Boy of Steel

The Boy of Steel

by: Marc Tyler Nobleman

Johns, G., & Manapul, F. (2010). Superboy: The boy of steel. New York: DC Comics.

A dream come true: Michael Steel, a young boy fighting brain cancer, was visited by second baseman in the hospital and becomes a batboy for a day.  This story tells the power that he must endure in order to have his dream stay a reality, and with the help of the other Yankee players, this story is truly heartwarming.  

The illustrations in this text add so much character to the story because it is so emotional.  This story not only appeals to boys, but the themes of courage and determination are both ones that students of all ages are able to relate to.  I would like to use this story to say how we are a team in our class and if one of our players falls down, together we will help everyone get up.  This would be a good story to use to start the year and build community among all the students. It was difficult to find any links to lesson plans, but I am still confident this idea I have could be done.

Basketball Belles: How two teams and one scrappy player put women's hoops on the map

Basketball Belles: How two teams and one scrappy player put women's hoops on the map

by: Sue Macy

Macy, S., & Collins, M. (2011). Basketball belles: How two teams and one scrappy player put women's hoops on the map. New York: Holiday House.

This picture books tells the story of Agnes Morley who attending Stanford University to become a lady, but in the meantime she discovered basketball.  This helped her discover who she was and she assisted her team to winning the first-ever intercollegiate women's game. Go belles!

This book was interesting to read, but I think that it was important to learn about how far women have come in this world.  I would incorporate this into a women's unit again, or use this book to introduce how to follow your dreams in order to make yourself happy.  

Introductory Activitiy

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

by: Candance Fleming

Fleming, C., & Hische, J. (2011). Amelia lost: The life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.

A story is as powerful as how it is told, and this story is told magnificently.  The author goes back and forth each chapter telling the story of Amelia's childhood, and the search that is occurring to find her lost plane.  She uses resources such as pictures, maps, and some of Amelia's own writing to enhance her story.  I think it is not only informational, but entertaining and keeps the reader engaged.  I would have this book at the front of the classroom for children to peruse at their leisure. I don't think I would revolve a whole lesson around this book, but I would talk about her if I was doing a unit on influential women in history. 

Women's Month Unit: Amelia Earhart

The Diary of a Young Girl

The Diary of a Young Girl

by: Anne Frank

Frank, A. (1993). Anne Frank: The diary of a young girl. New York: Bantam Books.

A diary is a safe haven for many people.  A place to express your deepest thoughts without hesitation because no one will be able to read it as long as it is under your ownership.  Anne Frank wrote a diary during her years as a child specifically in her last years hiding in an attic when Holland was occupied by the Nazi forces in 1942.  Her diary exposes the reality of war, hardship, hunger, and the pain that her family endured during these years of hiding.  Little did she know her secret diary would become a first hand account of the truths that existed during this time told through her serious and amusing tones expressed on each page.  Well worth the read!

I remember reading this book in grade school and thinking it was interesting.  However, reading it a second time I was able to appreciate that this writing was written by a young girl that was hiding during World War II specifically in relation to the Nazi forces, something that we study so often in classes. I don't know if I would read this entire diary as a class, but I think that it could provide good discussion for an introduction to this topic.  It also would comply with the standards that deal with first hand and secondary sources regarding a topic.  We could compare and contrast the type of information we glean from each of the sources and talk about why we would study both or prefer one over the other. 

first hand/ secondary sources
Excellent lesson on types of sources

Mama Miti: Wangari Maatha and the Trees of Kenya

Mama Miti: Wangari Maatha and the Trees of Kenya 

by: Dona Jo Napoli

Napoli, Donna Jo, and Kadir Nelson. Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the trees of Kenya. New York: Simon & Schuster for Young Readers, 2010. Print.

This is the true story of the founder of the Green Belt Movement, Wangari Muta Maathai who is referred to as "Mama Miti." The Green Belt Movement is founded in the African culture and supports "green" movements such as protecting forests, the roots in which you plant food, and other environmental issues. In regards to Mama Miti, she has received a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 and many trees have been planted in her honor in her roots of Kenya.

This book is very empowering and has incredible illustrations.  I think that the story itself is told most vividly through the colors that explode on each page.  I would like to use this book in my classroom around Earth Day because it has such strong roots in environmental issues, yet also tells an incredible story about a woman that did not give up.  As a class, we could plant a tree in her honor in the town and study more about the Green Belt Movement, as well. I would also like to do an art project working with the effect colors give to the reader because I felt so intrigued by these photos.

Colorful Recycled Art Project

Riding Freedom

Riding Freedom

by: Pam Munoz

Ryan, P., & Selznick, B. (1998). Riding Freedom. New York: Scholastic Press.

Charlotte lost her best friend, horse, and job all in one day to leave her with ultimately nothing.  At the time, women were deprived of their independence and Charlotte was well aware of this.  Therefore, she was determined to move on with her life, and she decided to  cut her hair and become Charley. Because if she was Charley, she would be able to survive.  This story is a great representation of the courage it took to endure the hardships that existed at the time.

I don't know if I would teach this book because it was not one of my favorite.  Historical fiction is such a fascinating genre to me personally which is why I believe to judge these books with more force, and thus it is difficult to say how I would teach this book, unless I did it as a unit.  I think the boys and girls would be able to relate to the main character, which is positive, but at the same time, lack a lot of background information and other things.

Unit lesson Plans!

Fair Weather

Fair Weather

by: Richard Peck

Peck, R. (2001). Fair weather: A novel. New York: Dial Books.
Meet the Author

Imagine the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, and then imagine sending your three children there to experience all it has to offer.  Despite the possible threat of security that was apparent during the time, Rosie and her siblings travel to stay with their aunt where they get to embarrass her, attend the fair, and learn a lot along the way. Great read!!!

I really like Peck's works as an author, and this was no exception.  Reading this story in conjunction with studying the Chicago World's Fair in Social Studies would be an excellent way to bridge content areas which is important to show to the students.  Furthermore, his other works such as, A Long Way From Chicago and A Year Down Yonder would provide an excellent basis for a novel study. 

Number the Stars

Number the Stars

by: Lois Lowry

Lowry, L. (1989). Number the stars. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Friendship is an incredible bond that many people experience, but it sometimes thakes something imporant to make you appreciate it.  Annemarie and her best friend, Ellen, live in Denmark which is becoming filled with Nazi soldiers.  Ellen is Jewish which is inhibiting her safety while living at home.  This story tells the remarkable journey and strength the two girls share throughout their escape up north to Annemarie's uncle's house, and all the uncertainty that unfolds.  When the book concludes two years later when World War II is ending, Annemarie notes she has Ellen's star of David necklace waiting for her.

Whole Group Lesson Plan 

The Romeo and Juliet Code

The Romeo and Juliet Code

by: Phoebe Stone

Stone, P. (2011). The Romeo and Juliet code. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books

summary of the book

I did not like this book.  It would be something I could suggest to a student to read, but I did not think that I would teach this in my classroom. I think that the above is a good summary, because I did not follow the plot of this book very well.   Discussion Questions for a Unit

Hope's Crossing

Hope's Crossing

by: Joan Goodman

Goodman, J. (1998). Hope's crossing. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Being taken as a young girl is something no one would dream of dealing with.  When Hope was 13, Noah, a Torie, kidnaps her and takes her to his house in New York where she must act as her servant and comply to all of his demands.  This is not something she wishes to do, and looks for any opportunity to escape.  However, crafting this plan is not something that comes easily.  She decides to escape and journey to New York City where she encounters hardships and sickness that affect her success.  Luckily, through her determination and wisdom she returns home making her dream of freedom a reality. 

I think that this book is useful because the protagonist is such a powerful individual, despite being so young.  It is refreshing to read of such a journey and feel connected to the character and would be a book I would like to incorporate into an author study. This would be an excellent text for a group of young girl students to read and provide their own discussion questions based on what they feel from the protagonist.  Although I could not find any links to lesson plans, that is how I would wish to incorporate into my classroom. 

Family Pictures

Family Pictures

by: Carmen Lomas Garza

Garza, C., & Rohmer, H. (1990). Family pictures. San Francisco, Calif.: Children's Book Press.

 This story tells one of the traditions that Garza's family share rooted in their heritage.  Some of the memories mentioned include birthdays, cooking tamales, going to fairs in Mexico with her family.  She always wished to become an artist, and it's possible that her publication of this book fuldilled her dream in a certain sense!

This book is another autobiography that I love for many reasons, but to begin it is bilingual and has excelled illustrations rich with color and details.  I think that this book could be used in any sort of classroom settings because a major theme is family and traditions.  For an older classroom you could conduct a family research project, while in the younger grades you could make a family tree craft.  I would love to use this book in my future classrooms!

Family Tree Lesson Plan

Eggs

Eggs

by: Jerry Spinelli

Spinelli, J. (2007). Eggs. New York: Little, Brown.

David is only 9 years old when he needs to grow up fast due to his mother's death in an accident, and his father's schedule which requires him to be on the road.  With all of these changes he neglects a relationship with his grandmother and takes his emotions out on her.  Until one day, when David meets Primrose, a 13 year old who does not know her father, and her mother is close to not existing.  Together they balance one another and fill a void that was missing in their lives.  This story is one that should be read to hear the struggles of life, yet the power of friendship.

This is not an easy book to read for young students.  I think that the topics that are addressed, a teacher would need to guide discussion within the classroom.  I did not particularly like this story.  Realistic fiction is something I enjoy reading, which is why I believe I criticize the texts more closely.  I am not passionate about this book, so I don't think I would be able to teach it very well.

Watch the Trailer!
 Meet the Author

Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing

Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing

by: Judy Blume

Blume, J. (2007). Tales of a fourth grade nothing. New York: Puffin Books.

Meet Judy!

Peter is fed up with his 2 year old brother, Fudge.  He just does not understand how he can throw temper tantrums, disturb his pet turtle, and cause all sorts of ruckus without getting in any sort of trouble!  Unfortunately, things do not get better. One day Peter returns home to discover that Dribble, his turtle, is not in his tank.  Fudge admits that he ate it, and to their disbelief after a trip to the emergency room, he was telling the truth!  Sadly, Dribble has died after being swallowed.  Luckily, Peter receives a dog in compensation whom he names Turtle.

This book was HYSTERICAL and something that I think any child could relate to.  Whether having a younger sibling, cousin, neighbor, etc., the annoying behaviors that ensue are something no child enjoys.  This book had me laughing, and thinking of a lot of crafts and sequencing ideas that I could use in my classroom.  Judy Blume is an author I would enjoy doing an author study on because I think her work is well done, appropriate, and relate-able for students.

Write to the Author 

Jake Drake, Bully Buster

Jake Drake, Bully Buster

by: Andrew Clements

Clements, A., & Pedersen, J. (2001). Jake Drake, bully buster. New York: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers.

 Fourth grader Jake Drake tells the story of how he has gone from being a bully-magnet ever since preschool to becoming a bully buster in second grade. His experiences make an interesting story with a lot of topics for conversation, but I did not enjoy the story itself.

 I read this book as a supplementary text for my author study, and it really intrigued me into discovering more stories that are associated with bullying.  I was not the biggest fan of this one, but I still think that in younger grades it could be used as a read aloud to the class.  Bullying is a very important issue that needs to be addressed more often.


Sticks & Stones Lesson Ideas

Surviving Brick Johnson

Surviving Brick Johnson

by: Laurie Myers

Myers, L., & Yaccarino, D. (2000). Surviving Brick Johnson. New York: Clarion Books.

 A child's worst nightmare is being targeted by a bully.  One day, Alex decides he is going to make fun of the big bad bully, Brick Johnson.  He is petrified because he thinks Brick is going to come after him when he least expects it.  He enrolls in karate class to make himself stronger, and is startled to see that Brick is in the same class.  Not only that, but he shows Alex respect! This story is the untold story of the bully-- the insecurities and the walls that they put up to be perceived as bad, but at heart are good.

I think this book addressing bullying with a perspective that most students are unable to understand at a young age, especially when a bully has affected their lives.  This book is well written, and easy to understand.  Most critics agree that this is a book that should not sit on the shelves, but rather be passed around to students and parents to deepen the conversation about bullying.

Banish Bullying! 4 day lesson plan

The Polar Express

The Polar Express

written and illustrated by: Chris Van Allsburg

Allsburg, C., & Allsburg, C. (1985). The Polar Express. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

 

On Christmas Eve, a young boy lays in his bed and listens for bells of Santa's sleigh, but is suprised when he hears something like a train outside his window.  He was not mistaken-- it was a train! He climbs aboard and realizes he and the other children are on the way to the North Pole.  When he arrives, he receives the first present of Christmas.  He chooses a bell from his sleigh, but due to a hole in his pocket, the bell is missing when he gets home.  Waking up the next morning, there is an extra present for him underneath the Christmas tree-- his bell! When he rings it he and his sister can her it, but his parents are unable... This does not stop the boy from believing in the spirit of Christmas then as a child, and far into adulthood.

This has always been one of my favorite Christmas stories because my dad would read it to all of the girls on Christmas Eve.  I think that this story would be challenging to bring into a classroom and willingly open the debate as to if Santa is real or not.  However, this story is one that I would recommend to parents to read with their child and encourage that believing is necessary for everyone in class and to make it a joyful time.  I think that the illustrations are incredible & the movie that was done would be a complementary read to this story.

Math lesson (hot chocolate)

Book & Movie Comparison Unit

The Witches

The Witches

by: Roald Dahl

Dahl, R., & Blake, Q. (1983). The witches. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux.

A young boy's parents die in a car crash which forces him to go live with his grandmother in Norway.  She begins to tell him how witches are real, do not like children, and he must be on the lookout for them.  Quickly after receiving this news, she becomes very ill & it forces them to relocate to England.  Unfortunately, in England he becomes trapped in a room with hundreds of witches who turn him into a mouse and he has to muster a plan to correct this catastrophe.  He is left a mouse, but decides he is happy with this outcome.

I did not like this book because I felt that leaving the boy as a mouse was unrealistic and did not fulfill what I wanted to read as the reader.  Although there were many good similes and a lot of rhyme throughout the book, I did not enjoy the story itself.  I would not wish to incorporate this into my curriculum, but if so below I listed a few lessons and videos that I could share with my class.

Lesson Plans & Video Clips

The Wish

The Wish

by: Gail Carson Levine

Levine, G. (1999). The wish. New York: HarperCollins.

 Thinking back to middle school, many people would cringe at their "popularity," or lack there of in Wilma's case.  She is in 8th grade and once all of her friends have moved away she is truly unpopular and very unhappy.  One day when she is taking the subway home she offers her seat to an old lady, who in turn says she will grant her one wish.  Wilma wishes to be the most popular girl at her school, which soon becomes a reality.  This wish, however, was not granted without consequences.  She receives the attention of even the weird boys she wishes wouldn't associate with her, and also her popularity is confined to her school.  Wilma tries desperately to cling to this popularity, but in the end realizes true friends and happiness are the important things in life and making wishes is not as easy, or right, as it may seem.

I liked the way this story was written because it reminded me of a movie I once saw on Disney Channel. I think that the students would enjoy reading this story in the upper grades because becoming popular is something they probably have considered at some point in their life.  However, if they can learn through Wilma's example that sometimes wishes have consequences, it would show them how insignificant popularity is in the grand scheme of life.  This story also stresses friendship, which in older grades begins to get tested.  This book is well done and very appealing to the middle school students.
PBL Project (Lesson plan)
Reviews

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane 

by: Kate DiCamillo

DiCamillo, K., & Ibatoulline, B. (2006). The miraculous journey of Edward Tulane. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press.

Start here! 

 Edward Tulane was a small china rabbit with a slightly large ego because he was happy about the way his life was headed because of his loving owner Abilene.  She loved her rabbit and treated him with so much love and respect, until he was lost when he fell overboard on vacation.  After spending many, many days on the ocean floor he is passed along by different people until he becomes broken and repaird.  He is put up for sale and is happily reunited when Abilene finds him years later, and now she is a mother of her own. 

Without realizing it, as a reader you give this china rabbit more attention and emotion than you could ever think towards an inanimate object.  The story that DiCamillo writes is one that stresses love and the importance of true love.  Without this, she says ,the journey is pointless.  This story would allow me to do a collage of all the feelings Edward Tulane felt, or all of the places he went.  The students could also infer if he was a static or dynamic character as a result of this life changing journey.  This book would work great with an author study and is one of my favorites!

Interactive Lessons-- Inductive Learning  & Other templates

Categorizing Emotions Activity

The Doll People

The Doll People

by: Ann M. Martin

Martin, A., & Godwin, L. (2000). The doll people. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

Annabelle is  a doll that has been alive for over a hundred years.  She and her family live in a house belonging to Kate Palmer.  These dolls have incredible abilities because they can move and talk when the humans are not around, but they must return to their place when Kate or someone in her family approaches the house.  However, if you are caught-- you must be frozen for 24 hours.  One day, Kate's sister gets a doll house and Tiffany is one of the new dolls who becomes Kate's new best friend. Together, this story tells of their friendship, and the adventures they take to find out what happened to a missing doll which happens to be Kate's Auntie Sarah.  Will they find her? Can they do so without becoming frozen?

 I love this book, and think that it will be a book I will recommend to many students.  It talks about themes of friendship and family, and the length you go to protect the ones you love. This story is told in third person, and many students would be able to relate to playing or having a doll house in their home.  What would happen if they learned their dolls could talk and were moving around the house while they were sleeping? These sorts of questions would lend to a rich conversation!

Full resource: games, lessons, activities, vocab 

The Ugly Duckling

The Ugly Duckling

by: Hans Cristian Andersen

Pinkney, J., & Andersen, H. (1999). The ugly duckling. New York: Morrow Junior Books.

An young duck was very upset because he believed he was the ugliest of all the creatures.  His brother and friends would not play with him and would often tease him or call him names.  He devided he wanted to escape this negativity so one day he left and went far into the woods.  Here he found a cottage where an old woman lived with her hen and her cat...but the duckling was not entirely happy here.  When spring arrived he saw a swan swimming in the pond and fell madly in love with her.  He felt embarrassed to have such feelings when he was an ugly duck himself.  But then something changed! He looked at his reflection and realized he was a beautiful swan, too! 

This book is one that I always enjoy reading because I think no matter what the grade level, it is always important to discuss self image and how it is important to have a good self-image.  There are always good conversations to have with the students to make sure they are promoting positive behaviors on themselves and on one another.  

Art Lesson Plan (Young Children) 

 

Questions & Lesson Plan 

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

by: Jan Brett

Brett, J. (1987). Goldilocks and the three bears. New York: Dodd, Mead.

A family of bears was gathering to eat their porridge for lunch, but it was to hot.  They decided to take a walk so that it could cool off, but when they returned they saw a young girl named Goldilocks eating the littlest bowl's porridge!  When she was sitting in the small chair it broke, so she went into the next room and realized the small bed was just right and she fell fast asleep.  When she awoke to the bears presence, she was so frightened she ran and did not stop until she reached home.

I liked this book because of the obvious personification of the bears, but also because it would provide a good lesson on comparisons.  Her decisions moving from the large, medium to small objects throughout the story would give a good foundation for this conversation.  Jan Brett has excelled illustrations that also could lend a conversation to making inferences with her pictures in the corners of each page.

Goldilocks Math Lessons
Lesson Activities
Fun Art Activity

Cinderella ~ Cencienta

Cinderella ~ Cenicienta

by: Monse Fransoy

Boada, F., & Fransoy, M. (2001). Cinderella = Cenicienta. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Watch the Spanish version of Cinderella!

Cinderella is under the watch of her evil stepmother and three stepsisters and acts as their personal "assistant" for all terrible chores and other requests.  One day, her fairy godmother appeared and changed her rags to riches so she could attend the ball the King was hosting to find a queen for his son, the prince.  Cinderella had to be back before midnight because her dress and appearance would fade back into her reality.  As she was escaping right before midnight, her shoe fell off and the prince found it.  He searched the town day and night to find the person this belonged to, and when he and the evil family realized it fit Cinderella, they were so surprised.  The prince and Cinderella lived happily ever after.

I LOVED this version because it is bilingual.  Each page tells the same story, but one side is in English and the other is Spanish.  I think that for a classroom with ESL children, a book like this would be an easy way to integrate vocabulary and hear a common story.  For the other students, I think they should be more exposed to other languages and this is one way for me, the teacher, to do that.  Cinderella is also such a classic fairytale that there are other books, scenarios, and activities we could do after reading this story such as "retell the story from the evil step sister's point of view."

Crafts for Fairytales 

Fairytales-- for boys! (Extension activity) 

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel

by: Brothers Grimm

Grimm, J. (1980). Hansel and Gretel. New York: Dial Press.

Hansel and Gretel are dealing with the loss of their mother, and the new stepmother that has been brought into their lives.  However, this stepmother was not the coddling type.  Instead, one day she took the children on a walk deep into the woods and left them there, but she did not realize that the clever Hansel left a trail of bread crumbs on the walk in.  Unfortunately, these crumbs had been mostly eaten by the birds, so the children rejoiced when they saw they could take cover in a house they found in the woods! There was a witch that lived there and attempted to boil a pot to kill the two children, but they were able to tip her in the pot first and everyone lived happily ever after.

I think this book had excellent illustrations that brought the pages to life and would definitely be a story to read in my class.  Cause and effect would be a good component to consider while looking at this text, and I think that because it is a story most children are familiar with, it could be expanded into many different areas.

Fun, Printable Lessons
Edible Craft!

The Princess and the Pea

The Princess and the Pea

by: Janet Stevens

Stevens, J., & Andersen, H. (1982). The princess and the pea. New York: Holiday House.

 

Once upon a time there was a prince who was looking for for a princess to marry, but searched and searched and still had no lucky.  One night, a woman knocked on his castle's door and claimed she was a princess.  The queen did not fully believe her so she created a test: she placed three peas under the pillow of the princess's bed.  Only a real princess would feel them and know this is no proper place to sleep.  She awoke the next morning after tossing and turning and proved she was a princess! And they lived happily ever after.

This story is one that I would use to compare and contrast with different texts. "The Princess and the Pizza" is one text that I enjoyed reading with my class, and teaches the similarities and differences that exist when a text is slightly altered.  This would make the students keen to detail and descriptions. 

The Princess and the Pizza-- Compare/Contrast 

A Dime a Dozen

A Dime a Dozen

by: Nikki Grimes

Grimes, N. (1998). A dime a dozen. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.

What does the title mean?

This book is a collection of poems that Nikki Grimes wrote speaking to the themes of growing up.  Something that becomes relate-able to almost any reader which is why it has had such an effect on the public.  Students can connect to the pursuit of happiness and the search for the correct destiny.  

As the title shows, this book would focus a lot on figurative language.  I liked the use of idioms used throughout, which could transform into a minilesson.  Furthermore, the themes of self-discovery are very appropriate for this age group and could stimulate self-reflection exercises.

Teaching Ideas

The Llama who had no Pajamas

The Llama who had no Pajama

by: MaryAnn Hoberman  illustrated by: Betty Fraser

Hoberman, M., & Fraser, B. (1998). The Llama who had no Pajama. Orlando: Harcourt.

 Mary Anna Hoberman collected 100 of her favorite poems that she had written and compiled them to create this masterpiece.  Each poem tells a unique tale focusing on the experiences that exist during childhood.  I liked this poem because of the alliteration, rhyme, repetition, and the variety of topics are able to appeal to many students and content areas.

The humor within some of the poems is also worth noting.  Her language is creative and makes the reader think and imagine what is going on within each poem.  Some poems would be fun to act out and make the students have some kinesthetic learning with this reading.

Book Reviews

Dogku

Dogku

by: Andrew Clements & Tim Bowers

Clements, A., & Bowers, T. (2007). Dogku. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

When a stray dog begins wandering through a neighborhood during the wee hours of the morning, he decides to stay on a back-porch that he has found.  He is embraced by the family that lives there and is given a bath and some food, but the Dad is not as fond as the rest of the family.  Written completely in haikus, you go on a journey to see if the dog has really found his forever home.

Haikus are a great way to introduce a specific form of poetry.  The amount of haikus that the students would be exposed to in this book is a very good aspect.  I think that the pictures are colorful as well which helps.  As a class, reading this story could be used to later use it to teach a lesson, or for simple enjoyment.  Clements is a great author, so this could supplement an author study, too. 

Lessons for Dogku

Out of the Dust

Out of the Dust

by: Karen Hesse

Hesse, K. (1997). Out of the dust. New York: Scholastic Press.

 

What would you do if you were caught in the dust bowl?

As Billie Jo narrates this story through her journal entries, she tells the story of her life in Oklahoma 1934-1935 during the painful reality of dust bowls and tornadoes, destroying land, families, and creating hardships for everyone in the town.  She sees people die, she sees her father battle optimism in thinking the rain will come to help his crops grow, and she sees the starvation and devastation that is taking over.  Her perspective gives the reader a realistic perspective and feels as if they are experiencing the story in real time.

This story is full of emotion, which I would focus on by bringing this book to my class.  I think that analyzing the tone of each journal, and looking at Billie Jo's writing style would help the reader to discern the most information.  This book was well crafted into a cohesive story and is one of my favorites.

Love That Dog

Love That Dog

by: Sharon Creech

Creech, S. (2001). Love that dog. New York: HarperCollins.

This book focuses on Jack, his dog, his teacher, and his fondness for speaking lack of words.  However, things change when his teacher feeds him with inspiration, and Jack stumbles upon a poem that inspires him to write in a similar fashion about his dog.  This story is inspiring, heartfelt, and encompasses all that teacher's should strive to do: inspire and encourage his or her students.

I remember reading this book in grade school and thinking it was so cool because it was a completely different style.  I, however, did not get much out of the book because it was such a fast read.  I would use this book to model writing about something that they love, and read this together as a class.  This would also encourage fluency because the wording and pace of reading a poem is very different than that of prose.  

Sharon Creech Speaks!

Insectlopedia

Insectlopedia

by: Douglas Florian

Florian, D. (1998). Insectlopedia: Poems and paintings. San Diego: Harcourt Brace.

      The collection of poems in this book all take different shapes, tones, and styles to describe one of the many insects that live in our world.  Told in simple language able to be understood by students, this book will be not be one on the bookshelf, rather one that students pass around.

  I loved looking at this book because each page has such a unique style. I think that this would be so easy to teach poetry, especially the variety that every poem has depending on the topic and tone of the text.  Students can be afraid of poetry because they are not exposed to it.  It is through books like these that we as teachers have the power to introduce them to poetry from a young age and encourage their writing through this form. 

Meet the Author
Word Choice Lesson
"Buggy" Craft Ideas

Viva Frida

Viva Frida 

by: Yuyi Morales

photography by: Tim O'Meara

Morales, Y., & Meara, T. (n.d.). Viva Frida.

The cover of the story.

Frida Kahlo herself.

This picture book is worthy of so much praise because it contains

the stunning images accompaniend by a bilingual phrase.  The words

are limited two one or two on each page, but it still tells the 

cohesive story of who Frida Kahlo was.  This story is one to be read, 

one to be enjoyed, one to celebrate life and the beauty that lies within

creativity.

I think that I would definitely incorporate this into my class, especially

because I have an affinity for the Spanish language.  I also think Kahlo's 

story is one worth commenting on, and could be incorporated into a LA, 

Social Studies, or other class period. 

Making the Story 

Who is Frida Kahlo? 

Flora and Ulysses

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

by: Kate DiCamillo

DiCamillo, K., & Campbell, K. (n.d.). Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures.

Flora thought she was alone in the midst of her parents divorce.  She didn't get along with her mother and saw her world crashing down beside her-- until she saw her neighbor vacuum up a squirrel in their backyard.  Flora decides to save the squirrel and assumes her biggest problem is her mother, too. As the story continues, self-discovery is explored and the friendship and journey that they take together open a world of possibilities and answers amidst the confusion that currently exists.

This book's major theme of self-discovery is the biggest idea I took away from this book.  I like DiCamillo's writing style and the stories she is able to produce which is why I would recommend this book to my students, or consider incorporating it as a read aloud or for class discussions. 

More About the Author!
Novel Study (must pay)

One Cool Friend

One Cool Friend 

by: Toni Buzzeo  illustrated by: David Small

To say Elliot is old for his would be an understatement, but that doesn't mean he is unable to play childish antics.  One day when he and his father go to the aquarium, Elliot takes a penguin home after his dad says he can-- thinking

I taught a lesson with this story, and decided penguins are an animal loved by both boys and girls! Made it easy to talk about what they would like to do with a penguin in their life.  The story is well written with humor, quotations, and mostly illustrated in black and white with limited colors.

Excellent Lesson Plans

Buzzeo, T., & Malcom, L. (2012). One cool friend. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 
by: Judith Viorst illustrated by: Ray Cruz

Viorst, J., & Cruz, R. (1972). Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. New York: Atheneum.

Nothing seems to going right for Alexander today.  He wishes he could go to Australia, where he believes none of the terrible, horrible things would happen, but is he mistaken? Maybe some days are just meant to be a little bad.

This book has black and white illustrations that resemble a colored pencil sketch.  I think that this book provides a lot of outlets for creative writing assignments and could be a mentor text for adjectives as seen in the title. This theme of having a bad day is also very important to discuss in the elementary classroom to ensure that every day will not be perfect, but together as a class we will get through it :)

Making Connections Lesson

Video Link

Penguin

Penguin by: Polly Dunbar

When Ben receives a penguin as a present, he is confused as to why it will not communicate with him.  Ben attempts everything he can, and won’t give up until he hears the penguin mutter a word…

 When Ben receives a penguin as a present, he is confused as to why it will not communicate with him.  Ben attempts everything he can, and will not give up until he hears the penguin mutter something...

I loved reading this book because the illustrations are animated, make effective use of the page, and add a lot to the story.  I think that inferences and adding an end to the story would be great writing activities to do alongside this book.  The words are very easy to understand, but Ben speaks with a lot of expression. Reading for fluency and expression are additional examples as to how this book would benefit a lesson.

Watch Penguin here!

Dunbar, Polly. Penguin. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick, 2007. Print.