The Power of Story During an Election

As an educator, election season is one of my favorite times of the year because of the opportunities for authentic learning experiences it provides. What better time to teach our students the power of exercising our right to vote than election  day? And what better way to teach this than through the power of story? 

Consider hosting a mock election with storybook characters as candidates. (See book list below for ideas.) Encourage students to consider what character traits they feel are most important in a candidate. Brainstorm each candidate's character traits as evidenced in the stories. Engage students in the planning of the voting event by making voting boxes, ballots, forming campaign teams for favored storybook characters, advertising election day details and counting the votes. *School librarians: Use this opportunity to host a school-wide mock election with storybook characters as candidates. Post or announce election updates throughout the day (or week) as each class votes.

Check out some of the election-themed children's books in the list below. These thoughtfully written children's books are the perfect conversation starters for discussing the importance of elections and the power of exercising the right to vote.

I Need My Own Country by Rick Walton is perfect as a read aloud for K-2 students as well as students in grades 3-6. Frustrated by her little brother, a young girl decides to form her own country, make her own currency and her own flag. She soon realizes the importance of citizenship in her country and the need for rules and laws. 

The Class Election from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler will pull the young chapter book reader in with familiar humorous characters from the Black Lagoon. Readers will explore the importance of candidates standing up for what they believe in as characters in this story must choose the offices for which they will run.

Duck for President by Doreen Cronin is an enjoyable read aloud that is sure to spark meaningful discussion among students young and old. Duck is tired of the way Farmer Brown is running the farm so he decides to do something about it by running for office. (See video featuring this book at top of blog post.)

Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio is a suitable read aloud for students in grades K-6. Grace, determined that there should be a female presidents, decides to run for president at her school's election. Grace for President would be a great introduction for an upper elementary lesson on the electoral system.

More than ABC

While packing for my upcoming move to NC, one of my favorite books about my favorite state caught my attention. T is for Tar Heel, a North Carolina Alphabet and other ABC state books like it (try P is for Peach, a Georgia Alphabet) draw the reader in with color, rhythm and rhyme while tucking state symbols and bits of history among the side bars of each page. While ABC books are traditionally used with younger students, their value for teaching in the content areas with older students should not be missed. Consider creating your own class's version of an ABC digital book centered around a science, history or math theme. Choose your curriculum based theme and brainstorm with students potential words to include from each letter of the alphabet. After students choose letters, allow them to work individually or in groups to research online data bases and informational books to write a brief paragraph about their letter / word and how it relates to the overall topic. Use a rubric to keep students on track while providing additional guidance during each step of the project. Consider using digital format such as a blog, digital picture book, or even a simple power point slideshow to combine each student's or group's letter page for the final product. Share the project on your class website for parents and others to enjoy. It's way more than ABC! It's collaboration, research and technology integration at it's best!

Nonfiction Picture Books: Earthquakes and Tsunamis

It's hard to miss the many news media reports about the extreme devastation surrounding the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in Japan. As newscasts continue to report 24/7 on the disaster, teachers are seeking resources for connecting current events with the science curriculum and making the most of teachable moments. Thinkfinity.org has an excellent collection of resource links for teachers about earthquakes and tsunamis as well as multiple lessons on the topic. You can check out Thinkfinity's resources on Earthquakes and Tsunamis here. Below are some excellent children's books about earthquakes and tsunamis that will help answer questions about what causes these natural disasters in an age appropriate way. I have included a picture book, Elephants of the Tsunami by Jana Laiz, which is based on a true story. This particular text would be a great read aloud for younger children to spark discussion about the recent earthquake in Japan. After learning of the devastation in Japan, students (and teachers) will likely want to know how they can help in relief efforts. Time Newsfeed lists several ways we can help.

Earthquakes by Editors of Time for Kids
(2006)  Grades K-2

Earthquakes by Seymour Simon
(2006) Grades 4-6

Earthquakes by Franklyn Branley
(2005) Grades K-3

Tsunami: The True Story of an
 April Fool's Day Disaster
by Gail Langer Larwoski and John MacDonald
(2006) Grades 4-7

Elephants of the Tsunami by Jana Laiz
(2007) Grades K-2
*Based on a true story.

Goal! by Mina Javaherbin

No one likes to be bullied, including Ajani and his football (soccer) buddies in South Africa. Mina Javaherbin's story is one in which children all across the globe can relate. Ajani and his friends live in poverty. Their homes are shanties. Their street is unsafe. They have little time to play between school and daily chores. But when they do find time to play, they find escape and hope in a simple game of football. They know the bullies will come again and try to take their ball. But for today they have outsmarted the bullies. Today there will be kicking, running, scoring and laughter.
     This 2010 large picture book is a winner not only for it's high interest level, but for the gentle yet realistic way of handling difficult issues like poverty and bullying  for young readers. A.G. Ford's illustrations are full of color and energy while also showing a range of emotions throughout the story.
     Literature Connections: K-5, Language Arts, Guidance, Geography, Social Studies, Physical Educaiton: Goal! would make a great discussion starter for poverty and global citizenship as well as character traits and life skills such as perseverance, overcoming obstacles and dealing with bullies.This book would be an excellent choice for a language arts mini lesson on conflict and resolution. The author's notes at the end of the book would make a great physical education tie-in about the history of football/ soccer.

Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles

Title: Freedom Summer
Author: Deborah Wiles
Illustrator: Jarome Laqarrique
Publisher / Date: Simon & Schuster / 2005
Genre: Historical fiction; picture book
Themes: Civil Rights, friendship, discrimination, segregation, history
Summary:  Joe and his friend, John Henry enjoy spending the summer together as buddies. These good friends are alike in a lot of ways and enjoy many of the same things, like playing marbles and swimming. Set in 1964 in Mississippi, Joe and John Henry experience first hand the effects of discrimination. The boys decide to go swimming at the pool only to discover that John Henry is not allowed because of the color of his skin.  They become hopeful once the Civil Rights Act is passed but quickly learn that the new law will not bring on instant change.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 2-5: Social Studies, Civil Rights
Personal Note: I attended a recent author visit by Deborah Wiles in which she explained that this story is a work of fiction but it is based on events from her own life. This is a moving story appropriately written for children about this historic time in our nation's history. 

Naming Liberty by Jane Yolen

Title: Naming Liberty
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Jim Burke
Publisher / Date: Philomel / 2008
Genre: Historical Fiction, Picture Book
Themes: History, Freedom, Immigrants, Social Studies
Summary: Yolen weaves parallel stories in this beautifully illustrated picture book. While telling the true story of how the Statue of Liberty was built, she also tells the story of a young Jewish girl from Ukraine and how her family came to America. As they journey to the new land of freedom, she ponders what her American name will sound like. She is welcomed to America first by the Statue of Liberty and decides to share her name: Liberty, or Libby, for short. 
Curriculum Connections: Upper Elementary: Social Studies (coming to America, religious freedom, significance of the gift of the Statue of Liberty and how and why it was made) 
Notes: The parallel story format of this book may be confusing to younger readers, but provides a fantastic historical picture for upper elementary students.

Fortunately by Remy Charlip

Title: Fortunately
Author: Remy Charlip
Publisher / Date: Aladdin / 1993 (originally published in 1964)

Genre: Fiction, Picture Book
Theme: language, birthday
Summary: Charlip's creative story using an alternating pattern of "Fortunately..." / "Unfortunately" events. 
Curriculum Connections: K-4 Language Arts (creative writing)

Notes: Wonderful read aloud, esp. Can be effectively used as a lead-in to a "fortunately / unfortunately" creative writing activity. Interesting fact: In 1969 the title was changed from Fortunately to "What Good Luck; What Bad Luck" then eventually it was changed back to the original title. 

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

Title: 14 Cows for America
Author: Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrator: Thomas Gonzalez
Afterward by: Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah
Publisher / Date: Peachtree Publishers, Limited / 2009
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Themes: tragedy, loss, compassion, sympathy, global community, generosity, 9/11, storytelling, Maasai culture, friendship, symbolism
Summary: Following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the Maasai in Kenya grieve for America and the impact this tragedy has on the world. The Maasai show their amazing compassion by an extraordinary gift of 14 cows for America. (The cow is life to the Maasai.) 
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies: Grades 3+: 9/11; African cultures; Language Arts: Creative writing
Notes: This is an extraordinary true story of compassion across cultures with amazing paintings by illustrator Thomas Gonzalez. Click on the link below to visit the website about the book, see a trailer about the book, find links for teachers including a teachers' guide and lesson ideas. http://14cowsforamerica.com/

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez

Title: Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez
Author: Kathleen Krull
Illustrator: Yuyi Morales
Publisher / Date: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / 2003
Genre: Biography, Picture Book
Themes: Biography, Hope, Overcoming Odds, Civil Rights, Hispanic, Leadership
Summary: In 1937 Cesar was 10 years old and his family owned a large farm. After a drought left them with little work, food and money, they moved to California in search of work. Cesar's family went from being wealthy land owners to being migrant workers on on other people's farms. As Cesar grew older, he saw the oppression of his people and wanted to do something about it. In his efforts to bring about change, he never forgot that "nonviolence... takes more guts." He helped organize a civil rights march, meetings and an organization promoting pay raises and better conditions for migrant workers.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 3-5 Social Studies: Civil Rights
Notes: This is a must read for Civil Rights unit! Well written, beautifully illustrated. 

Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote

Title: Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote
Author: Tanya Lee Stone
Illustrator: Rebecca Gibbon
Publisher / Date: Henry Holt & Co. / 2008
Themes: Women's suffrage, history, biography
Genre: Nonfiction, picture book
Summary: This biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton follows Elizabeth from the time she was a child and the events that influenced her to stand up for women's right to vote. The author and illustrator's creativity blend well to portray an intriguing biography that even young readers will enjoy. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades K-5, Social Studies: Women's suffrage, civil rights
Notes: This is a remarkable picture book biography that would make a great read aloud, especially for grades 2-5.

Owen and Mzee: the True Story of a Remarkable Friendship

Title: Owen and Mzee: the True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
Author: Isabella Hatkoff, Craig hatkoff and Dr. Paula Kahumbu
Photographs by Peter Greste
Publisher / Date: Scholastic Press / 2006
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: friendship, animals, adaptation
Summary: Remarkable true story of a baby hippo that was rescued from danger after being washed up on Kenya shore after the devastating tsunami of 2004. The authors tell how Owen was all alone when he was rescued. They took him to an animal sanctuary where Owen met Mzee, an Aldabra tortoise. Owen found comfort in the old turtle in the midst of his turmoil and the two have been inseparable ever since.  
Curriculum Connection: Grades K-5 Science: weather (effects of a tsunami), animal adaptation; Geography: Africa
Notes:  Remarkable photojournalism; wonderful read aloud and discussion starter! 

If You Find a Rock by Peggy Christian

Title: If You Find a Rock Author: Peggy Christian
Photographs by Barbara Hirsch Lember
Publisher / Date: Harcourt / 2000
Genre: Nonfiction, picture book
Themes: Rocks
Summary: While the wonderful photos of children and rocks appeal to the child in all of us, the words have a natural flow. The book tells of what you could do with different kinds of rocks you might find. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades K-2 Science: Rocks!
Note: This has become one of my favorite nonfiction picture books! The photos are outstanding and the story is one to which everyone can relate. While the content is simple, there are many curriculum connections that can be made throughout the book.

What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? by Robin Page

Title: What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?
Author: Robin Page
Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Publisher / Date: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / 2008
Genre: Nonfiction; Picture Book
Themes: Animals, Science
Summary: Through a simple question / answer format, readers are encouraged to guess the animal whose tail is pictured and how they might use it.
Curriculum Connections: Grades Pre K-2: Science: Animal adaptations
Notes: Great read aloud and discussion starter for animal adaptations

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

Title: A Bad Case of Stripes
Author / Illustrator: David Shannon
Publisher / Date: Scholastic / 2004
Genre: Fiction, Picture Book
Themes: Individuality, self esteem, peer pressure
Summary: Camilla is so worried about what everyone else thinks that she stops being herself. When she comes down with a peculiar illness (a bad case of stripes) she begins to see the importance of being true to herself.
Curriculum Connections: Grades K-3: Language Arts: author's purpose, author's voice; Character Traits: individuality
Notes: A great read aloud and discussion starter about the importance of being yourself. Click below for classroom activities for this book.
http://www.k-state.edu/ksureads/teachers/bookbags/stripes.htm

Title: Good Night, Good Knight
Author: Shelley Moore Thomas
Publisher / Date: Penguin Group / 2000
Illustrator: Jennifer Plecas 
Genre: Fiction, picture book
Themes: fantasy, humor, knights
Summary: A good knight is called away from his watch post repeatedly to tend to the needs of three little dragons who are getting ready for bed. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades K-2: homophones / homonyms; elements of fiction
Note: a favorite story for Kindergarten!

Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way by Peter Golenbock

Title: Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way
Author: Peter Golenbock
Illustrator: Paul Lee
Publisher / Date: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / 2005
Genre: Biography, picture book
Themes: Baseball, sports, famous Americans, Civil Rights
Summary: Hank Aaron loved baseball and had the skills to play for the majors, but back then baseball teams were made up of only white men. This inspiring true story tells how Hank Aaron overcame the odds and eventually even surpassed Babe Ruth's record. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades 2-5 Social Studies: Famous Americans, Civil Rights; Language Arts: Author's Purpose
Notes: Another great example of a well written biography for children.