teacher was at teaching, and I look forward to any later books that he may come out with. If I was able to learn something new about the city that I live in, I can’t wait to read about other states.
Hello,
Thank you! I would now go on this blog every day!
Thanks
Rufor
I just purchased an autographed copy of the book from author also.The book is amazing, it keep my students wanting more. I cant wait to take a visual journey on the other voyages. Luigi is also a great person.
I was very fortunate to meet the author and get a signed copy of this fun book!
I read it to my Kindergarten class in North Philadelphia on Friday. I really liked the concept and would love to read more! Here’s what the kids said and liked:
The boys especially were excited by the new cars that Luigi kept meeting. “I like the red one, mine’s going to be the blue….” The class would shout out the familiar things in Philly that they recognized, the Phillies, Mummers strutting, City Hall, Downtown”. I used the book to develop empathy for the character who felt different because of his name and language, and that is something my little guys need. I think kids all around the city will love this book for all these reasons, so good luck. I see travel in Luigi’s future!!!!
Thanks again
Flossie Battaglia
Hi Luigi,
We talkd at the Philly Book Festival on Saturday. If you are still interested, we would like you to join us on October 3rd
for the 7th Annual Collingswood Book Festival. Consider this an official invitation.
Collingswood, New Jersey in Camden County is currently looking for children’s authors who would like to take part in the 7th Annual Collingswood Book Festival. The event will take place on October 3, 2009 on the main street (Haddon Avenue) of our town. In the past several years we have hosted Dan Gutman, DyAnne DiSalvo, Leslie Conner, Jordan Sonnenblick and many other authors from the area
We attract several thousands of people to the event that includes live music, food, vendors selling anything related to reading, book appraisers, used books, and of course noted adult authors and local newspaper columnists. There is no honorarium offered but it is an opportunity for authors to talk and read to small groups of children
and to sell and sign their books. Since this a non-profit, all volunteer event, we make every effort to promote our visiting authors in the Philadelphia and South Jersey market.
We would love to have you join us for this event. We strive each year to make the event as inviting to as many people as possible. We usually attract people in the South Jersey or Philadelphia area(including the Philadelphia suburbs).
Please check our website for more details.
http://www.collingswoodbookfestival.com
We have as our logo:
Collingswood Book Festival It’s Where You Want to Read
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Sidra Hobbs-Fernie
Collingswood Book Festival Authors Committee
Hi Tania,
Thanks for the comments. When you mention not enough info, please keep in mind that the target age group is 4-8 years old. You can read more as addtional books become available. Until then…ciao for now!
Luigi Gets Around
Luigi and the Philly Phiat would love to be a part of your festival. It sounds like a lot of fun! Please send me any additional information that I may need. In the meantime I will checkout your website Until then…ciao for now!
Luigi Gets Around
Hi Ms. Battaglia,
I am glad you found the book worthwhile, let me know if you’d like a visit from Luigi and the Philly Phiat! Until then…ciao for now!
Luigi
Hey Ms Robbins,
Thanks for the kind words, maybe you’d like to have Luigi and the Philly Phiat visit your school????
Luigi
Hey Danny,
Thanks, and good luck with the play this weekend!
Luigi
beep-beep
Hi..I met Luigi @ the Philadelphia Phillies game where he gave me a signed copy of this book for our 3 daughters!!!! THEY LOVE IT and so do we!!!! Great information and also funny too!! Would love to read more from him!! I am a stay @ home mom and we read a lot…def one of the best books in awhile!!!! Thanks so much Luigi!! Love the Cooksey’s
My son LOVES this book. He runs around the house saying “Luigi BEEP BEEP!”
No doubt this one should be on Oprah’s list!
Good luck Luigi.
Ciao,
Mark
To me, it’s funny how everyone is so excited to meet the author. He teaches at my school! I don’t have Mr. Borda for geography, but he’s my Italian teacher. His daughters go to my school, Masterman, too!