Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry, is the story of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her life growing up in Nazi occupied Copenhagen. When the Johansen's discover that the Nazi's are "relocating" the Jews, their efforts with the Resistance progress to help some of the Jews escape to neutral Sweden. Annemarie and her best friend Ellen, whom is Jewish, must both learn to be brave under the most atrocious circumstances.
As a teacher, I would use this book to teach about human decency. As a class we would discuss the Holocaust, and read about other "less known" heroes during that time.
Number the Stars. ISBN 0-440-40327-8. Lois Lowry. 1999. Newbery Medal. Ages 10+. Historical Fiction.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Kira-Kira
Kira-Kira, by Cynthia Kadohata, is the enduring story of two Japanese American sisters coming of age in the South during the 1950's. Chronicling the young life of Katie Takeshime from the ages six to eleven, Kira-Kira will captivate the reader's heart by exemplifying the extraordinary bond between sisters. Katie's earliest memory is of her older sister, Lynn. Katie has always followed in her sister's footsteps, but when Lynn becomes sick, Katie must accept the role as eldest. Kira-Kira also illustrates the hardships of Japanese American families living in the segregated South. Both Katie's mother and father work in the local factories for long hours and minimal pay. Tired, but not defeated, Katie's family epitomizes the spirit of moving forward toward your dream.
As a teacher, I would use this book to teach about Japanese American life post World War II. I would also use this book along with the book, A Summer to Die, by Lois Lowry. Both stories chronicle the lives of two sick, young women and the reaction from their families. As a class, we would compare and contrast these novels.
Kira-Kira. ISBN 0-689-85639-3. Cynthia Kadohata. 2004. Newbery Medal. Ages 10+. Japanese American Fiction.
As a teacher, I would use this book to teach about Japanese American life post World War II. I would also use this book along with the book, A Summer to Die, by Lois Lowry. Both stories chronicle the lives of two sick, young women and the reaction from their families. As a class, we would compare and contrast these novels.
Kira-Kira. ISBN 0-689-85639-3. Cynthia Kadohata. 2004. Newbery Medal. Ages 10+. Japanese American Fiction.
Bud, Not Buddy
Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis, is the story of ten-year-old Bud Caldwell. Orphaned at age six, Bud has been in and out of foster homes throughout his young life. When his foster family banishes him to sleep in the shed, Bud embarks on a journey to find his real father. Along the way, Bud makes new friends, learns new lessons, and finds a family of his own.
Similar to Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli, Bud, Not Buddy brings the reader on a journey though the Depression in Michigan, as told through the eyes of a young African American.
As a teacher, I would use this book to teach a lesson family. I would have my students to interview their parent or guardian, and have that person tell a story about themselves. My students would then type a paper from their interview questions, and also what this lesson taught them regarding the importance of oral history. It would also be fun to read both Bud, Not Buddy and Maniac Magee, and compare and contrast both Jeffrey and Bud.
Bud, Not Buddy. ISBN 0-439-22188-9. Christopher Paul Curtis. 1999. Newbery Medal. Ages 10 +. African American Fiction.
Similar to Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli, Bud, Not Buddy brings the reader on a journey though the Depression in Michigan, as told through the eyes of a young African American.
As a teacher, I would use this book to teach a lesson family. I would have my students to interview their parent or guardian, and have that person tell a story about themselves. My students would then type a paper from their interview questions, and also what this lesson taught them regarding the importance of oral history. It would also be fun to read both Bud, Not Buddy and Maniac Magee, and compare and contrast both Jeffrey and Bud.
Bud, Not Buddy. ISBN 0-439-22188-9. Christopher Paul Curtis. 1999. Newbery Medal. Ages 10 +. African American Fiction.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Godless
Synopsis:
Godless, by Pete Hautman is the story of the summer 17-year-old Jason Bock created a new religion. After having a "spiritual experience" under the town's water tower, the Church of the Ten-Legged God is formed. Godless delves into the personal meaning of religion, and what "freedom of religion" really means.
Idea for Lesson Plan:
The novel, Godless, would be a good supplement to a unit in Social Studies on world religions. Not only is this book a good example of how religions are started, but could be used for debate on whether or not the students believe the CTG was a cult, or a religion and what the difference is.
Critique:
Main character, Jason Bock, is big. Weighing 250 pounds, he is "coordinated," "fast," and can "grab a fly out of midair." However, when it comes to the bully Henry Stagg, Jason cowers. Henry has power...power that Jason respects. Author, Pete Hautman creates real, relatable characters through Shinn, Jason's nerdy, wimpy best-friend, Magda, the beautiful tease, whom Jason and Henry have a crush on, and Dan, plain Dan, a quiet, unsure friend. Together, this diverse group of friends, embark on a journey that will leave each character changed. By the end of the summer, Shinn, Dan, Jason, Magda, and Henry are left to ponder the strength of religion and what it means to each of them.
By creating the Church of the Ten-Legged God (CTG), Jason realizes that there is more to creating a religion than just appointing leaders. When the members of the CTG get in deep trouble, each member must decide for themselves whether or not they believe in the "ten-legged god."
Told in first person narration by Jason, the reader knows Jason's thoughts and can understand why Jason is questioning his Catholic upbringing. Through the theme of questioning religion, Hautman takes the reader on a journey into the lives of five high school students and their collective quest to find a religion they believe in.
Godless. ISBN-13: 978-0-689-86278-6. Pete Hautman. 2004. National Book Award Winner. Ages 14 & up. Young Adult Fiction.
Godless, by Pete Hautman is the story of the summer 17-year-old Jason Bock created a new religion. After having a "spiritual experience" under the town's water tower, the Church of the Ten-Legged God is formed. Godless delves into the personal meaning of religion, and what "freedom of religion" really means.
Idea for Lesson Plan:
The novel, Godless, would be a good supplement to a unit in Social Studies on world religions. Not only is this book a good example of how religions are started, but could be used for debate on whether or not the students believe the CTG was a cult, or a religion and what the difference is.
Critique:
Main character, Jason Bock, is big. Weighing 250 pounds, he is "coordinated," "fast," and can "grab a fly out of midair." However, when it comes to the bully Henry Stagg, Jason cowers. Henry has power...power that Jason respects. Author, Pete Hautman creates real, relatable characters through Shinn, Jason's nerdy, wimpy best-friend, Magda, the beautiful tease, whom Jason and Henry have a crush on, and Dan, plain Dan, a quiet, unsure friend. Together, this diverse group of friends, embark on a journey that will leave each character changed. By the end of the summer, Shinn, Dan, Jason, Magda, and Henry are left to ponder the strength of religion and what it means to each of them.
By creating the Church of the Ten-Legged God (CTG), Jason realizes that there is more to creating a religion than just appointing leaders. When the members of the CTG get in deep trouble, each member must decide for themselves whether or not they believe in the "ten-legged god."
Told in first person narration by Jason, the reader knows Jason's thoughts and can understand why Jason is questioning his Catholic upbringing. Through the theme of questioning religion, Hautman takes the reader on a journey into the lives of five high school students and their collective quest to find a religion they believe in.
Godless. ISBN-13: 978-0-689-86278-6. Pete Hautman. 2004. National Book Award Winner. Ages 14 & up. Young Adult Fiction.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Big Mouth & Ugly Girl
Synopsis:
Big Mouth & Ugly Girl is the story of Ursula Riggs and Matt Donaghy as they struggle to find their way through high school in their judgmental town. Both Matt and Ursula will be challenged to "forgive and forget" or "forget and forgive" in the wake of their own personal and public dilemmas.
Idea for Lesson Plan:
This novel could be used to facilitate a discussion of the pressures of high school and how students react to them. As a teacher using this novel in my curriculum, I would have my students act this novel out as a play. Assigning students to the various characters would help them go deeper into the text and really navigate around the feelings of the characters.
Critique:
In Joyce Carol Oates' first young adult novel, she creates two main characters who are both quite multi-dimensional. In the beginning of the novel, Oates contrasts the popular, smart, and witty Matt Donaghy with the sullen, "ugly," angry Ursula Riggs. However, by the end of the novel, the reader knows Matt and Ursula as more compassionate and tolerant. As evident in the end of the novel, Ursula cries two times: once when she realizes that her Dad really does love her, and the other, when Matt and she hug on the last page. This shows Ursula is tapping into her softer side.
Both Ursula and Matt are challenged to remain true to themselves throughout the novel. Beginning with Matt's ability to cope with the drama that surrounds the "bomb threat" accusation. Because of the situation Matt is in, Ursula is introduced into Matt's life. Together Ursula and Matt form a bond that defies the social standing of their "elite" East Coast town. As Matt discovers what it means to be independent of societal pressures, Ursula learns to let her guard down.
Various high school issues and themes are rampant in Big Mouth & Ugly Girl. Oates has captured the clique infested, judging, small minded world of high school by chronicling four months in the life of 11th graders Ursula and Matt. Emerging themes such as, school shootings, individuality, and maintaining true friendships are a few of the themes Oates touches on. As Matt and Ursula navigate through their young lives, they are both tested by the people who surround them, and are both challenged to remain their authentic selves and true to their character.
Big Mouth & Ugly Girl is written in both 1st person and 3rd person, and is told in narration and email form. By using these techniques, the reader can get into the mind of Ursula, and know what Matt is doing. Both characters come together to create a well crafted story.
Big Mouth & Ugly Girl. ISBN 0-06-623756-4. Joyce Carol Oates. 2002. ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Age 14 & up. Young Adult Fiction.
Big Mouth & Ugly Girl is the story of Ursula Riggs and Matt Donaghy as they struggle to find their way through high school in their judgmental town. Both Matt and Ursula will be challenged to "forgive and forget" or "forget and forgive" in the wake of their own personal and public dilemmas.
Idea for Lesson Plan:
This novel could be used to facilitate a discussion of the pressures of high school and how students react to them. As a teacher using this novel in my curriculum, I would have my students act this novel out as a play. Assigning students to the various characters would help them go deeper into the text and really navigate around the feelings of the characters.
Critique:
In Joyce Carol Oates' first young adult novel, she creates two main characters who are both quite multi-dimensional. In the beginning of the novel, Oates contrasts the popular, smart, and witty Matt Donaghy with the sullen, "ugly," angry Ursula Riggs. However, by the end of the novel, the reader knows Matt and Ursula as more compassionate and tolerant. As evident in the end of the novel, Ursula cries two times: once when she realizes that her Dad really does love her, and the other, when Matt and she hug on the last page. This shows Ursula is tapping into her softer side.
Both Ursula and Matt are challenged to remain true to themselves throughout the novel. Beginning with Matt's ability to cope with the drama that surrounds the "bomb threat" accusation. Because of the situation Matt is in, Ursula is introduced into Matt's life. Together Ursula and Matt form a bond that defies the social standing of their "elite" East Coast town. As Matt discovers what it means to be independent of societal pressures, Ursula learns to let her guard down.
Various high school issues and themes are rampant in Big Mouth & Ugly Girl. Oates has captured the clique infested, judging, small minded world of high school by chronicling four months in the life of 11th graders Ursula and Matt. Emerging themes such as, school shootings, individuality, and maintaining true friendships are a few of the themes Oates touches on. As Matt and Ursula navigate through their young lives, they are both tested by the people who surround them, and are both challenged to remain their authentic selves and true to their character.
Big Mouth & Ugly Girl is written in both 1st person and 3rd person, and is told in narration and email form. By using these techniques, the reader can get into the mind of Ursula, and know what Matt is doing. Both characters come together to create a well crafted story.
Big Mouth & Ugly Girl. ISBN 0-06-623756-4. Joyce Carol Oates. 2002. ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Age 14 & up. Young Adult Fiction.
Friday, February 12, 2010
The City of Ember
The City of Ember, by Jeanne DuPrau, is a story of the adventure 12 year old Lina and Doon partake in. Their city, Ember, is running out of supplies and the generator which runs the light source is getting old and causing the lights to go out. When Lina's sister accidentally discovers a document, Lina instinctively knows it is important. However, her baby sister has chewed and drooled on most of the paper; now Lina must decipher what was once written. Together, Lina and Doon solve the mystery of the document by asking some reliable townspeople. They soon discover that the document is instructions out of Ember! Gathering what they will need for their journey into the unknown, Lina, her baby sister, and Doon travel down the underground river to what they hope will be the city of light.
As a teacher I would use this book to further a discussion on reliable energy sources and sustainable cities. Together we would discuss if a place like Ember could really exist in the future, and if it would be a good idea.
The City of Ember. ISBN 0-375-82274-7. Jeanne DuPrau. 2003. IRA Children's Choice. Age 9-13. Science Fiction. Fantasy.
As a teacher I would use this book to further a discussion on reliable energy sources and sustainable cities. Together we would discuss if a place like Ember could really exist in the future, and if it would be a good idea.
The City of Ember. ISBN 0-375-82274-7. Jeanne DuPrau. 2003. IRA Children's Choice. Age 9-13. Science Fiction. Fantasy.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Giver
The Giver, by Lois Lowry, tells the story of the Jonas and his "structured" Community. Jonas, age 12, lives in a community created in order to keep its residents safe. Safe from feelings, experiences, emotions, and most importantly, safe from individuality. As Jonas nears the Ceremony of Twelves, he wonders what "job" he will be selected for. When he receives the assignment of Receiver, he is excited, but nervous. The last Receiver did not finish her training, and elected to be released from the Community.
Jonas meets with the elder (The Giver) who will transmit past memories through hand to skin contact. Through touch, Jonas will experience color, snow, love, and a plethora of experiences, some of them painful. Jonas soon realizes that he has been living without free will. All his choices have been made for him by the Community. Soon Jonas and the Giver develop a plan that will change Jonas and the Community forever. A true story of courage and conviction, The Giver envisions what our world would look like if power and control were absolute.
As a teacher I would use this text to further a discussion on power and control mechanisms. To begin with I would ask a few questions like, "What are your rights of passage?" and "In what ways is Jonas' community similar to ours?" These questions would be a good starting point to delve deeper into the issue of absolute control and what our world would be like if power got into the wrong hands. We could then discuss communities and countries in our world that are similar to Jonas' community and what they look like and who they are run by.
The Giver. ISBN 978-0-440-23768-6. Lois Lowry. 1993. Newbery Medal. Age 12-18. Science Fiction.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Monster
Synopsis
Monster, written by Walter Dean Myers, tells the story of sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon...a boy on trial for murder. By using a combination of Steve's journal entries and a screenplay he has written about his experience, the reader is drawn into jail life and courtroom proceedings. The remainder of Steve's life is in the hands of his lawyer, and subsequently the jury. As the trial continues, Steve's level of involvement is discussed and debated. Was he involved in the robbery? Is he innocent? It is up to the jury to decide.
Idea for Lesson Plan
As a teacher, I would use this book to supplement a discussion on the "fairness" of our criminal justice system. I would focus on the quote from Ms. O'Brien when she says, "Half of those jurors, no matter what they said when we questioned them when we picked the jury, believed you were guilty the moment they laid eyes on you. You're young, you're Black, and you're on trial. What else do they need to know (79)?" As a class we would discuss the implications of this quote and how the lack of faith in an entire group of people creates a society of classism and racism.
Critique
Walter Dean Myers portrayal of Steve Harmon is quite accurate. Through the use of journal entries and the screenplay, the reader acquires a picture of a young, anxious boy. On page 58 in a dialogue between Steve and his younger brother Jerry, Steve's innocence is portrayed by his desire to be a superhero. This passage speaks to Steve's character and builds upon the reader's notion of who Steve is.
From the beginning of the novel, Steve's innocence is on the line. His life is in the hands of the jury. The plot thickens as more characters are introduced to the story, and Steve's involvement in the robbery is questioned. Through narration and dialogue via journal entries and his screenplay, Steve and the people around him are portrayed as Steve sees them.
The setting and theme are closely intertwined. Taking place mainly in the courtroom and Steve's jail cell, the theme of identity is produced. Steve is constantly grappling with who he is and if this trial defines his character. If he is on trial for criminal behavior, does that make him a criminal? What is his identity inside and outside the jail walls? Do we have power over who we are or can one action determine our identity?
By using journal entries and a screenplay, Myers challenges the common 3rd person narration. Just as the story is challenging the development of identity under the most stressful circumstances, Myers uses an uncommon format to engage the reader.
Monster is a story of overcoming the odds and coming of age in the most unusual of places. This book could be used for various lessons and would be helpful in discussing many challenging themes. I would highly recommend this book to young adults and adults alike!
Monster. ISBN 978-0-06-440731-1. Walter Dean Myers. 1999. Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Literature for Young Adults. Age 14-18. African American Fiction. Judicial System.
Monster, written by Walter Dean Myers, tells the story of sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon...a boy on trial for murder. By using a combination of Steve's journal entries and a screenplay he has written about his experience, the reader is drawn into jail life and courtroom proceedings. The remainder of Steve's life is in the hands of his lawyer, and subsequently the jury. As the trial continues, Steve's level of involvement is discussed and debated. Was he involved in the robbery? Is he innocent? It is up to the jury to decide.
Idea for Lesson Plan
As a teacher, I would use this book to supplement a discussion on the "fairness" of our criminal justice system. I would focus on the quote from Ms. O'Brien when she says, "Half of those jurors, no matter what they said when we questioned them when we picked the jury, believed you were guilty the moment they laid eyes on you. You're young, you're Black, and you're on trial. What else do they need to know (79)?" As a class we would discuss the implications of this quote and how the lack of faith in an entire group of people creates a society of classism and racism.
Critique
Walter Dean Myers portrayal of Steve Harmon is quite accurate. Through the use of journal entries and the screenplay, the reader acquires a picture of a young, anxious boy. On page 58 in a dialogue between Steve and his younger brother Jerry, Steve's innocence is portrayed by his desire to be a superhero. This passage speaks to Steve's character and builds upon the reader's notion of who Steve is.
From the beginning of the novel, Steve's innocence is on the line. His life is in the hands of the jury. The plot thickens as more characters are introduced to the story, and Steve's involvement in the robbery is questioned. Through narration and dialogue via journal entries and his screenplay, Steve and the people around him are portrayed as Steve sees them.
The setting and theme are closely intertwined. Taking place mainly in the courtroom and Steve's jail cell, the theme of identity is produced. Steve is constantly grappling with who he is and if this trial defines his character. If he is on trial for criminal behavior, does that make him a criminal? What is his identity inside and outside the jail walls? Do we have power over who we are or can one action determine our identity?
By using journal entries and a screenplay, Myers challenges the common 3rd person narration. Just as the story is challenging the development of identity under the most stressful circumstances, Myers uses an uncommon format to engage the reader.
Monster is a story of overcoming the odds and coming of age in the most unusual of places. This book could be used for various lessons and would be helpful in discussing many challenging themes. I would highly recommend this book to young adults and adults alike!
Monster. ISBN 978-0-06-440731-1. Walter Dean Myers. 1999. Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Literature for Young Adults. Age 14-18. African American Fiction. Judicial System.
Scorpions
Synopsis
Scorpions, by Walter Dean Myers, is the story of Jamal - a twelve-year-old African American boy living in Harlem. When Jamal's older brother goes to jail for murder, Jamal has to decide if he wants to follow in his brother's footsteps and become the leader of his brother's gang, the Scorpions.
Idea for Lesson Plan
If I used his novel for a unit in literature, I would focus on several themes throughout the book. One theme in particular would be friendship. I would have my students analyze the relationship between Jamal and Tito, and then write an essay on whether or not their relationship with healthy or toxic by giving examples that support their claim.
Critique
Jamal, the main character, is a twelve-year-old boy who lives in Harlem with his over-worked mother, and younger sister. Jamal tries to do the right thing, but is heavily influenced by his neighborhood. Everyday Jamal is surrounded by violence, drugs, and poverty; elements that make it nearly impossible for him to escape.
The novel opens in Jamal's home while he is waiting with his sister for their mother to come home from work. Through dialogue and 3rd person narration, the reader enters Jamal's world.
When Jamal is first introduced to Mack, Jamal believes that he must become the leader of the Scorpions in order to get his brother out of jail. But, as the novel progresses, Jamal discovers the dangers involved in gang life. Jamal must decide what is more important, protection or personal respect.
Throughout the book, many themes emerge, including: bullying, friendship, single parent homes, gangs, violence, drugs, and guns. The theme that pervades throughout Scorpions is the importance of making decisions that will benefit you and those about you. Jamal is tested daily and has to make decisions that will either benefit himself or the gang. Jamal must come to the conclusion as to which is more important, himself and family, or the gang.
Myers uses African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in dialogue throughout the novel. Through this use of language, the authenticity of the characters is kept intact. The reader develops an honest picture of Jamal and his surroundings from the use of AAVE.
Scorpions is an honest look into the life of a poor, inner city youth and the daily struggles he encounters. This text would be very helpful in furthering a discussion on one of the many pervading themes throughout. I highly recommend the use of this novel inside and outside the classroom.
Scorpions. ISBN-13: 978-0-06-447066-7. Walter Dean Myers. 1988. Newbery Honor Award. Age 14-18. African American Fiction.
Scorpions, by Walter Dean Myers, is the story of Jamal - a twelve-year-old African American boy living in Harlem. When Jamal's older brother goes to jail for murder, Jamal has to decide if he wants to follow in his brother's footsteps and become the leader of his brother's gang, the Scorpions.
Idea for Lesson Plan
If I used his novel for a unit in literature, I would focus on several themes throughout the book. One theme in particular would be friendship. I would have my students analyze the relationship between Jamal and Tito, and then write an essay on whether or not their relationship with healthy or toxic by giving examples that support their claim.
Critique
Jamal, the main character, is a twelve-year-old boy who lives in Harlem with his over-worked mother, and younger sister. Jamal tries to do the right thing, but is heavily influenced by his neighborhood. Everyday Jamal is surrounded by violence, drugs, and poverty; elements that make it nearly impossible for him to escape.
The novel opens in Jamal's home while he is waiting with his sister for their mother to come home from work. Through dialogue and 3rd person narration, the reader enters Jamal's world.
When Jamal is first introduced to Mack, Jamal believes that he must become the leader of the Scorpions in order to get his brother out of jail. But, as the novel progresses, Jamal discovers the dangers involved in gang life. Jamal must decide what is more important, protection or personal respect.
Throughout the book, many themes emerge, including: bullying, friendship, single parent homes, gangs, violence, drugs, and guns. The theme that pervades throughout Scorpions is the importance of making decisions that will benefit you and those about you. Jamal is tested daily and has to make decisions that will either benefit himself or the gang. Jamal must come to the conclusion as to which is more important, himself and family, or the gang.
Myers uses African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in dialogue throughout the novel. Through this use of language, the authenticity of the characters is kept intact. The reader develops an honest picture of Jamal and his surroundings from the use of AAVE.
Scorpions is an honest look into the life of a poor, inner city youth and the daily struggles he encounters. This text would be very helpful in furthering a discussion on one of the many pervading themes throughout. I highly recommend the use of this novel inside and outside the classroom.
Scorpions. ISBN-13: 978-0-06-447066-7. Walter Dean Myers. 1988. Newbery Honor Award. Age 14-18. African American Fiction.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Uncle Andy’s: A Faabbbulous Visit with Andy Warhol
Uncle Andy’s is the story of Andy Warhol’s nephew James, and his visits to his famous uncle’s home in New York City. The story opens with James explaining that his father is “a junkman.” Paul, Andy’s brother, was constantly bringing home and collecting junk, saying, “This can make good art.” So begins the lesson that anything can be art. One day the family decides to visit Uncle Andy and their grandma “Bubba” in New York City. All eight of the Warhola’s pack into the decrepit family station wagon and travel from the cow pastures to the city. Through rich detail and colorful illustrations, James shows his uncle’s famous “pop art.” From the Campbell’s soup paintings to the Marilyn Monroe prints, James, the writer and illustrator, reveals his uncles famous art through illustration. From “junk” sculpture in his front yard to famous, expensive art, this story confirms that art is all around us. Art is everywhere.
As a teacher, I would use this book to introduce a lesson on “pop art.” I would have my students find something that they think exemplifies their generation and we would create art around that object. My students would have total artistic freedom. Painting, photography, sculpture, etc. would all be accepted. The purpose of reading Uncle Andy’s in correlation to a lesson on the creativity of art, shows that art is everywhere, and as long as my students believe in their design, I will consider my lesson to have been successful.
Uncle Andy’s: A Faabbbulous Visit with Andy Warhol. ISBN 0-399-23869-7. James Warhola. 2003. International Reading Association Children & Young Adult Book Award. Age 4-8. Children’s Non-Fiction.
As a teacher, I would use this book to introduce a lesson on “pop art.” I would have my students find something that they think exemplifies their generation and we would create art around that object. My students would have total artistic freedom. Painting, photography, sculpture, etc. would all be accepted. The purpose of reading Uncle Andy’s in correlation to a lesson on the creativity of art, shows that art is everywhere, and as long as my students believe in their design, I will consider my lesson to have been successful.
Uncle Andy’s: A Faabbbulous Visit with Andy Warhol. ISBN 0-399-23869-7. James Warhola. 2003. International Reading Association Children & Young Adult Book Award. Age 4-8. Children’s Non-Fiction.
Charlotte's Web
Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White, is a favorite among elementary age children. This charming story of friendship and loyalty takes place on a quaint farm. Two unlikely friends, Charlotte the spider and Wilbur the pig, develop a bond that defies the odds. When Wilbur learns of what will be his early demise, Charlotte promises she will do everything she can to protect him. By weaving messages in her web, Charlotte helps the Zuckerman's see that Wilbur is truly special. When the Zuckerman's enter Wilbur into the County Fair, Charlotte attends so she can weave more words about Wilbur into her web. However, Charlotte is feeling weak and tired. She must lay her eggs; but once she lays the eggs, she will die. Saddened by this, Wilbur resolves to keep Charlotte's memory alive. When it is time to leave the Fair, Wilbur scoops up the egg sac and takes it back to the farm. When the eggs hatch, Wilbur develops a new, special relationship with Charlotte's offspring.
Told from the 3rd person, E.B. White brings his characters to life through talking farm animals. Touching, dramatic, and warm Charlotte’s Web is sure to bring a tear to your eye, while putting a smile on your face.
As I teacher, I would teach this particular work of fiction over the course of a month. I would teach one lesson plan on vocabulary. Throughout the book there are many large, complex words. I would challenge my students to find those words, and without using the dictionary, try to figure out the meaning of the words based on the surrounding text. A few examples are, “I always give them an anesthetic so they won’t feel pain (48).” “You’re carrying on in a childish way. Stop your crying! I can’t stand hysterics (51).” This lesson would develop confidence in reading, while developing skills in comprehension and deciphering context.
I would also use this book to tie into a science lesson on insects. On page 55, Charlotte explains to Wilbur about the different names for the various parts of her legs, saying, “…Each leg of mine has seven parts – the coxa, the trochanter, the femur, the patella, the tibia, the metatarsus, and the tarsus.” From this small portion of the text, we could devote a week to studying spiders. Charlotte’s Web would be a great supplementary (and fun) text to bring into a science lesson.
Charlotte’s Web. ISBN-13: 978-0-545-00188-5. E.B. White. 1980. Newbery Honor Book. Age 9-12. Fiction. Fantasy.
Told from the 3rd person, E.B. White brings his characters to life through talking farm animals. Touching, dramatic, and warm Charlotte’s Web is sure to bring a tear to your eye, while putting a smile on your face.
As I teacher, I would teach this particular work of fiction over the course of a month. I would teach one lesson plan on vocabulary. Throughout the book there are many large, complex words. I would challenge my students to find those words, and without using the dictionary, try to figure out the meaning of the words based on the surrounding text. A few examples are, “I always give them an anesthetic so they won’t feel pain (48).” “You’re carrying on in a childish way. Stop your crying! I can’t stand hysterics (51).” This lesson would develop confidence in reading, while developing skills in comprehension and deciphering context.
I would also use this book to tie into a science lesson on insects. On page 55, Charlotte explains to Wilbur about the different names for the various parts of her legs, saying, “…Each leg of mine has seven parts – the coxa, the trochanter, the femur, the patella, the tibia, the metatarsus, and the tarsus.” From this small portion of the text, we could devote a week to studying spiders. Charlotte’s Web would be a great supplementary (and fun) text to bring into a science lesson.
Charlotte’s Web. ISBN-13: 978-0-545-00188-5. E.B. White. 1980. Newbery Honor Book. Age 9-12. Fiction. Fantasy.
The Snowy Day
Peter wakes up to find his town covered in snow and so begins his journey in The Snowy Day. The story follows Peter as he participates in winter activities – he plays in the snow, makes snow angels, and slides down a hill. What fun! But, then he has a terrible dream that the sun has melted the snow! However, upon waking, Peter finds the snow still outside his window, and calls a friend to go outside and play.
The illustrations in The Snowy Day are quite simple. Peter's bold, red snowsuit sticks out among the white snow. The illustrations move with the text by illustrating what is written. This technique helps the reader point to the picture as they read. For example, the text says, "He walked with his toes pointing out like this:," the reader could point to the picture of his footprints in the snow while reading about how his toes are pointing. A well illustrated book not only enhances the text, but it also moves with the text for following along.
As a teacher, I would use this book to write a story about a snowy day. As a class, we would name activities we like to do in the winter-time. Then, we would all create one story. From that story, I would have the students be illustrators. This activity would demonstrate that there is more than one way of illustrating a story. We would also practice the way to enhance the story through pictures, and the way to use pictures and text together. It would be fun for the students to see how many different ways a book can be interpreted into pictures.
The Snowy Day. ISBN-10: 0140501827. Ezra Jack Keats. 1962. Caldecott Medal. Age 4-6. Fiction. African-American.
The illustrations in The Snowy Day are quite simple. Peter's bold, red snowsuit sticks out among the white snow. The illustrations move with the text by illustrating what is written. This technique helps the reader point to the picture as they read. For example, the text says, "He walked with his toes pointing out like this:," the reader could point to the picture of his footprints in the snow while reading about how his toes are pointing. A well illustrated book not only enhances the text, but it also moves with the text for following along.
As a teacher, I would use this book to write a story about a snowy day. As a class, we would name activities we like to do in the winter-time. Then, we would all create one story. From that story, I would have the students be illustrators. This activity would demonstrate that there is more than one way of illustrating a story. We would also practice the way to enhance the story through pictures, and the way to use pictures and text together. It would be fun for the students to see how many different ways a book can be interpreted into pictures.
The Snowy Day. ISBN-10: 0140501827. Ezra Jack Keats. 1962. Caldecott Medal. Age 4-6. Fiction. African-American.
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