The Legend of the Bluebonnet

DePaola, Tomie. (1983). The legend of the bluebonnet.   New York: Putnam.

This is a Native American retelling about the Texas State Flower, the bluebonnet. There was a drought and famine and the Great Spirits wanted a sacrifice. The only one to stand up and do that was a little orphan girl named She-Who-Is-Alone who burned her warrior doll and spread the ashes. The next day blue flowers were everywhere and the rain came. There is a realistic quality shown in the texture. It has a theme that readers can learn from about sacrifice.

Lesson/Activity Ideas:

http://www.the-best-childrens-books.org/The-Legend-of-the-Bluebonnet.html

A Crooked Kind of Perfect

Urban, Linda. (2007). A Crooked Kind of Perfect. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Zoe has big dreams of being a grand pianist. Her dreams seem to be slanted a bit when her eccentric agoraphobic dad buys an organ instead of a piano and her piano teacher is not what she pictured her to be. Instead of learning classical, she is introduced to 70’s tv theme songs. Her teacher enters her into a contest that changes her perception of how life goes and it’s not always perfect but you have to make the best with what you have.

Linda Urban has written a story that young girls can relate to. It is told from the view point of a girl named Zoe who just want to be special. The book is filled with humor. Zoe is a character that girls can identify with. If the gender roles were reversed, boys would find this book engaging as well. There are a lot of feelings involved in this story, for example being embarrassed by parents, not getting what she wants or not being a part of the cool crowd. This story shows the progression of characters changing from beginning to end.

Lessons/Activities

http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.ilfonline.org/resource/resmgr/09-10_yhba_resources/crookedkindofperfect.pdf

The Watson's go to Birmingham

Curtis, Christopher Paul. (1995). The Watson’s Go to Birmingham-1963. New York: Delacorte Press.

Kenny Watson is the middle child of three and through his eyes, his parents, older brother and younger sister are causing a lot of havoc at home. Different family relationships are explored. He doesn’t understand his parent’s humor and his older brother is a trouble maker. As he continued to get in more trouble, mom and dad decide he may need a change of scenery. Their lives are changed when they travel from Flint, Michigan to Birmingham Alabama in the summer of 1963 to visit grandmother. The story is set in a time in history where civil right tensions are escalating. Because of the racial tension in the Civil Rights movement during that time, this trip down south is an eye opening experience when tragedy strikes. There is a bombing at a church the youngest sister attended with neighbors. Even though the sister was not harmed Kenny struggles with the images of the burned building and people seriously hurt. Upon returning home, the family faces learning how to grieve and understand the situation.

Lessons/Activities

http://www.walden.com/watsons-go-to-birmingham-7-creative-classroom-activities/

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

Schlitz, Laura Amy. (2007). Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village. Massachussetts: Candlewick Press.

A typical English medieval village is explored and told through the perspective of youth. Skits about villagers are revealed that dates to medieval England in 1255. This book is filled with characters like the young girl Barbary who takes her twin brothers to buy fish. The characters have different walks of life, for example, a shepherdess, blacksmith’s daughter, plowboy, moneylender’s son and a lord’s nephew. The drawings remind you of medieval wood cuttings. There is a great sense of humor with the stories told especially with the soliloquies of Lowdy the Varlet’s child and Mogg the villain’s daughter. The monologues and stories that are written, the author tells for each character include details that are historically correct and believable for readers. It gives readers a chance to learn about that life.  

Lessons/Activities

http://commoncoresuccess.elschools.org/curriculum/ela/grade-6/module-2B/unit-2/lesson-1

The Graveyard Book

Gaiman, Neil. (2008). The Graveyard Book. New York: HarperCollins.

Nobody Owen’s family is murdered and he is next only to be awakened by the sounds of his family being killed and crawls out the house to a graveyard. He finds a home with the Owen ghosts in the graveyard that decide to raise him. He has a guardian named Silas that protect him and he experiences a lot as a child like almost being eaten by ghouls and leaving the graveyard to try and help a ghost. The man Jack is still out there trying to kill him because of a prophecy that if he grew to be a man that would be the end of him.

The characters in the story are believable and are in an imaginative setting that the reader can believe as well. The use of text and illustrations in the beginning of the story helps to show the actions of the man killing Nobody’s family. The plot is creative and continues to build until the end when the man Jack returns and explains the reason for him killing the family in the first place.

Lessons/Activities

https://sites.google.com/site/theghoulgate/activities-based-on-the-graveyard-book

Rapunzel’s Ravenge

Hale, Shannon & Dean. (2008). Rapunzel’s Revenge. New York: Bloomsbury.

Rapunzel was raised by a woman who was not really her mother. It took her curiosity to see what was over the tall wall to see that something was not right. She found her true mother only to be taken away by mother Gothel and placed in a tall magic tree where she could not escape. Rapunzel found a way of escape from her long red hair and began her revenge. She finds a sidekick named Jack who helps her become courageous throughout their adventure as she seeks revenge and justice.

The theme of heroism is present when Rapunzel tries to be a hero with using her hair as a weapon. The use of color and detail is used effectively to show the constant action and the setting. The authors take on the style of writing a different story about Rapunzel as opposed to the traditional story we are used to reading about. It doesn’t take long to grasp to this new and edgy Rapunzel who is a red haired, courageous and very smart.

Lessons/Activities

http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.ilfonline.org/resource/resmgr/2010-11_yhba_resources/rapunzel.pdf

Comics squad Recess!

Holm, J. & M., Krosoczka, J., Pilkey, D., Roman, D., Santat, D., Telgemeier, R., …Yang, G. (2014). Comics Squad Recess! New York: Random House.

This book compiles comic style stories that tell about the many experiences of going out for recess.

The style of writing makes it appropriate for young readers reading shorter sentences as in comic books. The characters in the fantasy stories readers can still identify with, for example, the new kid (cupcake rather) having recess with the peanut who helps him learn about others on the playground.

Lessons/Activities

Book Trailer

Skulduggery Pleasant

Landy, Derek. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant. New York: HarperCollins.

Stephanie’s character in this story starts as a normal girl whose uncle has died and leaves her his mansion and royalties from his book.  As the story unfolds she turns into a girl who has an incredible adventure with the help of a detective who is a skeleton. Their interactions with each other are humorous.

Lessons/Activities
http://resources.collins.co.uk/free/TeachingSkulduggeryPleasant.pdf

Love that Dog

Creech, Sharon. (2001). Love that Dog. New York, New York: HarperCollins.

This is a story told through the use of free-verse poems to tell about a boy named Jack who does not like poetry. The more he writes, the more he realizes he does have a voice.

Sharon Creech is a Newberry Medal-winning author. This story can be introduced by sharing information about the author. I would create a display to show the books the author has written. Another idea would be being involved in the Young People’s Poetry Week and share this book. Students can be invited to read the story and create a book talk to discuss it.

In addition to “ Love that Dog”, she has also written “Walk Two Moons”, “The Wanderer” and “A Fine, Fine School”. Creech writes realistic fiction that talk about school life and death/grief, adventure stories, and fiction stories that talk about culture and diversity.

Wonderstruck

Selznick, Brian. (2007). Wonderstruck. New York: Scholastic.

This is a book that shares two stories, one with words and the other with pictures.

Ben is a young boy in 1970 who searches for his father. Within Ben’s story is a similar story told with illustrations of a girl who runs away to New York.

Readers would participate in book discussions to share their knowledge and ideas about books they have read. Brian Selznick is a Caldecott- Award winning author who wrote and illustrated the story “Wonderstruck”. I would create a museum box for students to view special moments in my life similar to the character Ben in the story.  Hopefully this will invite students to read the book and create their own to share with classmates. I would also invite them into the art of storytelling without words and create my own short silent film to share with students. There are a lot of interviews available online and this would be an opportunity to hear from the author himself.

Gregor the Overlander

 Collins, Suzanne. (2003). Gregor the Overlander. New York: Scholastic.

Gregor initially just wants to save his little sister but when he learns of a prophecy that he is the “overlander” the plot thickens. Gregor is a believable character and the author creates the Underland world with giant cockroaches, rats and other creatures. The description of where Gregor lives to the different portals allow the reader to visualize the surroundings. Courage, war and friendship are some universal themes discussed in this story.

Lessons/Activities

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/sites/default/files/asset/file/gregor-the-overlander-storia-tg.pdf

Bridge to Terabitha

Patterson, Katherine. (1977). Bridge to Terabitha. New York: HarperCollins.

Katherine Patterson’s novel focuses on the friendship of Jesse and Leslie. Their friendship leads them to the creation of a fantasy land named Terabitha that is a nearby forest. They have made themselves royalty. Through their characters we are drawn to their world. The plot is also important because in the end we discover the death of Leslie and how the characters deal with the loss.

Lessons/Activities

http://www.walden.com/bridge-to-terabithia-7-creative-classroom-activities/

Timmy Failure

Pastis, Stephan. (2013). Timmy Failure. Massachussetts: Candlewick Press.

  

Stephan Pastis has written a story that chronicles events of a boy whose name says it all, Timmy Failure. It takes us on an adventure of his life as a detective. His detective agency takes on simple cases but his outlook and backwards perceptions cause it to be not so successful. He also believes he has competition with another agency but it turns out she doesn't know he exists.

There is a theme of responsibility because he wants to earn money so his mom is not always worried about bills. Children will also be able to relate to this story because it reminds them of the story Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Lessons/Activities

http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763660507.kit.1.pdf

Rules

Lord, Cynthia. (2006). Rules. New York: Scholastic Press.

Catherine is a 12 year old girl who helps look after her brother David and has a difficult time fitting in because of his behaviors as an autistic child. She is excited a new neighbor her age is moving in but also apprehensive of how she will react to her brother.

Cynthia Lord has created a character Catherine that is so mindful of her brother who has autism. She creates rules to help him. Her character also interacts with another special needs child and does her best to help him. It can teach other children to learn about and how to treat those that are different.

Lessons/Activities

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/rules-storia-teaching-guide

Out of my Mind

Drapes, Sharon M. (2010). Out of my Mind. New York: Athenum Books for Young Readers.

Melody has a photographic memory and she is the smartest kid in her class but no one knows it. She is stuck in her head with a lot of intelligences but her cerebral palsy prevents her from letting the world know. There is a breakthrough in the use of an electronic device that will help her voice be heard for the first time.

The critical character in this story Melody has a strong presence where she is able to overcome obstacles. This story will make its readers more aware of cerebral palsy and Melody shows how you don’t have to be limited to your disability. It takes on a sensitive topic to allow other to see her struggles and how she is able to finally communicate.

Lessons/Activities

https://suzyred.com/2011_Out_of_My_Mind.html

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Cleary, Beverly. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York: Harper Trophy.

Beverly Clearly’s book is cleverly told through the point of view of a boy named Leigh Botts.

The author has a unique style of the story being written through a series of letters/diary entries to his favorite author who eventually writes back with advice. It is evident that as the character transforms, his letters become more detailed through a self-reflective diary. This realistic story can help a reader to learn about the therapeutic effects of letter/diary writing. Clearly writes the story in a way that a child can easily read and identify with.  

Lessons/Activities

http://www.beverlycleary.com/educators.aspx
http://www.dropeverythingandread.com/whatsnew.html

How they croaked

Bragg, Georgia. (2011). How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous. New York: Walker.

This book shares detailed information about how 19 famous people have died. The illustrations are cartoon like and it shows how each person has met their demise. History and science is combined with humor that may entice reluctant readers to be interested.  

Lesson/Activities

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_g1DKSH6T8

Balloons over Broadway

Sweet, Melissa. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy's parade. New York: Houghton.

This is a true story about a boy who loved to make still objects come to life. He became famous for creating marionettes that had life like movement. Macy’s asked him to create a parade that celebrated traditions from all over the world. Through trial and error Tony Sarge came up with an idea to include big air-filled blimps which now has been a Thanksgiving tradition for years. The graphics are appealing to all readers.

Lesson/Activities

http://www.hmhbooks.com/kids/resources/BalloonsOverBroadway_ActivityKit.pdf

http://social.macys.com/parade/?cm_mmc=VanityUrl-_-parade-_-n-_-n#/route

Rosa

Giovanni, Nikki. (2005). Rosa. New York: Holt.

Rosa Parks was tired after a hard day of work as a seamstress. Rosa was asked to move from her seat on the bus and she refused.  Her arrest sparked a boycott for colored people to not ride the buses. Rev. Martin Luther King was chosen to speak for the people. Because of their sacrifices to walk everywhere, the Supreme Court ruled segregation is illegal. It all started with one woman saying no. The art like illustrations stand out on the page. The information in the story is accurate and can be compared to other stories on the same subject. 

Lesson/Activities

http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonplans/bookfairs/currconnection/rosa.htm

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/rosa-parks-arrested-refusing-20369.html

It's So Amazing

Harris, Robie. (1999). It’s so amazing.  Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

This book gives curious school aged children an account of the process of birth. It presents scientific information with comic book style artwork throughout the book. The layout of the book is organized with specific topics so the reader can browse and choose the topic they want to know more about. 

Primates

Ottaviani, Jim & Wicks, Maris. (2013). Primates. New York: First Second.

This is an account of three scientists who helped changed our views of how we see primates. The story is told in a comic book format which can appeal to young readers. Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas are portayed are scientist who were excellent at what they did. It tells a story of how they overcame a lot of obstacles. They were heroes in their own time. This book includes notes and bibliography.

Lessons/Activities

http://www.reading.org/literacy-daily/classroom/post/engage/2014/11/03/putting-books-to-work-em-primates-the-fearless-science-of-jane-goodall-dian-fossey-and-birut%C3%A9-galdikas-em-

Me...Jane

Me… Jane

McDonnell, Patrick. (2011). Me…Jane. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

Jane loved the outside world. She spent a lot of time observing her surroundings. She loved taking her toy chimpanzee with her as she explored.  The more time she spent outside, she felt more connected to her surroundings. She read a lot about Africa and dreamed about going there. In the end we learn that dreams do come true!  This story allowed us to be able to connect to a real person and their life. It is an interesting story based on real facts about Jane Goodall.

Lessons/Activities

Interview with Author Patrick McDonnell

Videos with Jane Goodall

http://suzyred.com/pbks2012_Me_Jane.html

Jane Goodall Facts: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/scientists/janegoodall.html

Butterflies and Moths

Bishop, Nic. (2009). Butterflies and Moths. New York: Scholastic.

This book shares interesting and accurate information about butterflies and moths. Nic Bishop offers up close photographs into the world of these insects and we get to see how they grow and transform. The color on each page is appealing for the reader. It corresponds with the varying colors of the specific insects. An index and glossary is also included to share the specific information on the different species.

Lessons/Activities

http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?aid=3866&a=1

Paperbag Princess

Munsch, Robert. (2012). The Paperbag Princess. New York: Annick Press.

The princess has everything a girl could dream of! All of it is taken away when a dragon destroys everything including her home and takes her fiancée. All she is left with is a paper bag to cover herself.  The princess decides the dragon will not get away with is and cleverly tricks him to the point he has no energy to move at all. She saves her fiancée only to learn he’s not the one for her. The theme of the story is one of bravery but also when people show you their true selves, believe them and the princess did just that.

Lessons/Activities

http://www.myactivitymaker.com/?q=PaperBagPrincess

http://www.brighthubeducation.com/lesson-plans-grades-1-2/66704-the-paper-bag-princess-lesson-plan/

It’s a Book

Smith, Lane. (2011). It’s a book. New York: Roaring Brook.

A monkey and donkey have a conversation that highlight the traditional book experience and the use of technology. The donkey is intrigued by the book and wants to know all the functions of it compared to the current uses of technology. This book shows the characters as humorous through their interactions with each other.

Lessons/Activities

Book Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4BK_2VULCU

My Teacher is a Monster

Brown, Peter. (2014). My teacher is a monster. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

A little boy named Bobby does not have a pleasant view of his teacher. She is a big green monster that yells and takes away recess privileges.  It takes a day outside of school to realize she is not the monster he has perceived her to be in the past. She is actually someone who has feelings especially when she almost loses the hat her grandmother gave her and she also loves to quack at the ducks. The shapes in this story are simple with the use of triangles, circles and rectangles. The overall theme is not to judge too quickly.

Lessons/Activities

http://www.peterbrownstudio.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/TeacherMonster_kit.pdf