Tiger Woods: Lion on the Links By Jim C. Wheeler

Book Genre: Nonfiction/Biography

Publishing Info: ABDO Publishing and 32 pages

Awards or honors received: Not at this time

Summary: This is a biography about Tiger Woods. It is about how he became a great golfer. This book talks about growing up with golf. It is about all the tournaments he has won and how those made him feel.

Personal rating and reason for rating: **** Great! – I gave this book a great because I loved the book. I am a golfer, so anytime I can share with my students something I enjoy doing is great. What makes the book great is because it gives the students example of how they can do and be anything they want to be.

Reading level: 4.4

Interest level: K-6 (I really think that this book is good for any interest level.)

Possible uses of the text in integrated units of study (reading and writing across the curriculum):
This book could be used in Black History month. Have the students trace his tournaments. Then have them make prediction if he is going to win. At the end see how many students were right.

In upper grades they could use this book for book report on Tiger Woods.

This could be used in Physical Education by introducing students to the sport of golf. They could be showed how to hold a golf club. They could take a field trip to a local golf course or have a pro come and speak to the class.

Potential Problems or Difficulties: No I don’t see any.

Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine

Book Genre: Biography

Publisher: Scholastic Press, January 2007

Awards and Nominations:

Notable Children's Books, 2008
Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2007
Top 10 Black History Books for Youth, 2008
Caldecott Honor Books, 2008

Summary:
Young Henry, born a slave, is sold to a new master. Separated from his mother, Henry meets a lovely young woman and establishes his own family. Sadly, his wife and children are sold to a new slave handler. Henry now aimless and desperate schemes up an unthinkable plan to freedom. Mailing himself in a box to Pennsylvania, Henry goes where so many have prayed and dreamed of, to freedom!

Personal Rating, ****Great! What a magnificent and touching piece of literature. The words in the text cause an immediate connection and emotional bond between the reader and Henry. You can feel his grief and triumphs throughout the book.

Reading Level: 3rd grade (A.R. Level 3.0)

Interest Level: K-5 grades

Possible uses of the text in integrated units of study:

Social Studies/Art: Have students work in groups to create their very own freedom box. Display a map of the U.S. and plot the route that Henry took to get to freedom. Reading/Writing: Have students illustrate a "Wanted" poster for Henry. Complete a KWL chart on slavery with your class prior to reading the text. Math: Have students compare the miles that it took Henry to get to Pennsylvania (350 miles) to how many miles it takes them to get from school to home.

Potential Problems or Difficulties: No potential problems.

A girl named Helen Keller by Margo Lundell

Book Genre: Biography
Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc, 42 pages

Summary: After an illness, Helen Keller is left blind and deaf. Her parents spoil her and give her what she wants. Finally, her parents contact the Perkins School for the Blind and ask them to send for a teacher. Anne Sullivan arrives and is determine to tame the rebellious Helen before she is able to help her. Anne attempts to teach Helen sign language, but Helen does not understand. Finally, Helen spells “water” and understands what it means. She suddenly wanted to know the signs for everything. Helen and Anne remained close friends until Anne died

Personal rating: **** The book has unique and colorful illustrations. Children will enjoy the simple sign-language alphabet on the back cover.

Reading level: 2.8
Interest level: K-2nd

Possible uses in reading and writing across the curriculum:
Teach students the sign-language alphabet. Encourage them to communicate with each other without speech.
Set up an obstacle course in another room or outside where students will not see it prior to the experience, have class get into pairs and blindfold one student. Without talking, each pair must work together to get through the obstacle course. After the experience, ask student to write in journals about the experience. How did they feel? Was it difficult to communicate? Were they able to work together?
Discuss with the class how Helen Keller gave lectures on supporting people who were deaf and blind, on women's rights and on pacifism. With the class, brainstorm issues in the world today which could use some public awareness or support. Have students choose one and write a speech, giving reasons why the issue needs support, and ideas for solutions. These speeches will be given in front of the class, on the last day of this unit, as a culminating event.

Potential Problems or Difficulties: There were no potentials problems or difficulties that I noticed.