The Man Who Loved Clowns by June Rae Wood
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info: G.P. Putnam's Sons New York
Awards or honors received: None noted
Summary: This book is about a young man named Punky who has down syndrome. He has a teenage cousin named Delrita that learns so much from Punky. Throughout the book they go through the heartbreak of losing Delrita's parents, who took great care of Punky. They were killed in a car crash suddenly and D.J. (what Punky calls Delrita) and Punky have to go live with their Aunt Queenie and Uncle Bert. This is a big change for Punky and DJ but they learn to adapt and actually learn to enjoy life. DJ finally decides to let someone get close to her, a little girl, named Avenelle, and lets her meet Punky. DJ has always been embrassed of Punky because he was different. DJ finally learns that Punky is a very capable human being and finally in the end when Punky passes away she sees what an impact Punky had not only on her life but on everyone he met. This is a very touching heart-felt story that makes the reader laugh and cry throughout the story.
Personal rating and reason for rating: Great book...probably one of the best I have ever read..I loved it and recommend it to anyone to read!!
Reading level: 5.1
Interest level: 5th grade through Adult
Possible uses of the text in integrated units of study (reading and writing across the curriculum): Our science classes at CMS read this book this year while studying genetics and genetic disorders. I also plan on reading it in my special education classes to help my students understand that even people with disabilities have a purpose in life and can have such an impact on others around them. I hope this book will help my students understand that everyone is different but everyone is human, who can care and love.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: The topic would need to be explained so that the students would understand some things about down syndrome and it's characteristics.
Showing posts with label Realistic Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Realistic Fiction. Show all posts
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Chalk Box Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Information: Random House Children's Books, Sept. 1987 (64pp.)
Awards/Honors:
Summary:
Gregory finds himself moving on his birthday. His father has lost his job, and they had to relocated closer to his new one. At first Gregory had his own room in his new house, but he wasn't able to keep it to himself. His Uncle Max came and took over. At his new school, things weren't going well for Gregory either. The only place Gregory felt at peace was the burn-out chalk factory behind his house.
Personal Rating: This is a great book. The book is so realistic that any child can find a way to relate to Gregory or one of the other character in the book.
Reading Level: 3.2
Interest Level: 3-5
Integrated Unit:
Science: Make chalk, learn about vegetable, and plant a vegetable garden
Reading and Writing: make and write about connections
Social Studies: Character Traits - Bullying
Math: Measuring ingredients for making chalk
Potential Problems of Difficulties: Difficult for students below reading level to read
Publishing Information: Random House Children's Books, Sept. 1987 (64pp.)
Awards/Honors:
Summary:
Gregory finds himself moving on his birthday. His father has lost his job, and they had to relocated closer to his new one. At first Gregory had his own room in his new house, but he wasn't able to keep it to himself. His Uncle Max came and took over. At his new school, things weren't going well for Gregory either. The only place Gregory felt at peace was the burn-out chalk factory behind his house.
Personal Rating: This is a great book. The book is so realistic that any child can find a way to relate to Gregory or one of the other character in the book.
Reading Level: 3.2
Interest Level: 3-5
Integrated Unit:
Science: Make chalk, learn about vegetable, and plant a vegetable garden
Reading and Writing: make and write about connections
Social Studies: Character Traits - Bullying
Math: Measuring ingredients for making chalk
Potential Problems of Difficulties: Difficult for students below reading level to read
Sunday, June 14, 2009
I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info.: Harper Collins Publishers, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This is a sweet story about a little pig named Owen who is nervous about going to school. His mom reminds him that no matter what kind of day he is having, good or bad, that she will love him no matter what and that she will be waiting for him with open arms when school is over.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! I loved this book. This would be a great book to read to children at the beginning of the year or to children who are having a difficult time adjusting to the school setting. The illustrations in this book are adorable and the heartwarming characters are sure to be a hit among young children.
Reading Level: 2.1
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This would be a great book to read and then have students write about how they felt on the first day of school. This could also be a great story to get children to open up and share their feelings about being away from parents. Socialization would be the focus of this lesson. If this book was being used at the beginning of the year, an art lesson could be used by students creating a painting mural of their first day at school.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I see no problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Harper Collins Publishers, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This is a sweet story about a little pig named Owen who is nervous about going to school. His mom reminds him that no matter what kind of day he is having, good or bad, that she will love him no matter what and that she will be waiting for him with open arms when school is over.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! I loved this book. This would be a great book to read to children at the beginning of the year or to children who are having a difficult time adjusting to the school setting. The illustrations in this book are adorable and the heartwarming characters are sure to be a hit among young children.
Reading Level: 2.1
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This would be a great book to read and then have students write about how they felt on the first day of school. This could also be a great story to get children to open up and share their feelings about being away from parents. Socialization would be the focus of this lesson. If this book was being used at the beginning of the year, an art lesson could be used by students creating a painting mural of their first day at school.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I see no problems or difficulties with this book.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a little girl who loves to visit her grandmother in Michigan. However, bad storms pop up there and the little girl is terrified of them. One day, a bad storm is coming and her grandmother tells her they have a thunder cake to bake. She tells her granddaughter that they need to go out to the farmhouse and gather all of the ingredients. They must hurry, because the thunder cake has to be in the oven before the storm arrives. The grandmother and granddaughter do make the cake in enough time. The grandmother tells the little girl how brave she was and the little girl also realizes that she was brave. From then on, she was never afraid of thunderstorms again.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! I loved this story. This story showed the love of a grandmother and how she wanted to get her granddaughter's mind off of something that she was terrified of. It worked and the grandmother and granddaughter had a new tradition when it came to storms. These two characters definitely had a strong bond and thier love for one another was evident throughout the book. I think that young children could relate this story to something special that they do with their grandparents.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: 1-3
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story could be used during a weather unit when discussing storms. The book talked about how you can count between lightning and thunder to see how far away the storm is. Farm animals could also be integrated because the book talked about going out to the farmhouse and gathering eggs from the hen and getting milk from the cow. Writing could be incorporated by having students to write about a time that their grandmother or grandfather helped them to not be afraid or made them feel special. There is a recipe at the end of the story for Thunder Cake (I cannot wait to try it). If your school permits using the cafeteria, you could bring in the ingredients and incorporate math by allowing the students to measure out the correct amounts. If not, you could always bake the cake at home the night before and have it ready for students to try after reading this story to them.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
The recipe for Thunder Cake is also available if you google it online.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a little girl who loves to visit her grandmother in Michigan. However, bad storms pop up there and the little girl is terrified of them. One day, a bad storm is coming and her grandmother tells her they have a thunder cake to bake. She tells her granddaughter that they need to go out to the farmhouse and gather all of the ingredients. They must hurry, because the thunder cake has to be in the oven before the storm arrives. The grandmother and granddaughter do make the cake in enough time. The grandmother tells the little girl how brave she was and the little girl also realizes that she was brave. From then on, she was never afraid of thunderstorms again.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! I loved this story. This story showed the love of a grandmother and how she wanted to get her granddaughter's mind off of something that she was terrified of. It worked and the grandmother and granddaughter had a new tradition when it came to storms. These two characters definitely had a strong bond and thier love for one another was evident throughout the book. I think that young children could relate this story to something special that they do with their grandparents.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: 1-3
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story could be used during a weather unit when discussing storms. The book talked about how you can count between lightning and thunder to see how far away the storm is. Farm animals could also be integrated because the book talked about going out to the farmhouse and gathering eggs from the hen and getting milk from the cow. Writing could be incorporated by having students to write about a time that their grandmother or grandfather helped them to not be afraid or made them feel special. There is a recipe at the end of the story for Thunder Cake (I cannot wait to try it). If your school permits using the cafeteria, you could bring in the ingredients and incorporate math by allowing the students to measure out the correct amounts. If not, you could always bake the cake at home the night before and have it ready for students to try after reading this story to them.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
The recipe for Thunder Cake is also available if you google it online.
The Leaving Morning by Angela Johnson
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info.: Orchard Books, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a mom, dad, brother, and sister who are moving. The children talk about how they have helped pack their things and told everyone in their neighborhood good-bye. When the moving day finally arrives, the family gets up early and watches as movers take their things. Before leaving their apartment, the children leave lip prints on the window. They also leave lip prints on a window in the deli. The story implies that this is their way of saying good-bye.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This story gives children a glimpse into what it would be like to move. The reader can feel the sadness that these children have, but at the same time, excitement that they are going somewhere new. The illustrations in this book are not the best, although they do get a little better as the story goes on.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great story to read if a student in your class were moving, or if you had just received a new student in your class. It could give children who have never experienced moving some background knowledge about what it is like. Writing could be integrated by students writing about a time they moved, or if they could move anywhere in the world, where they would like to go. Social studies could be tied in with this reading by looking at maps to find cool places to live, and technology could also be incorporated by students researching and finding out facts about a new place to live.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficuties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Orchard Books, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a mom, dad, brother, and sister who are moving. The children talk about how they have helped pack their things and told everyone in their neighborhood good-bye. When the moving day finally arrives, the family gets up early and watches as movers take their things. Before leaving their apartment, the children leave lip prints on the window. They also leave lip prints on a window in the deli. The story implies that this is their way of saying good-bye.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This story gives children a glimpse into what it would be like to move. The reader can feel the sadness that these children have, but at the same time, excitement that they are going somewhere new. The illustrations in this book are not the best, although they do get a little better as the story goes on.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great story to read if a student in your class were moving, or if you had just received a new student in your class. It could give children who have never experienced moving some background knowledge about what it is like. Writing could be integrated by students writing about a time they moved, or if they could move anywhere in the world, where they would like to go. Social studies could be tied in with this reading by looking at maps to find cool places to live, and technology could also be incorporated by students researching and finding out facts about a new place to live.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficuties with this book.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Grandfather's Journey by: Allen Say
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info: Houghton Mifflin Company (32 pages)
Awards or Honors: Caldecott Medal Book
Summary: This is a touching story written through a grandson's eyes about his grandfather. It begins with the grandfather (a young man) leaving Japan for America. The grandfather travels across the Pacific Ocean for 3 weeks and explores North America by train, riverboat, and walking. Eventually he makes it to California and decides that that is his favorite place of all. However, he soon becomes homesick for Japan and decides to return for a visit. Once back in Japan he marries his childhood sweetheart and they return to America. They make a home in San Francisco Bay and have a daughter. But once again, he becomes homesick for Japan. So, they return with the daughter. The daughter falls in love, marries, and has Allen Say. As Mr. Say grows up he frequently visits his grandfather and hears wonderful tales of America. The grandfather misses America so much that he plans once more to go. However, the war (WWII)begins and he cannot make the journey. Finally, as Allen Say becomes a young man he decides to make that journey for himself and see America. Just as his grandfather did, Mr. Say is in one land only to long to be in the other. At last, he truly understands his grandfather. Along with the wonderful story, there are beautiful watercolors through out the story of all the places that the grandfather visits.
Personal Rating & Reason: ****Great! I really like this book. It brings a new light to what our children are so used to seeing everyday, the norm. The story lets them view things, scenes, and lives through another person's perspective. There is also the additive of being introduced/revisiting a different culture and time from their own. In addition, there are a lot of beautiful watercolors through out the story. They really help give a very vivid visualization.
Reading Level: K-3 (4.2 AR)
Reading Interest: ages 4-8 years
Possible Uses: This book could be used in across the curriculum in many ways.
Social Studies: You could use this book as an introduction to the study of World War II.
SS Additional: Plus, you could use this book to create a timeline for Allen Say's grandfather. The events could be taken and placed on a Flow Map. Then you could have the students create time lines of their own lives.
Technology: As an extended computer lesson you could have the children research their heritage and create family trees.
History/Writing: Once the students have researched their families origin, have them research the country. How is it similar to America? Are there any major differences? Would you like to visit, why? You could also have them make a journal of what they think their ancestors went through (good times, visits, hardships, etc.). And why do they think they chose to come to America.
Art: On the title page of the book there is an origami boat. You could introduce the students to the art of origami and then have them create their own items with origami.
Art Additional: The entire book is illustrated with awesome watercolors. You could branch off using this idea and let the children experiment with the medium of watercolors. Introduce techniques used by artists to create depth and light....
Science: This could also lead to a science lesson....many artists make their own paints, canvases and papers. You could show how fruits could be used to get colors for painting (blueberries make an awesome dark blue/purple hue). Plus, there could be a lesson in paper making (toilet tissue, water, and a window screen) works best in a time constraint situation.
Potential Problems: None at this time.
Publishing Info: Houghton Mifflin Company (32 pages)
Awards or Honors: Caldecott Medal Book
Summary: This is a touching story written through a grandson's eyes about his grandfather. It begins with the grandfather (a young man) leaving Japan for America. The grandfather travels across the Pacific Ocean for 3 weeks and explores North America by train, riverboat, and walking. Eventually he makes it to California and decides that that is his favorite place of all. However, he soon becomes homesick for Japan and decides to return for a visit. Once back in Japan he marries his childhood sweetheart and they return to America. They make a home in San Francisco Bay and have a daughter. But once again, he becomes homesick for Japan. So, they return with the daughter. The daughter falls in love, marries, and has Allen Say. As Mr. Say grows up he frequently visits his grandfather and hears wonderful tales of America. The grandfather misses America so much that he plans once more to go. However, the war (WWII)begins and he cannot make the journey. Finally, as Allen Say becomes a young man he decides to make that journey for himself and see America. Just as his grandfather did, Mr. Say is in one land only to long to be in the other. At last, he truly understands his grandfather. Along with the wonderful story, there are beautiful watercolors through out the story of all the places that the grandfather visits.
Personal Rating & Reason: ****Great! I really like this book. It brings a new light to what our children are so used to seeing everyday, the norm. The story lets them view things, scenes, and lives through another person's perspective. There is also the additive of being introduced/revisiting a different culture and time from their own. In addition, there are a lot of beautiful watercolors through out the story. They really help give a very vivid visualization.
Reading Level: K-3 (4.2 AR)
Reading Interest: ages 4-8 years
Possible Uses: This book could be used in across the curriculum in many ways.
Social Studies: You could use this book as an introduction to the study of World War II.
SS Additional: Plus, you could use this book to create a timeline for Allen Say's grandfather. The events could be taken and placed on a Flow Map. Then you could have the students create time lines of their own lives.
Technology: As an extended computer lesson you could have the children research their heritage and create family trees.
History/Writing: Once the students have researched their families origin, have them research the country. How is it similar to America? Are there any major differences? Would you like to visit, why? You could also have them make a journal of what they think their ancestors went through (good times, visits, hardships, etc.). And why do they think they chose to come to America.
Art: On the title page of the book there is an origami boat. You could introduce the students to the art of origami and then have them create their own items with origami.
Art Additional: The entire book is illustrated with awesome watercolors. You could branch off using this idea and let the children experiment with the medium of watercolors. Introduce techniques used by artists to create depth and light....
Science: This could also lead to a science lesson....many artists make their own paints, canvases and papers. You could show how fruits could be used to get colors for painting (blueberries make an awesome dark blue/purple hue). Plus, there could be a lesson in paper making (toilet tissue, water, and a window screen) works best in a time constraint situation.
Potential Problems: None at this time.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Leaving Morning by Angela Johnson
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc, 32 pages
Awards or honors received: None
Summary: A family is moving away. The book describes in detail the feelings and emotions the children had while saying goodbye to everyone they know, and pack up the moving truck.
Personal rating and reason for rating: *** Good. This book is an awesome read aloud.
Reading level: 2.9
Interest level: K-3 (lower grades)
Possible uses of the text in integrated units of study (reading and writing across the curriculum): This would be a good book to read before a writing lesson on adding detail, feeling or emotions.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I don’t see any problems or difficulties.
Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc, 32 pages
Awards or honors received: None
Summary: A family is moving away. The book describes in detail the feelings and emotions the children had while saying goodbye to everyone they know, and pack up the moving truck.
Personal rating and reason for rating: *** Good. This book is an awesome read aloud.
Reading level: 2.9
Interest level: K-3 (lower grades)
Possible uses of the text in integrated units of study (reading and writing across the curriculum): This would be a good book to read before a writing lesson on adding detail, feeling or emotions.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I don’t see any problems or difficulties.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Alejandro's Gift by Richard E. Albert
Title: Alejandro's Gift
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publisher: Chronicle Books (March 1, 1996)
Pages: 40
Awards: N/A
Summary: Alejandro is an older man living out in the desert. He is very ;onely and his days pass slowly. One day Alejandro decides to plant a garden and too his surprise it brings with it and unexpected "gift". Alejandro realizes that his "gift of the gardern and watering hole has become home to a varitey of desert animals who soon become his friends.
Persaonal Rating: ***Good. Lessons to be learned doing something nice for others. I like that you can tie in a variety of subjects with this book.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: 2nd thru 4th grade
Reading/writing: The students did a character anaylsis of Alejandro comparing him at the beginning and the end of the story. This is a great story to use to discuss narrative story elements such as setting, character, problem, solution, etc. Also I used a cause and effect lesson with this story.
Science: The students looked a various other deserts and did a compare/contrast activity. Not lonly we did compare and contrast the deserts we researched but the one in from our story as well.
Writing: We wrote letters to Alejandro.
Problems/Difficulties: None
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publisher: Chronicle Books (March 1, 1996)
Pages: 40
Awards: N/A
Summary: Alejandro is an older man living out in the desert. He is very ;onely and his days pass slowly. One day Alejandro decides to plant a garden and too his surprise it brings with it and unexpected "gift". Alejandro realizes that his "gift of the gardern and watering hole has become home to a varitey of desert animals who soon become his friends.
Persaonal Rating: ***Good. Lessons to be learned doing something nice for others. I like that you can tie in a variety of subjects with this book.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: 2nd thru 4th grade
Reading/writing: The students did a character anaylsis of Alejandro comparing him at the beginning and the end of the story. This is a great story to use to discuss narrative story elements such as setting, character, problem, solution, etc. Also I used a cause and effect lesson with this story.
Science: The students looked a various other deserts and did a compare/contrast activity. Not lonly we did compare and contrast the deserts we researched but the one in from our story as well.
Writing: We wrote letters to Alejandro.
Problems/Difficulties: None
Friday, May 29, 2009
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publisher Information: Puffin Books, 1976 ( 62 pages)
Awards: The Caldecott Medal
Summary: Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are looking for that special place to have and raise their baby ducks. They fly quite a distance before finally deciding on the Public Gardens in Boston. They don't find much to eat there until a giant swan with people on float by and they begin to throw peanuts at the ducks. They love the peanuts and follow the giant swan all around the park. But when they get out of the pond, they are almost run over by a boy on a bike. This will never do for Mrs. Mallard, she needs a safer place for her babies. They flew over Beacon Hill, Louisburg Square, all over Boston until they see the Charles River with an island just perfect for their family. Mrs. Mallard takes care of her eight eggs until they hatch and then decide the chicks are old enough to live in the Public Gardens. Together all eight babies follow their mother to the edge of the river and then march single file to the Public Gardens. Unfortunately the babies can't fly so they must cross a major highway on foot. The cars don't even slow down for the mother and their babies until Officer Michael goes into the street and stops the cars to let the family cross. They make their way to Mr. Mallard, already waiting for them and the whole family settles into their new home.
Personal Rating And Reason: (**** Great) This book is special to me because a cousin from Boston gave it to me and after seeing the procession of ducks make their way through Boston, it is quite an unusual sight. For those not fortunate enough to see the ducklings in action, it is still a good story. Even the smallest of animals deserve their rights in our public domain.
Reading Level: 4.1
Interest Level: Ages 4-8
Possible uses of text in integrated units of study:
Geography: Where is Boston? What is the climate there? Do you think the harbor would make a difference in the city's economy? Good discussion questions for the class. Also, pictures of the coast line would make an interesting study of topography.
History: There are so many historical events associated with Boston that small groups could pick a topic of interest, research it, and present it to the class. Also, there are numerous historical figures for biographies to be presented to the class.
Theatre: Students could write or read a reader's theatre play in costume while enacting historical events.
Science: Students could study ducks, their habitat, and what kinds of ducks are indigenous to our area. Baby ducks could be hatched as part of the unit. Also, migration, a mystery to the common man, offers so many possibilities as to, who is the leader of the group, how do they know when and where to migrate? Has global warning affected migrating patterns? These are good discussion and study questions for the students.
Math: If Mrs. Mallard had 12 eggs, if 2 were brown and 4 were speckled, how many were solid white. What percentage is each amount? Using the eggs could be a good percentage prop.
Reading: Book lists of The Boston Tea Party, Benjamin Franklin's Many Inventions, Paul Revere and the Minute Men, are but a few of the many books that could be read in relation to Boston's history.
Writing: Writing Prompt: The most interesting person or thing about Boston in the 1700's is...
Music: Use a DVD to play the Boston Pops for music appreciation and performance.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: None
Publisher Information: Puffin Books, 1976 ( 62 pages)
Awards: The Caldecott Medal
Summary: Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are looking for that special place to have and raise their baby ducks. They fly quite a distance before finally deciding on the Public Gardens in Boston. They don't find much to eat there until a giant swan with people on float by and they begin to throw peanuts at the ducks. They love the peanuts and follow the giant swan all around the park. But when they get out of the pond, they are almost run over by a boy on a bike. This will never do for Mrs. Mallard, she needs a safer place for her babies. They flew over Beacon Hill, Louisburg Square, all over Boston until they see the Charles River with an island just perfect for their family. Mrs. Mallard takes care of her eight eggs until they hatch and then decide the chicks are old enough to live in the Public Gardens. Together all eight babies follow their mother to the edge of the river and then march single file to the Public Gardens. Unfortunately the babies can't fly so they must cross a major highway on foot. The cars don't even slow down for the mother and their babies until Officer Michael goes into the street and stops the cars to let the family cross. They make their way to Mr. Mallard, already waiting for them and the whole family settles into their new home.
Personal Rating And Reason: (**** Great) This book is special to me because a cousin from Boston gave it to me and after seeing the procession of ducks make their way through Boston, it is quite an unusual sight. For those not fortunate enough to see the ducklings in action, it is still a good story. Even the smallest of animals deserve their rights in our public domain.
Reading Level: 4.1
Interest Level: Ages 4-8
Possible uses of text in integrated units of study:
Geography: Where is Boston? What is the climate there? Do you think the harbor would make a difference in the city's economy? Good discussion questions for the class. Also, pictures of the coast line would make an interesting study of topography.
History: There are so many historical events associated with Boston that small groups could pick a topic of interest, research it, and present it to the class. Also, there are numerous historical figures for biographies to be presented to the class.
Theatre: Students could write or read a reader's theatre play in costume while enacting historical events.
Science: Students could study ducks, their habitat, and what kinds of ducks are indigenous to our area. Baby ducks could be hatched as part of the unit. Also, migration, a mystery to the common man, offers so many possibilities as to, who is the leader of the group, how do they know when and where to migrate? Has global warning affected migrating patterns? These are good discussion and study questions for the students.
Math: If Mrs. Mallard had 12 eggs, if 2 were brown and 4 were speckled, how many were solid white. What percentage is each amount? Using the eggs could be a good percentage prop.
Reading: Book lists of The Boston Tea Party, Benjamin Franklin's Many Inventions, Paul Revere and the Minute Men, are but a few of the many books that could be read in relation to Boston's history.
Writing: Writing Prompt: The most interesting person or thing about Boston in the 1700's is...
Music: Use a DVD to play the Boston Pops for music appreciation and performance.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: None
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publisher Information: Scholastic, Inc. (182 pgs)
Awards/Honors: Newberry Honor Book
Summary: This is a story about a little girl, named Opal, who lives with her daddy who is a preacher. They had just moved to Naomi, Florida and this little girl finds a dog in their local grocery store. The dog becomes the one stable thing in her life and helps her to become the strong-willed young lady that she needs to be.
Throughout the book, Opal befriends people from many different walks of life and therefore begins to learn a lot about herself and about life. At the beginning of the story she misses her mother very much, but as this story continues she learns to let go of her past and hold onto her future, all with the help of a dog!
Reading Level: 3.9
Interest Level: 3-5
Personal Rating: ****Great book!!! Really sweet plot!
Integration:
Writing: Create a newspaper article that covers the scene where Opal finds Winn-Dixie in the grocery store.
Write a letter to the preacher explaining why you wanted to work at Gertrude's Pets making sure that there are supportive reasons as to why you should work there and proof of your plan.
Math: You could create prices for the dog collar and leash that Opal wants to buy Winn-Dixie and help the owner of the pet shop come up with an installment plan so that Winn-Dixie can have a new collar and leash.
Culminating Activity: Dog Party-You could host a Dog Party that resembled the one that Opal had at the end of the story. This allows students to pay special attention to details.
Possible problems: None
Publisher Information: Scholastic, Inc. (182 pgs)
Awards/Honors: Newberry Honor Book
Summary: This is a story about a little girl, named Opal, who lives with her daddy who is a preacher. They had just moved to Naomi, Florida and this little girl finds a dog in their local grocery store. The dog becomes the one stable thing in her life and helps her to become the strong-willed young lady that she needs to be.
Throughout the book, Opal befriends people from many different walks of life and therefore begins to learn a lot about herself and about life. At the beginning of the story she misses her mother very much, but as this story continues she learns to let go of her past and hold onto her future, all with the help of a dog!
Reading Level: 3.9
Interest Level: 3-5
Personal Rating: ****Great book!!! Really sweet plot!
Integration:
Writing: Create a newspaper article that covers the scene where Opal finds Winn-Dixie in the grocery store.
Write a letter to the preacher explaining why you wanted to work at Gertrude's Pets making sure that there are supportive reasons as to why you should work there and proof of your plan.
Math: You could create prices for the dog collar and leash that Opal wants to buy Winn-Dixie and help the owner of the pet shop come up with an installment plan so that Winn-Dixie can have a new collar and leash.
Culminating Activity: Dog Party-You could host a Dog Party that resembled the one that Opal had at the end of the story. This allows students to pay special attention to details.
Possible problems: None
Stellaluna by Jannell Cannon
Book Genre: Fiction
Publisher Information: Harcourt Brace and Company, 1957 (44 pages)
Summary: Stellaluna is a baby bat that falls from her mother's breast during an attack from an owl. She lands in nest of baby birds and becomes the newest addition to the family. She did not like insects for dinner, or sleeping at night and being awake all day, and not sleeping upside down was especially hard for her. One day she even convinced her bird brothers and sisters to try sleeping upside down, to their mother's dismay. When it was time to learn how to fly to leave the nest, flying came very naturally for Stellaluna, but landing on a branch was another problem. She was embarrassed that she could not be just like the rest of her family, and flew far away. She rested in a tree, hanging by her fingers and fell asleep. Awakened by another bat, Stellaluna was quickly corrected that the reason she could not do things like a bird is because she is a bat! She was reunited with her mother, ate juicy mangoes insect of worms, could fly and see at night, and suddenly Stellaluna had found her place in the world.
Personal Rating: (**** Great) This is one of those books you will keep forever. The theme is universal in that we all try to fit in even when we aren't sure who we really are, but as we grow into ourselves, we discover that we are unique in many ways and that we have our own special place in this world. This is a good book for those children who feel insecure about themselves. The illustrations are so good in this book, you will find youseld actually liking bats. Also, it would be a great read aloud on a dark night!
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: ages 4-10
Possible integration of text into units of study:
Science: There a notes about the 800 varieties of bats in the back of this book. Bats would be a great study subject during Halloween. They are usually hated by many and represent evil, but bats are crucial in the balance of our eco-system.
Reading: Students will find books related to bats for a reading list.
Field trip to the local Museum for an exhibit on bats near Halloween.
Writing: Writing prompt after bat study: Bats are important to us because they....
Art: Students will construct a bat using glue, black and brown tissue paper, hangers, plastic eyes and pipe cleaners. These will be tied with string and suspended from the ceiling during Halloween.
Possible problems or difficulties: None that I am able to forsee.
Publisher Information: Harcourt Brace and Company, 1957 (44 pages)
Summary: Stellaluna is a baby bat that falls from her mother's breast during an attack from an owl. She lands in nest of baby birds and becomes the newest addition to the family. She did not like insects for dinner, or sleeping at night and being awake all day, and not sleeping upside down was especially hard for her. One day she even convinced her bird brothers and sisters to try sleeping upside down, to their mother's dismay. When it was time to learn how to fly to leave the nest, flying came very naturally for Stellaluna, but landing on a branch was another problem. She was embarrassed that she could not be just like the rest of her family, and flew far away. She rested in a tree, hanging by her fingers and fell asleep. Awakened by another bat, Stellaluna was quickly corrected that the reason she could not do things like a bird is because she is a bat! She was reunited with her mother, ate juicy mangoes insect of worms, could fly and see at night, and suddenly Stellaluna had found her place in the world.
Personal Rating: (**** Great) This is one of those books you will keep forever. The theme is universal in that we all try to fit in even when we aren't sure who we really are, but as we grow into ourselves, we discover that we are unique in many ways and that we have our own special place in this world. This is a good book for those children who feel insecure about themselves. The illustrations are so good in this book, you will find youseld actually liking bats. Also, it would be a great read aloud on a dark night!
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: ages 4-10
Possible integration of text into units of study:
Science: There a notes about the 800 varieties of bats in the back of this book. Bats would be a great study subject during Halloween. They are usually hated by many and represent evil, but bats are crucial in the balance of our eco-system.
Reading: Students will find books related to bats for a reading list.
Field trip to the local Museum for an exhibit on bats near Halloween.
Writing: Writing prompt after bat study: Bats are important to us because they....
Art: Students will construct a bat using glue, black and brown tissue paper, hangers, plastic eyes and pipe cleaners. These will be tied with string and suspended from the ceiling during Halloween.
Possible problems or difficulties: None that I am able to forsee.
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publisher Information: First Aladdin Paperbacks (138 pgs)
Awards/Honors: Newberry Medal, An American Library Association Notable Children's Book
Summary: This is a sweet story about a little boy, Mary Preston, who finds a beagle while playing in the woods behind his house. He falls in love with this puppy and calls him Shiloh. This dog comes with lots of trouble. This little puppy is owned by an alcoholic named Judd Travers who is very aggressive, abuses dogs, and owns a gun. Shiloh ends up running away to Marty, and Marty knows he just has to keep him hidden and protected from his mean, abusive, owner. This secret is too much for one little boy to handle and so he puts his whole family in the line of Judd's horrific anger. This story is about Marty's adventure to protect little Shiloh.
Personal Rating: **** This book is a great feel good book, but be careful while reading aloud and have some tissues!
Reading Level: 4.4
Interest Level: 3-5
Integration Ideas:
Reading: Have students do an animal rights research report. This can be a group effort or an individual project. Have them research the laws that protect animals and figure out who they would contact if they were in Marty's position (knowing someone is harming an animal on purpose).
Art: You can make a montage (a picture made up of many separate pictures) that tells the viewer about your family/community. Then have students share and compare their families to Marty's family.
Writing: Discuss dialect and Nonstandard English. You can choose some quotes from the story and have the students discuss in small groups what that sentence or quote means and how it fits appropriately in the story.
Possible problems: There are a few inappropriate words, so if conducting this as a read aloud just skip them...just remember this if the students are reading aloud with this story.
Publisher Information: First Aladdin Paperbacks (138 pgs)
Awards/Honors: Newberry Medal, An American Library Association Notable Children's Book
Summary: This is a sweet story about a little boy, Mary Preston, who finds a beagle while playing in the woods behind his house. He falls in love with this puppy and calls him Shiloh. This dog comes with lots of trouble. This little puppy is owned by an alcoholic named Judd Travers who is very aggressive, abuses dogs, and owns a gun. Shiloh ends up running away to Marty, and Marty knows he just has to keep him hidden and protected from his mean, abusive, owner. This secret is too much for one little boy to handle and so he puts his whole family in the line of Judd's horrific anger. This story is about Marty's adventure to protect little Shiloh.
Personal Rating: **** This book is a great feel good book, but be careful while reading aloud and have some tissues!
Reading Level: 4.4
Interest Level: 3-5
Integration Ideas:
Reading: Have students do an animal rights research report. This can be a group effort or an individual project. Have them research the laws that protect animals and figure out who they would contact if they were in Marty's position (knowing someone is harming an animal on purpose).
Art: You can make a montage (a picture made up of many separate pictures) that tells the viewer about your family/community. Then have students share and compare their families to Marty's family.
Writing: Discuss dialect and Nonstandard English. You can choose some quotes from the story and have the students discuss in small groups what that sentence or quote means and how it fits appropriately in the story.
Possible problems: There are a few inappropriate words, so if conducting this as a read aloud just skip them...just remember this if the students are reading aloud with this story.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Centerfield Ballhawk by Matt Christopher
Title: Centerfield Ballhawk by Matt Christopher
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards/Honors: na
Summary: This story is about a young boy who discovers that his dad is very proud of reguardless of his ability to be a great hitter like his father. jose Mendez is struggling with being great at hitting homeruns like his dad. Through the story Jose learns that it his character andd his ability to catch baseballs in the outfield that makes him special.
Jose realizes when his father comes to one of his baseball games that his father is proud of his accomphlisments.
Personal Rating: *** Good.
Reading Level: 3.4
Interest Level: 2nd- 5th
Reading: The students will access prior knowledge about baseball and ways we try to please our parents. This allows the students to make connections to real life.
The students talk about ways we can be teammates and offer examples ways we have been a teammate. Using the following website students decide how to be a good teammate or what makes a bad teammate. http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/book_buddy/centerfield/building.html
Writing: Students complete a writing/sequencing activity on this website.
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/trophies/rsr/new_news3_a.html
Students complete a daily writing journal on teamwork. The students write an imaginative story "You hit a homerun inn a baseball game and the ball suddenly starts to grow bigger. Write a story about what happens. Be sure to a beginning, middle, and an end.
Students use the computers to research youth baseball.
Social Studies: Students will compare and contrast their role in their family and their community. Students will identify characteristics of what makes a good citizen and think of ways they can impact their community.
Problem/Difficulities: N/A
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards/Honors: na
Summary: This story is about a young boy who discovers that his dad is very proud of reguardless of his ability to be a great hitter like his father. jose Mendez is struggling with being great at hitting homeruns like his dad. Through the story Jose learns that it his character andd his ability to catch baseballs in the outfield that makes him special.
Jose realizes when his father comes to one of his baseball games that his father is proud of his accomphlisments.
Personal Rating: *** Good.
Reading Level: 3.4
Interest Level: 2nd- 5th
Reading: The students will access prior knowledge about baseball and ways we try to please our parents. This allows the students to make connections to real life.
The students talk about ways we can be teammates and offer examples ways we have been a teammate. Using the following website students decide how to be a good teammate or what makes a bad teammate. http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/book_buddy/centerfield/building.html
Writing: Students complete a writing/sequencing activity on this website.
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/trophies/rsr/new_news3_a.html
Students complete a daily writing journal on teamwork. The students write an imaginative story "You hit a homerun inn a baseball game and the ball suddenly starts to grow bigger. Write a story about what happens. Be sure to a beginning, middle, and an end.
Students use the computers to research youth baseball.
Social Studies: Students will compare and contrast their role in their family and their community. Students will identify characteristics of what makes a good citizen and think of ways they can impact their community.
Problem/Difficulities: N/A
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Stone Fox
Title/Author: Stone Fox, John Reynolds Gardiner
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publisher: HarperTrophy is a registered trade mark of HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
pages: 83
Awards/Honors: NA
Summary: A young boy struggles to keep his grandfather's farm from being taken due to taxes owed. He decides to enter a dog sled race in which the prize money is enough to save his grandfather's farm and his grandfather's life. The boy encounters many obstacles along his journey and learns a lesson in the greatest sacrifice one can make.
Personal Rating: ****Great!!! I loved this book and so did my students. Near the end of the story we were all crying when the greatest sacrifice is made.
Reading Level: 4.0
Interest Level: third grade to sixth grade
Problem/Difficulties: When the dog dies at the end of the story some of the children became emotional. It was overwhelming, but sad for some. It did give some of them a chance to share personal experiences.
Reading activities: There is a comprehension quiz that is given for every two chapters of the story. Character Analysis of Little Willy and also a character comparison of Little Willy and Stone Fox.
Math Activities: The students complete various exercises that involve taxes. The students also make Twice-Baked Potatoes. They need to measure the ingredients and follow the directions for time and temperature.
The students create a daily schedule of Little Willy's activities and the amount of time he spends on each of his daily activities. The children have to factor elasped time.
Art: Design a T-Shirt that could be given out as part of your entry in a dog sled race.
Writing: Write a different ending to the story, write letter to Little willy encouraging him to do his best, Write a letter for the town newspaper describing the dog sled race.
Social Studies: Locate on the map, Complete a KWL chart of Wyoming, plan route that would take the dog sled racers to various parts of the United States, Find other areas that hold dog sled races and compare and contrast.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publisher: HarperTrophy is a registered trade mark of HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
pages: 83
Awards/Honors: NA
Summary: A young boy struggles to keep his grandfather's farm from being taken due to taxes owed. He decides to enter a dog sled race in which the prize money is enough to save his grandfather's farm and his grandfather's life. The boy encounters many obstacles along his journey and learns a lesson in the greatest sacrifice one can make.
Personal Rating: ****Great!!! I loved this book and so did my students. Near the end of the story we were all crying when the greatest sacrifice is made.
Reading Level: 4.0
Interest Level: third grade to sixth grade
Problem/Difficulties: When the dog dies at the end of the story some of the children became emotional. It was overwhelming, but sad for some. It did give some of them a chance to share personal experiences.
Reading activities: There is a comprehension quiz that is given for every two chapters of the story. Character Analysis of Little Willy and also a character comparison of Little Willy and Stone Fox.
Math Activities: The students complete various exercises that involve taxes. The students also make Twice-Baked Potatoes. They need to measure the ingredients and follow the directions for time and temperature.
The students create a daily schedule of Little Willy's activities and the amount of time he spends on each of his daily activities. The children have to factor elasped time.
Art: Design a T-Shirt that could be given out as part of your entry in a dog sled race.
Writing: Write a different ending to the story, write letter to Little willy encouraging him to do his best, Write a letter for the town newspaper describing the dog sled race.
Social Studies: Locate on the map, Complete a KWL chart of Wyoming, plan route that would take the dog sled racers to various parts of the United States, Find other areas that hold dog sled races and compare and contrast.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: This book has received many honors and has won awards for The Maryland Children's Book Award and Virginia Young Readers.
Summary: This story depicts a playground bully, Mean Jean, who everyone is afraid of. No one wants to play with Mean Jean on the playground because she beats up children and says mean things. Recess is not a fun time for these children until a new girl, Katie Sue, comes along. She is the only child who will stand up to Mean Jean, and she actually wants to be her friend. Mean Jean does not know what to think because no one ever asks her to play. Mean Jean meets her match with Katie Sue, while at the same time, finding a friend. Once Katie Sue stands up to Mean Jean, things change for the better and all of the children enjoy recess time.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This book has hilarious illustrations and uses silly words throughout the story. The text also includes some rhyming words which appeal to young readers. Young children can relate to this book because they can usually think of a time when someone was not being nice on the playground. What is so great about this book is that not only does the story show why no one likes a bully, but it also shows that even bullies want to have friends and be accepted by others. This story is a great way to practice social skills at the beginning of the year and discuss appropriate behavior on the playground.
Reading Level: 2.6
Interest Level: Pre-K-3
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great way to introduce a lesson about treating others with respect, what it means to be a good friend, or playgroud rules. After reading the story, the students could think about a time that someone was not nice to them on the playground, or about a time when they themselves were not nice to someone on the playground. The students could illustrate and write about how they felt to be bullied, or why they have been a bully. This story could also be used as an introduction to classrom rules and the students could help the teacher write the rules for the class, if the teacher chooses to manage his/her classroom in that way.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: At this time, I can not find any potential problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: This book has received many honors and has won awards for The Maryland Children's Book Award and Virginia Young Readers.
Summary: This story depicts a playground bully, Mean Jean, who everyone is afraid of. No one wants to play with Mean Jean on the playground because she beats up children and says mean things. Recess is not a fun time for these children until a new girl, Katie Sue, comes along. She is the only child who will stand up to Mean Jean, and she actually wants to be her friend. Mean Jean does not know what to think because no one ever asks her to play. Mean Jean meets her match with Katie Sue, while at the same time, finding a friend. Once Katie Sue stands up to Mean Jean, things change for the better and all of the children enjoy recess time.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This book has hilarious illustrations and uses silly words throughout the story. The text also includes some rhyming words which appeal to young readers. Young children can relate to this book because they can usually think of a time when someone was not being nice on the playground. What is so great about this book is that not only does the story show why no one likes a bully, but it also shows that even bullies want to have friends and be accepted by others. This story is a great way to practice social skills at the beginning of the year and discuss appropriate behavior on the playground.
Reading Level: 2.6
Interest Level: Pre-K-3
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great way to introduce a lesson about treating others with respect, what it means to be a good friend, or playgroud rules. After reading the story, the students could think about a time that someone was not nice to them on the playground, or about a time when they themselves were not nice to someone on the playground. The students could illustrate and write about how they felt to be bullied, or why they have been a bully. This story could also be used as an introduction to classrom rules and the students could help the teacher write the rules for the class, if the teacher chooses to manage his/her classroom in that way.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: At this time, I can not find any potential problems or difficulties with this book.
I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info.: Putnam, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: None
Summary: This is a story about a little boy Alex, who would like to have his friend’s iguana when he moves away. Throughout the book, Alex is writing letters to his mother, with reasons why he believes he should have this iguana. Alex's mother then writes him back to his letters, counteracting each one of his arguments. After many letters, and brief conversation between Alex and his mother, Alex is given a note from his mother telling him to look on his dresser. He goes into his room and there is an iguana on his dresser. His persuasive letters to his mother had worked!
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This is a really fun story, showing the determination of a child and the love of a parent. The author did an awesome job of using humor and persuasive arguments of a child to tell the story of a boy and his desire to have an iguana.
Reading Level: 2.7
Interest Level: K-3
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story would be a really good story to use when teaching a unit on letter writing. In second or third grade, it could be used them teaching and practicing persuasive writing skills.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: There are not too many problems of difficulties with this book. Before reading the story, students may need to be taught a little about iguanas, and what they are, as some children may not be familiar with them. The book also talks about his little brother burping and pooping, which may cause too much laughter with some younger grades.
Publishing Info.: Putnam, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: None
Summary: This is a story about a little boy Alex, who would like to have his friend’s iguana when he moves away. Throughout the book, Alex is writing letters to his mother, with reasons why he believes he should have this iguana. Alex's mother then writes him back to his letters, counteracting each one of his arguments. After many letters, and brief conversation between Alex and his mother, Alex is given a note from his mother telling him to look on his dresser. He goes into his room and there is an iguana on his dresser. His persuasive letters to his mother had worked!
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This is a really fun story, showing the determination of a child and the love of a parent. The author did an awesome job of using humor and persuasive arguments of a child to tell the story of a boy and his desire to have an iguana.
Reading Level: 2.7
Interest Level: K-3
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story would be a really good story to use when teaching a unit on letter writing. In second or third grade, it could be used them teaching and practicing persuasive writing skills.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: There are not too many problems of difficulties with this book. Before reading the story, students may need to be taught a little about iguanas, and what they are, as some children may not be familiar with them. The book also talks about his little brother burping and pooping, which may cause too much laughter with some younger grades.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages
Awards or Honors Received: The Caldecott Medal
Summary: This story takes place on a very cold winter night. A little girl and her father go owling (searching for owls). This is the first time that the little girl has gotten to go owling, and she knows that you have to be very quiet and very still to find the owls. She has learned about owling from her father and her brothers. The story is told from the girl's point of view, and she describes in great detail the sounds of the night and the events that take place while she and her father are owling. Even though it is very cold outside, and she is a little uneasy about how dark it is, she knows that in order to go owling, you have to be very quiet. Although there is very little dialogue between the characters, the illustrations and words used to tell this story depict the special bond between father and daughter on their very first owling experience together.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This story is a good read and sends a message about the special bond between a father and daughter. The reader can see the excitement that this little girl is feeling because she has waited so long to go owling with her father. The story also builds suspense for the reader because the setting is so quiet and still, and the reader wants to find out if the characters will find an owl. The illustrations in this book are more realistic than cartoon-like, and I am not sure that I agree that the interest level of this book is K-2. I could see it being more like an interest level of 1-3. This book would be good to use with students (1st or 2nd grade) to work on descriptive sentences and suspense during writing.
Reading Level: 2.9
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story would be great to use as a brainstorming activity for writing about a time that students have participated in a special and meaningful activity with a family member. This story would also be good to read prior to Father's Day to get students thinking about their own dad and ways that he is special to them. Afterwards, the students could write a story about their dad or make a card for Father's Day.
This story could also be used to talk about the characteristics of winter. A word web could be created using the students' ideas of various aspects of winter-weather, temperature, activities, or winter clothing. Students could then compare/contrast winter with the other seasons.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: At this time, I can not find any problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages
Awards or Honors Received: The Caldecott Medal
Summary: This story takes place on a very cold winter night. A little girl and her father go owling (searching for owls). This is the first time that the little girl has gotten to go owling, and she knows that you have to be very quiet and very still to find the owls. She has learned about owling from her father and her brothers. The story is told from the girl's point of view, and she describes in great detail the sounds of the night and the events that take place while she and her father are owling. Even though it is very cold outside, and she is a little uneasy about how dark it is, she knows that in order to go owling, you have to be very quiet. Although there is very little dialogue between the characters, the illustrations and words used to tell this story depict the special bond between father and daughter on their very first owling experience together.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This story is a good read and sends a message about the special bond between a father and daughter. The reader can see the excitement that this little girl is feeling because she has waited so long to go owling with her father. The story also builds suspense for the reader because the setting is so quiet and still, and the reader wants to find out if the characters will find an owl. The illustrations in this book are more realistic than cartoon-like, and I am not sure that I agree that the interest level of this book is K-2. I could see it being more like an interest level of 1-3. This book would be good to use with students (1st or 2nd grade) to work on descriptive sentences and suspense during writing.
Reading Level: 2.9
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story would be great to use as a brainstorming activity for writing about a time that students have participated in a special and meaningful activity with a family member. This story would also be good to read prior to Father's Day to get students thinking about their own dad and ways that he is special to them. Afterwards, the students could write a story about their dad or make a card for Father's Day.
This story could also be used to talk about the characteristics of winter. A word web could be created using the students' ideas of various aspects of winter-weather, temperature, activities, or winter clothing. Students could then compare/contrast winter with the other seasons.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: At this time, I can not find any problems or difficulties with this book.
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