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. 

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Novel Study (must pay)

Frindle

Frindle By: Andrew Clements

Nick Allen enters fifth grade knowing that his teacher, Mrs. Granger, may be his biggest enemy thig year, but that will not stop his antics.  His witty behavior led him to complete an extra assignment on one of the first days of class, which she believed would end his run as the class clown.  Little did Mrs. Granger know that he started a revolution by introducing the word "frindle" into the students' vocabularies.  What will happen to Nick, and will his word survive?


This book is broken down into chapters that are easy to read and encourage the reader to continue to the next page.  A nice feature is that there are black and white sketch photos throughout the book depicting some important scenes from the specific chapter.  The vocabulary, especially the creation of "frindle," is something that would provide great discussion among the class.

Read more about the author!

Frindle Lesson Plans



Clements, Andrew, and Brian Selznick. Frindle. New York, N.Y.: Simon & Schuster for Young Readers, 1996. Print.

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan by: Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ivan tells the story about a gorilla, Ivan, who recalls his life living in his domain, or cage, at the mall for close to thirty years.   Ivan is an artist among being a protector and friend to the elephants, Stella and Ruby, whom live next to him.  Throughout the book the reader understands his triumphs and failures in addition to the power that friendship holds among the animals.  Ivan will do anything to create a better life for his friends and himself who are captives at the mall.  A novel filled with humor and vivid descriptions, Ivan’s story is truly one to be remembered.  (based on the real Ivan gorilla)

 

This book provides great discussion for themes such as humanity, friendship, animal protection, and so much more.  The figurative language paints a picture in any readers' mind, and there are no chapter numbers, only titles.  Although certain topics become sensitive in this book, Applegate gives the reader plenty to laugh about and by the end you feel connected to each of the characters.

Book Trailer 

The Real Ivan!

Visualizing Activity 

Applegate, Katherine. The One and Only Ivan. New York: Harper, 2012. Print.