Picture Book 1
Wilbur’s Adventure (A Charlotte’s Web Picture Book )
Author: E.B. White
Illustrations: Maggie Kneen
Readability: F&P K, GLE 2nd, Lexile 140-500
Genre: Classic, fantasy
Theme: Safety of home sometimes better than adventure
Primary and secondary charcters: Wilbur and farm animals
Publisher: Harper Collings 1952, Renewed 2008
Awards: Laura Ingalls Wilder Award
ISBN 978-0-06-078165-1
Description:
Wilbur, the loveable baby pig from Charlotte’s Web escapes the barnyard to explore the farm at the encouragement of the goose and other animals. Farmer Zuckerman and the hired hands try, but fail, to catch Wilbur. The farmer appeals to Wilbur’s appetite—the ole pail trick. Will it work despite the warning from the goose?
Classroom Use:
This book is beautifully illustrated and written, making it a wonderful book to use for visualization and setting for both reading and writing instruction.
Text-to-self connections are also easily made through the farm setting, animals, or through the familiar feelings of being bored, scared, or happy to be back home.
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Picture Book 2
Title: Meerkat Mail
Author and Illustrator: Emily GravettAwards: n/a
Age level: K-2
Readability: FP, C-K
Theme: There is no place like home.
Genre: Adventure
Primary character: Meerkat
Publisher: Macmillan, 2007
ISBN 978-1-4169-3473-8
Description:
Sunny Meerkat gets itchy feet and decides to journey away from home where it’s too hot and family are too close. Throughout his journey he begins to think there is no where he fits in until he finally returns home. The book is filled with fun illustrations and actual postcards that Sunny sent home to his family.
Classroom Use:
This book is a classic, “There’s no place like home,” so it would be great for making connections to students about how they feel about their families and home, going away, and contentment.
Letter writing lessons could easily be used with this book as it contains real postcards. Many science connections can be made such as biome (desert) animals behaviors and habitat, and animal classification.
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Picture Book 3
Title: Willy’s Pictures
Author and Illustrator: Anthony BrowneAge Level: K-3
Readability: GLE, K-3; FP, C-I, Lexile 25-350
Genre: Picture book
Subgenre: Art
Theme: Be creative.
Primary character: Willy
Publisher: Walker Childrens, 2000
ISBN 0-7636-1323-1
Description:
This is a delightful and creative book wherein Willy, a chimpanzee, paints chimps in masterpiece paintings. At the end of the book, pictures of the original paintings with author’s notations are included.
Classroom Use:
Besides the beautiful illustrations with little monkeys that would draw in students in to the book, it would be a great tool for introducing art and/or writing prompts. Students could write the story they see in the painting (original or with the chimpanzees).
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Picture Book 4
Title: It's A Secret!
Author and Illustrator: John BurninghamAwards: 2010 Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award for Picture
Books
Genre: Picture book, fantasy
Theme: Cats have fun secret lives.
Primary characters: Marie Elaine and her cat Malcom
Readability: GLE, K-3; FP, C-I, Lexile 25-350
Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2009
ISBN 978-0-7636-4275-4
Description:
Marie Elaine finds out where cats go at night. One evening when Marie Elaine gets up for a drink of water, she finds Malcom, her cat, dressed up in fancy clothes. After much pleading and a promise to keep it all a secret, he relents and allows her to join him for a cat party where the queen of cats herself will be in attendance. The neighbor boy joins the two, and they enjoy a night of adventure and a grand cat gala.
Classroom Use:
The book is a simple, fun, and whimsical story, which could be used to show how such a story can be entertaining as a study for writer's craft. It would be a great tool for writing and making predictions. Students could write about where they think Malcom was going when Marie Elaine first finds him dressed up.
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Picture Book 5
Title: A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever
Author and Illustrator: Marla FrazeeGenre: Picture Book, Realistic Fiction
Theme: Pleasure of Grandparents
Readability: GLE, 4.2; FP, Q-R, Lexile 680
Primary and secondary characters: James and Eamon, and the grandparents, Bill and Pam
Awards: 2009 Caldecott Honor Book
Publisher: Harcourt, Inc., 2008
ISBN 978-0-15-206020-6
Description:
This is a fun and realistic story about two boys who spend a week at "camp" at Eamon's grandparents house. The week is filled with indulgences that are typical of grandparents--lots of yummy food, jumping on the beds, staying up late and just hanging out together. At the end of the week, the boys create a great surprise for Bill and Pam.
Classroom Use: Most everyone can relate to spending some special time at grandparents or friend's house. The story can be a great launch to writing about friendships, summer adventures, special grandparents, etc.
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Picture Book 6
Title: The Wolves in the Walls
Author: Neil GaimanIllustrations: Dave McKean
Readability: Grade Level Equivalent 4.5; Lexile, 500
Theme: Standing up to fears.
Primary and secondary characters: Lucy and her family, the wolves
Genre:
Comedy and Humor, Horror and Supernatural, Science Fiction and Fantasy
Publisher: Harper Collins, 2003ISBN: 39602003049697
Description:
This is a scary albeit motivating story about Lucy who hears wolves in the walls of her home. Doubtful at first, the family finds out that there are real wolves in the walls that come out and destroy their home. With great courage, Lucy and her family successfully fight back the wolves and run them off. Then Lucy begins to hear elephants in the walls. The book is graphically illustrated with bold and vivid colors.
Classroom use:
The story's unpredictable and unusual style and tone make for a great lesson in how writing/reading can be unconventional and still good. Use of pictures make this story, so responsive activities to the bold illustrations are appropriate, such as how does it make you feel or use of descriptive words.
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Picture Book 7
Title: Rose's Garden
Author: Peter H. ReynoldsReadability: GLE, 2.6
Genre: Picturebook, fable
Theme: Goodwill, faith in people, kindness, hope
Primary and secondary characters: Rose and townspeople
Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4641-7
Description:
Rose takes a journey around the world in her teapot collecting flower seeds along the way. When she decides to end her travels and settle down, she carefully selects a spot in the crowded city to plant her garden. While away, birds eat most of the seeds. With great faith, she plants the few remaining and waits patiently for the plot to burst with color. Children begin to bring her paper flowers sharing their stories of traveling to the city. She "plants" each one. One day the paper flowers are indistinguishable from the real flowers and the community garden blooms. The story is inspired by Senator Ted Kennedy's mother who was a woman of great faith and resilience.
Classroom Use:
Introduction of fables and theme can be used with this story. For writing, it could be used as a spring board for writing about someone who inspired the writer--a tribute book. Connections can be made to traveling, having patience, and helping others.
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Picture book 8
Title: Rent Party Jazz
Author: William MillerIllustrator: Charlotte Riley-Webb
Readability: Grade Level, 2-3; FP, N;
Theme: Community, positive power of music and generosity
Genre: Historical Fiction
Primary and secondary characters: Sonny and Smiling Jack
Publisher: Lee and Low Books, Inc., 2001
ISBN: 1-58430-025-6
Description:
Based on true events during the 1920s and '30s, Sonny, a young boy in New Orleans, seeks to find help for his mother to pay the rent. After losing his before-school job selling coal, he walks the streets looking for any work when he meets Smiling Jack playing his trumpet. A conversation begin between the two that ends in Smiling Jack playing at a neighborhood party to raise money for Sonny's rent.
Classroom Use:
Many connections can be made to social studies, such as the location of New Orleans, the economic hardships of the depression era, jazz music, etc. Students could design a poster inviting people to the rent party or write responsively about how it would feel to have such hardship.
Picture Book 9
Title: Rainstorm
Author: Barbara LehmanReadability: Wordless (interest level K-3)
Genre: Wordless, fantasy
Theme: Creativity and imagination
Primary character: boy (unnamed)
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007
ISBN: 13 978-0168-75639-1
Description:
One rainy lonely day, a boy becomes bored and searches for something to do. During this quest he finds a mysterious key that opens a whole new world. Despite the absence of actual words, the illustrations speak thousands.
Classroom Use:
Prediction of events, writing the story, since it is wordless, and making inferences are appropriate uses for this book with students as well as discussion about childhood fantasy.
Picture Book 10
Title: Roller coaster
Author: Marla FrazeeReadability: GLE, K-3; FP, N
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Thrill and fun of the first time
Primary characters: Roller coaster riders
Publisher: Harcourt, 2003
ISBN: 0-15-204554-6
Description:
Are you ready to ride the roller coaster? Riding the roller coasting can bring about excitement, thrill, and anxiety. No matter what your take of the roller coaster, there is a rider shown in this book that fits the reader/ roller coaster rider. Beautiful illustrations and description makes you feel like you are riding.
Classroom Use:
Besides just enjoying a fun book, it is a great example of onamonapia. Descriptions such as clickety clackity up, up up are throughout the book.
Picture Book 11
Title: Casey at the Bat
llustrated by Christopher Bing
Text: Ernest Lawrence Thayer (Handprint)
Genre: Poetry, classic American
Readability: Grade Level, 2-3; FP, N;
Description:
This is a incredibly illustrated version of the classic poem in sort of a scrapbook style layout. There is much to be gained in the newspaper scraps and
"memorabilia" throughout the book. The illustrations provide insight as to Casey's demeanor, haughty attitude and mood of the crowd. Even though the poem is familiar, this picture book makes it fresh and entertaining as well as awe inspiring at the detail of the illustrator.
Classroom use:
This book would be a classic example of using pictures to add to comprehension and study inference. For example, Casey letting two pitches pass without evening swinging. Poetry, of course, is another classroom use with the usual lessons of rhyme, rhythm, structure, etc. It would be a good addition to a class text set on sports, baseball particularly. Additionally, this book provides a plethora of information to gain insight about life in the 1880's. A compare and contrast of today's baseball stadiums and games with the Mudville 1888 team.
Chapter Book 1
Title: When You Reach Me
Author: Rebecca Stead
Readability: Grade level, 4-6; F&P Q-Y; Lexile, 445-1000
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, SciFi
Primary and secondary characters: Miranda, her mom, Sal
Theme: Understanding relationships, time travel
Awards: John Newberry Medal
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books, Random House, Inc., 2009
ISBN 978-0-385-90664-7
Description:
Twelve-year-old Miranda lives in New York City, with her mother. Every evening she and her mom’s boyfriend help her mother prepare for a 1970s game show, $20,000 Pyramid, which may make them rich enough for her mom to return to law school.
All the while, Miranda tries to make sense of the strange notes she finds at strange times and places. Is there a connection to her everyday life? Miranda encounters a "crazy" homeless man on the way to and from school everyday with whom feels a strange connection. She also witnesses a unprovoked attack of her friend by neighborhood boy who she later meets at school. Her opinion of him changes, but his actions are unexplainable....until the end.
The mysterious notes seem to imply they are written from another time or space. (A Wrinkle in Time is Miranda's life compass.) Miranda continues trying to navigate the complexities of friends and friendships and the events that occur on the streets outside her apartment.
Miranda's mother's big day finally arrives. The game show rendering has you just as nervous as Miranda and the boyfriend.
Classroom Use:
This book grips the reader from the very beginning, so it is a highly motivating for reluctant readers. Book clubs or literature circles would be a perfect use of this book. The unpredictability and insight to friendships makes for great conversations.
It would be a great book for discussing subgenres and how the writer blended genres to make a very exciting story.
Writer’s craft could be studied as the book is written sometimes from first person point of view or as a letter to an unknown person.
For advanced students, a comparison could be made to A Wrinkle in Time.
Chapter Book 2
Title: Night John
Author: Gary PaulsonAwards: n/a
Age Level: Grades 6-8
Themes: Slavery, self-sacrifice, power of written word
Readability: GLE, 4.9; FP, W; Lexile 770
Genre: Historical Fiction
Primary and secondary character: Sal, Nightjohn, Big Momma, Mr. Waller
Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1993
ISBN 0-385-30838-8
Description:
Nightjohn is powerful, descriptive story about the travesty of slavery and the strength of the human spirit. The book is written from the point of view of Sarney, a young slave girl on the Waller Plantation. One day an unexpected visitor comes, NightJohn. NightJohn, who was once free, returns to slavery and risks limb and beatings to teach the slave children how to read and write. Lessons conducted in the cover of darkness evidence the dangers of learning to read and write. Sarney learns a terrible costly lesson when she so eagerily practices her new skill by writing a letter in the dirt. Sometimes others pay the price for us. Her "Grandmother" takes a lashing for "teaching" Sarney. Sarney also learns something with such a high cost much be immensely valuable.
This incredible story stirs emotions, both inspiration and sorrowfulness. It is based upon a true account, which has since been made into a movie.
Classroom Use: This is a great book to add to a textset about slavery or pre-civil war. While the reading level is not challenging for 6-8 graders, the content is more mature than the 4th grade reading level. For example, reference is made to the breeding room. The powerful messages in this book make it a worth exploring.
Point of view, as it is written from first person, and writer’s craft are other appropriate uses of this book.
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Chapter Book 3
Title: Wingwalker
Author: Rosemary WellsIllustrator: Brian Selznick
Awards: n/a
Readability: GLE, 4.2; FP, Q-R; Lexile 445-810
Theme: Desperate times call for desperate measures and creativity
Genre: Historical Fiction
Primary and secondary characters: Reuben, his father, and the carnival workers
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children, 2002
ISBN 078682347-X
Description:
Set in Oklahoma during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowls, Reuben, a second grader, experiences an unexpected upheaval in his life. Because of the dust storms and economical difficulty, Reuben's parents must leave the quiet farm and their now nonexistent jobs as a cafe cook and dance instructor to find work elsewhere. A lucrative job advertisement entices the family to join a Minnesota traveling carnival. Reuben becomes friends with an unusual bunch while his parents use all their skills and risk life and limb to make a living during these tough times. Reuben also faces some fears and gains a whole new respect for his father (and his father's dance moves).
The reader gets a peak into carnival life and the humanness of the carnival's main attractions, such as the tattooed woman. The book portrays these people in a positive, friendly light, giving the reader compassion for those who seem outcast or freakish. Some illustrations are included, which adds to the simple beauty of this heart-warming story.
Classroom Use:
This book would be a great addition to a text set about the Great Depression and Dust Bowls. Lots of material is contained in this story for in-depth conversations and thinking about the difficulties of those times and the perseverance and ingenuity of people as well as respect and compassion for those who are different. Text to self connections and text to real world connections are easily made through this story. Students could also research a wing walker such as current wing walker, Jane Wicker.
Also, the book mentions many U.S. locations, which would make it interesting to create a map of the carnival tour.
Figurative language abounds in the book making it a great review for those literary features.
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Chapter Book 4
Title: George Washington and the General's Dog
Author: Frank MurphyIllustrator: Richard Walz
Readability: GLE, 1.9; Lexile, 380L, DRA: 16-18; FP, J
Theme: Character, kindness to animals, compassion
Theme: Character, kindness to animals, compassion
Genre: Biography, Historical Fiction
Primary and secondary characters: George Washington
Publisher: Random House, 2002
ISBN: 0-375-81015-3
Description:
This book is a based one a true story about our first president. Many stories about George Washington's faith, courage, and leadership are told, but few know he was a great animal lover. After a great battle with the British, President Washington finds a dog. He goes to great extremes to identify the dog and his owner. What he does with it is an amazing and heartwarming story. The story demonstrates the true noble character of our first president.
Classroom Use:
Lessons about the author shows character (what the character does, what others says about him, etc.) are demonstrated in this book. Connections to social studies, American history, and good character traits can be made. Genre and subgenre categories can also be observed with this book as it is biography, historical fiction.
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Chapter Book 5
Title: Among the Hidden
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Readability: GLE, 4.9; Lexile, 750L
Genre: Science Fiction and Fantasy
Primary and secondary characters: Luke, his family, and Jen
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1998
ISBN: 0-689-81700-2
Description:
The book is an exciting read although it can be sad as the reader relates to Luke's life. Luke is the third born in a time wherein the government restricts more than two children. He spends his time hiding the in attic while his family is gone each day living their lives outside--working, farming and attending school and related events. The woods behind Luke's home are sold for a housing development, which restricts Luke from ever coming outside or even downstairs for fear of being spotted by the new neighbors. One day it is Luke who sees the face of a girl in the window of a home where he knows there are two other children. He spends hours everyday peeking through the attic vents studying the houses. They eventually communicate, and the girl challenges Luke to come out of hiding and join forces with other thirds to claim the live they deserve outside. You will find yourself urging Luke along throughout the story.
Classroom Use:
Chapter Book 6
Title: Feathers
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Genre: Realistic fiction
Theme: Finding hope
Awards: Newberry Honor
Theme: Finding hope
Awards: Newberry Honor
Primary and secondary characters: Frannie, Sean, Jesus Boy
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2007
ISBN:978-0-399-23989-2
Description:
In a city in the 1970's, probably a New York City suburb, a new boy joins Frannie's all African American sixth-grade class. He is very different from the others; he's white with wild hair. Not only is his appearance different, but his name, Jesus Boy, and his reactions to others. His unwillingness to fight the trouble-making boys causes Frannie and her friends to wonder if he is really Jesus visiting their class. Jesus Boy comes during a trying time in Fannie's life. Her mother discovers she is expecting a baby. The only problem is that she has miscarried many times and lost a newborn. Frannie worries. Frannie also likens the struggles of Jesus Boy to her brother, Sean, who is a very handsome deaf teen boy, attracting many girls until they discover his disability. Jesus Boy gives hope to Frannie (and her best friend, Samantha) as she faces difficulties, grief, and her brother's deafness. Finding hope is the theme.
Classroom Use:
This books tackles several tough subjects. There are several incidents of Jesus Boy being picked on by other boys, so the subject of bullying could be examined. Deafness and sign language are positively portrayed in the book, making it a good discussion starter about people with disabilities/physical challenges. The thoughts, reflections, and conversations of Frannie provide good material and examples for lessons on how an author shows character.
Title: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
Author: Jacqueline Kelly
Awards: The Newberry Honor 2010
Set in Texas in the late 1890s, Calpurnia, the only girl of seven children, seeks to find a way to stay cool and to cope with six brothers. Calpurnia sneaks off to the local river to cool herself and enjoy the solitude in nature. She makes two discoveries--a love of nature and a grandfather who shares that same love. Calpurnia the naturalist is born as the two explore the natural world around her observing, note taking, and studying the new works of a controversial naturalist. She and her grandfather read the controversial works of Charles Darwin's recent publication. They also think they have discovered a new species of plant near the river. The scientific processes such as observing, questioning and note taking are interestingly demonstrated throughout the story with detail, especially as they send off their "new" specimen to the scientific council. As Calpurnia and her grandfather conduct their scientific research, she learns to navigate the expectations of her mother, which includes piano lessons, embroidery, knitting, and sewing. As to six brothers, there are adventures and predicaments to navigate as well. The books ends in winter with a surprise for Texas and for a surprise for Calpurnia and the grandfather. The book is beautifully written with a mix of science, prose, and history all rolled into one story you do not want to end.
Classroom Use:
This is a great book for book clubs or literature circles. While the main character is a girl, all her pursuits would interest boys as well. It is a great book for reading across the curriculum because of all the scientific activities. Studying author's craft is another great use for this book. The author even thanks a teacher who could teach a rock to write.
Artwork: Mark Siegel
Awards: The Robert F. Sibert Honor
Description:
Ballerina Siena Siegel tells her journey to becoming a professional ballerina through a graphic novel illustrated by her husband, Mark Siegel. The story begins in Puerto Rico when Siena is six and dance everywhere filling in the spaces. Her mother is told by the doctors that Siena's flat feet cannot be fixed. Siena continues to dance and attends a summer program in New York City where she experiences real ballet. She is consumed with dancing and reads and watches everything about ballet when she isn't actually dancing. This is where she seeing the barelegged Russian dancers and her dream of becoming like a Russian dancer is born. When eleven years of age, she returned to New York City to successfully audition for the School of American Ballet. To her wonder and delight, the dancers and most of the instructors where Russian. Her journey continues studying under famous instructors. Throughout the story, Siena shows us the hard work, focus and determination it takes to become a ballerina but also to make your dreams come true. True live struggles such a her parents divorce and teenage distractions are also shared, which makes the story inspiring and believable-- magical.
Classroom Use:
The unlikely, but effective, use of memoir in the format of graphic novel makes for good discussion about writing formats and genres. The story is inspiring especially to girls. The study of character traits such as perseverance, dedication, and hard work portrayed in this novel provide plenty of examples. This book could serve as a launching pad for studying about other people who pursued their dreams, The School of American Ballet, different ballets, etc.
Awards: Newberry Honor Book 2000
Readability: GLE 5.3
Primary and Secondary Characters: Sophie, Cody, Brian, Uncle Dock and Uncle Mo
Theme: Grief, loss, hope, family
Genre: Realistic Fiction, adventure, suspense, memoir
Publisher: HarperCollins, 2000
ISBN-10: 0060277300
Description:
In a city in the 1970's, probably a New York City suburb, a new boy joins Frannie's all African American sixth-grade class. He is very different from the others; he's white with wild hair. Not only is his appearance different, but his name, Jesus Boy, and his reactions to others. His unwillingness to fight the trouble-making boys causes Frannie and her friends to wonder if he is really Jesus visiting their class. Jesus Boy comes during a trying time in Fannie's life. Her mother discovers she is expecting a baby. The only problem is that she has miscarried many times and lost a newborn. Frannie worries. Frannie also likens the struggles of Jesus Boy to her brother, Sean, who is a very handsome deaf teen boy, attracting many girls until they discover his disability. Jesus Boy gives hope to Frannie (and her best friend, Samantha) as she faces difficulties, grief, and her brother's deafness. Finding hope is the theme.
Classroom Use:
This books tackles several tough subjects. There are several incidents of Jesus Boy being picked on by other boys, so the subject of bullying could be examined. Deafness and sign language are positively portrayed in the book, making it a good discussion starter about people with disabilities/physical challenges. The thoughts, reflections, and conversations of Frannie provide good material and examples for lessons on how an author shows character.
Chapter Book 7
Title: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
Author: Jacqueline Kelly
Awards: The Newberry Honor 2010
Readability: GLE, 5.9; Lexile, 800L
Genre: Historical fiction
Primary and secondary characters: Calpurnia, Grandfather, Calpurnia's family
Publisher: Thorndike Press,2009
ISBN:13:978-1-4101-2215-6
Author:
Description: Set in Texas in the late 1890s, Calpurnia, the only girl of seven children, seeks to find a way to stay cool and to cope with six brothers. Calpurnia sneaks off to the local river to cool herself and enjoy the solitude in nature. She makes two discoveries--a love of nature and a grandfather who shares that same love. Calpurnia the naturalist is born as the two explore the natural world around her observing, note taking, and studying the new works of a controversial naturalist. She and her grandfather read the controversial works of Charles Darwin's recent publication. They also think they have discovered a new species of plant near the river. The scientific processes such as observing, questioning and note taking are interestingly demonstrated throughout the story with detail, especially as they send off their "new" specimen to the scientific council. As Calpurnia and her grandfather conduct their scientific research, she learns to navigate the expectations of her mother, which includes piano lessons, embroidery, knitting, and sewing. As to six brothers, there are adventures and predicaments to navigate as well. The books ends in winter with a surprise for Texas and for a surprise for Calpurnia and the grandfather. The book is beautifully written with a mix of science, prose, and history all rolled into one story you do not want to end.
Classroom Use:
This is a great book for book clubs or literature circles. While the main character is a girl, all her pursuits would interest boys as well. It is a great book for reading across the curriculum because of all the scientific activities. Studying author's craft is another great use for this book. The author even thanks a teacher who could teach a rock to write.
Chapter Book 8
Title: to dance a ballerina's graphic novel
Author: Siena Cherson SiegelArtwork: Mark Siegel
Awards: The Robert F. Sibert Honor
Readability: GLE, 4.2; FP, Q-R; Lexile 445-810
Genre: Biography, memoir, graphic novel
Theme: Perseverance, pursuing one's dreams
Theme: Perseverance, pursuing one's dreams
Primary and secondary characters: Siena
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1998
ISBN: 13:978-0-689-86747-7
Ballerina Siena Siegel tells her journey to becoming a professional ballerina through a graphic novel illustrated by her husband, Mark Siegel. The story begins in Puerto Rico when Siena is six and dance everywhere filling in the spaces. Her mother is told by the doctors that Siena's flat feet cannot be fixed. Siena continues to dance and attends a summer program in New York City where she experiences real ballet. She is consumed with dancing and reads and watches everything about ballet when she isn't actually dancing. This is where she seeing the barelegged Russian dancers and her dream of becoming like a Russian dancer is born. When eleven years of age, she returned to New York City to successfully audition for the School of American Ballet. To her wonder and delight, the dancers and most of the instructors where Russian. Her journey continues studying under famous instructors. Throughout the story, Siena shows us the hard work, focus and determination it takes to become a ballerina but also to make your dreams come true. True live struggles such a her parents divorce and teenage distractions are also shared, which makes the story inspiring and believable-- magical.
Classroom Use:
The unlikely, but effective, use of memoir in the format of graphic novel makes for good discussion about writing formats and genres. The story is inspiring especially to girls. The study of character traits such as perseverance, dedication, and hard work portrayed in this novel provide plenty of examples. This book could serve as a launching pad for studying about other people who pursued their dreams, The School of American Ballet, different ballets, etc.
Chapter book 9
Title: The Wanderer
Author: Sharon CreechAwards: Newberry Honor Book 2000
Readability: GLE 5.3
Theme: Grief, loss, hope, family
Genre: Realistic Fiction, adventure, suspense, memoir
Publisher: HarperCollins, 2000
ISBN-10: 0060277300
Description:
Sophie fought her way onto the family's sail boat, and it will require her to pull her own weight throughout the perilous trip. One cousin is annoyed by her family talk since she is so new to the family as the other cousin admires her courage and resilience. Father and son relationships and assumptions are tested on the high waters as well as coping with the day-to-day mundane activities. Survival helps the relationships of her uncles and cousins deepen along the way, as does their understanding of her and she of them. This nautical story is one you do not want to put down.
Classroom Use:
The use of journals is certainly exemplified in this novel, therefore making it perfect for journal writing by the readers. It is a good book for literature circles or book clubs. Maps of the journey and replicas of the sailboat and knot tying can be integrated with the book.
Chapter book 10
Title: Belle Prater's Boy
Author: Ruth WhiteAwards: Newberry Honor, An ALA Notable Book, Junior Library Guild Selection
Readability: GLE, 5.5; Lexile760
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Adventure, Mystery
Theme: Grief, loss, self worth, friendship
Theme: Grief, loss, self worth, friendship
Primary and secondary characters: Gypsy, Woodrow, Gypsy's parents and grandparents
Publisher: Harper Collins, 1996; Yearling, 1998
ISBN:13 962 0016 7842 2
The story is set in the 1950s. Belle Prater, who lives with her husband, Everett, and son, Woodrow, in an isolated holler in the Appalachians, "vanishes from the face of the earth." The mystery of what happened to Belle has the whole town talking and identifying Woodrow as just Belle Prater's boy. Cross-eyed Woodrow is sent to live with his mother's parents, Granny and Grandpa Ball, in Coal Station, a small mining town in Virginia after it is apparent his father is unable to properly care for him. Gypsy Arbutus Leemaster, the daughter of Belle's sister Love, lives next door to the grandparents with her mother and stepfather, Porter Dotson. Gypsy is twelve, the same age as Woodrow, and she is excited to become reacquainted with her cousin. Gypsy hates her step-father and resents any kindness her shows because of her love for her deceased father. Gypsy's mother, know for her beauty, carefully wraps Gypsy's golden hair each evening, fulfilling a promise to her late husband to never cut it. Gypsy feel the beautiful hair hides who she really is as the mysterious disappearance of Belle hides Woodrow's identity. Both struggle with the pain of losing a parent in mysterious, unexplainable circumstances. They seek to make known their true selves (talented pianist, smart, funny story-teller) to each other and the town.
Chapter book 11
Title: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Awards: Newberry Honor,
Readability: GLE, 5.5; Lexile760
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction
Theme: Racism, grief, loss, survival, social disobedience, hope
Theme: Racism, grief, loss, survival, social disobedience, hope
Primary and secondary characters: Cassie Logan, brothers: Stacey, Little Man, Christopher John, parents and grandmother, friend T.J.
Publisher: Harper Collins, 1996; Yearling, 1998
ISBN:13 962 0016 7842 2
Book description:
Book description:
Set in the 1930s in Mississippi, this book takes you into the terrible plight of a black family who struggles to make ends meet cotton farming and to survive the
violent cruelty and racism of the times.
The story centers on nine-year-old Cassie Logan and her brothers and
begins with their long walk to their first day of school. As the school bus full of white children whizzes
down the road, it showers
Cassie and the other black children with red dust and dirt Cassie covered in dust is
then further outraged that their “new books” are actually old, discarded books
from the white school inscribed with the words “nigra.” She encounters trouble from her teacher the
first day of school who then reports Cassie to her mother, a 7th
grade teacher at the school. Mrs. Logan
glues paper into all the books covering the degrading words and cautions
Cassie. This is just the beginning of hardship and
injustice.
The story
continues with incidents of injustice, constant fear, and violence, especially
of the white men who “ride” around the county and the different response of the
family to these incidents. One
community man is burned to death by a lynching mob. The Logan children are forbidden to go near
the Wallace store where white men hang out and drink and dance and plot
violence. The Logan parents try to
persuade their neighbors to boycott the store and find provision elsewhere
(which is hard due to locality, credit, etc.)
The boycott of the store becomes a
major issue of story and all the implications involved—the bottom line of the
white store owner and his displeasure.
The Wallaces use political power and influence to cause great hardship
on the Logan family for initiating the boycott, which results in a plot of physical
violence and financial ruin.
The children devise a plan to
disable the “white” bus that daily sprays them with dust or mud to the delight
of its passengers. The sabotage seems
like sweet revenge until it almost results in a lynching. The children try to understand racism and
the most effective response for change and survival. Cassie struggles with containing her rage
and defiance while more mature Stacey learns to tame his response for greater
good later—something Cassie soon learns.
She becomes wiser in her dealings. Throughout the story are incident of T.J., a
trouble-making friend of Stacey’s who is “befriended” by the younger Wallace
boys. These boys later betray T.J.
which starts a chain of tragic events.
The end is very tragic, hopeful and surprising.
Classroom use:
This book is such a powerful portrayal of racism and injustice--a story every child should be acquainted to learn from the terrible mistakes of the past and to hopefully transfer those lessons into application for the current day and times. A whole-class study in reading or social studies would be appropriate. There is plenty of opportunity for student response, reflection and critical literacy. Students, for example, could write about current atrocities of racism (taken from world headlines) or write about subtle incidents of racism that occur daily around them.
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