Students who have ever been made fun of or who have stood up for what is right will quickly connect with the characters in Christopher Myer's thought provoking picture book, Wings. Based on the Greek myth of Icarus and Daedalus, Wings is the story of a boy named Ikarus who is made fun of because he is different. Despite the snickers and snide remarks of his peers, Ikarus stays true to himself and uses his beautiful wings as they were intended: to fly. The narrator of the story, a young girl at Ikarus's school, is also made fun of because she is so quiet. She can't help but notice how Ikarus's wings droop and sag when others make fun of him. Regretfully, she doesn't say anything. As the bullying continues, she eventually finds the courage and her own voice to stand up for what is right. She boldly tells Ikarus what he needed to hear, "Your wings are beautiful." This is a story about bullying and second chances and standing up for what is right when others are being treated poorly.
Literature Connections: Wings is the perfect read aloud to spark meaningful conversations about bullying, being yourself, and standing up for others. This would also work well paired with the Greek myth Icarus and Daedalus. After reading both stories, compare and contrast the character traits of Icarus / Ikarus in each story. Discuss the authors' purpose for each story as well as why the author may have chosen to name the character Ikarus in Wings. What else could the wings in Myer's story represent? Check out the educator's guide, extension activities and vocabulary scaffold for Wings provided by RIF (Reading is Fundamental) here.
Recommended Ages: Pre-K through 6th grade
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Friday, December 7, 2012
Wings by Christopher Myers
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Books,
Bullies,
Elementary,
Everybody Books,
Fiction
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Summer Reading
We all know the importance of encouraging students to read over the summer. Numerous studies show that students who read regularly over the summer continue to improve their reading skills and are better prepared for learning new skills when they return to school. Summer reading nourishes the brain, giving students the benefits of an increased vocabulary and a broader background knowledge which helps them form connections with new knowledge.
Recently I was part of a discussion with several other media specialists about the best ways to promote summer reading. We discussed a variety of programs, promotions and reading lists. Our experience has taught us that the greatest factor in getting kids to read over the summer is choice. When students choose what they read based on their own personal interests and curiosities, they are more likely to open a book over the summer, enjoy it and stick with it.
Below are some tips for promoting summer reading:
- Help students connect with the public library by forming a partnership between your school and your local public library. Encourage parents to take their children to the the public library where students may register for their own library card. Invite students to come to the media center to show you their library card and have their picture made. (See picture of "Ticket to Adventure" bulletin board below.)
- Don't reinvent the wheel. Several bookstores and public libraries already have summer reading incentives in place. Many of these offer students a free book when they complete a reading log. Share these promotions with your school and encourage students to participate.
- Provide book talks on a variety of books or feature short video book trailers on your morning news show for several weeks before the last day of school. Be sure to include a variety of genres to appeal to a broad audience.
- Encourage staff to share their own excitement about summer reading. Take pictures of staff members holding a book they plan to read this summer for a special pre-summer bulletin board. (See picture below.)
- Keep it simple and remember: enthusiasm is contagious!
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| Pictures of students showing off their public library cards |
Labels:
Book Trailers,
Books,
Elementary,
Literacy Skills,
Media Programs,
SummerReading
Monday, April 18, 2011
Earth Day Picture Books
Good planets are hard to find... so let's not blow it! April 22 is Earth Day. Oops! Correction: Every day is Earth Day! In celebration of Earth Day, here are some titles you won't want to miss that highlight our amazing planet and tell how we can better take care of it. Check it out!
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| A Kid's Guide to Global Warming by Glenn Murphy |
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| Oil Spill! by Melvin Berger |
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| One Well: The Story of Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss |
| Oil Spill! Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico by Elaine Landau |
| Earth Day Birthday by Patti Schnetzler |
| Growing Up Green by Jeanne Sturm |
| Earth: Feeling the Heat by Brenda Guiberson |
Labels:
Books,
Earth_Day,
Elementary,
Everybody Books,
Science
Saturday, March 12, 2011
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.
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| Earthquakes by Editors of Time for Kids (2006) Grades K-2 |
Labels:
Books,
Elementary,
Literature Connections,
Nonfiction,
Picture Books,
Science
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Everlost book trailer
Looking for your next YA book club book? Check out Everlost by Neal Shusterman.
Labels:
Book Club,
Book Trailers,
Book2Movie,
Books,
Fantasy,
Fiction,
High School,
Young Adult
Sunday, February 13, 2011
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.
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.
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Books,
Bullies,
Elementary,
Everybody Books,
Fiction,
Literature Connections,
Picture Books,
Social Studies,
sports
Young Adult Literature... You've Come a Long Way, Baby!
Okay, I'm just gonna come right out and say it. I was never much of a reader in high school. While I enjoyed reading as a child, somewhere along the way I lost interest in reading by the time I was in high school. Don't get me wrong, I read plenty for my classes... just not so much by choice. I remember being disenchanted with the book choices in my high school library And speaking of the library, it wasn't a place I frequented as a teenager. I remember it being a quiet, boring, uninviting place.
Thankfully, my disenchantment with reading was short lived. I rediscovered the joy of reading while I was in college. Fast forward now to 2011. I just finished reading a popular YA title, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.This one took me a while to get my hands on since there was a waiting list a mile long at my public library. But it was worth the wait. I'd say it's kind of like survival skills reality show meets CSI in a disturbing futuristic kind of way. Collins draws the reader in quickly and doesn't let go till the last page. You can read a more complete review of The Hunger Games written by Bookmomma here. The Hunger Games series has captured the attention of young adults as well as those of us adults who are forever young at heart.
With so many YA books like Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Games and Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series hitting the big screen, YA literature is growing in popularity among teens as well as adults. And thank goodness, gone are the days of mediocre, predictable YA books. I'm not saying all YA books are quality literature, but YA authors are becoming more crafty at grabbing and holding their readers' attention... and teens (as well as adults) are noticing.
Thankfully, my disenchantment with reading was short lived. I rediscovered the joy of reading while I was in college. Fast forward now to 2011. I just finished reading a popular YA title, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.This one took me a while to get my hands on since there was a waiting list a mile long at my public library. But it was worth the wait. I'd say it's kind of like survival skills reality show meets CSI in a disturbing futuristic kind of way. Collins draws the reader in quickly and doesn't let go till the last page. You can read a more complete review of The Hunger Games written by Bookmomma here. The Hunger Games series has captured the attention of young adults as well as those of us adults who are forever young at heart.
With so many YA books like Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Games and Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series hitting the big screen, YA literature is growing in popularity among teens as well as adults. And thank goodness, gone are the days of mediocre, predictable YA books. I'm not saying all YA books are quality literature, but YA authors are becoming more crafty at grabbing and holding their readers' attention... and teens (as well as adults) are noticing.
Labels:
Book2Movie,
Books,
Fiction,
High School,
Young Adult
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Travel Team by Mike Lupica
Title: Travel Team
Author: Mike Lupica
Publisher / Date: Penguin Group / 2005 (Reprint)
Genre: Young Adult Novel, Fiction
Themes: Sports, Overcoming Odds, Family Relationships, Friendship
Summary: Danny lives with his single mom and has always been small for his age. At 12 he wants nothing more than to be taller and make the travel basket ball team. He can deal with his height, but dealing with not making the travel team is another issue. His father, a one time basketball star, is dealing with his own disappointment after being injured in a car accident. He will never play again as a pro, but decides to put his passion for the game into forming a new team for Danny and others who should have made the travel team but were unfairly cut from the team.
Curriculum Connections: Language Arts: Leisure Reading
Notes: Contains realistic language including an occasional curse word. Lupica has a natural talent for hooking the interest of boys, especially those who tend to be reluctant to read on their own. Click here to visit the author's website and to find similar titles. *The author's website also has a video of a recent interview with Lupica on the Today Show.
Author: Mike Lupica
Publisher / Date: Penguin Group / 2005 (Reprint)
Genre: Young Adult Novel, Fiction
Themes: Sports, Overcoming Odds, Family Relationships, Friendship
Summary: Danny lives with his single mom and has always been small for his age. At 12 he wants nothing more than to be taller and make the travel basket ball team. He can deal with his height, but dealing with not making the travel team is another issue. His father, a one time basketball star, is dealing with his own disappointment after being injured in a car accident. He will never play again as a pro, but decides to put his passion for the game into forming a new team for Danny and others who should have made the travel team but were unfairly cut from the team.
Curriculum Connections: Language Arts: Leisure Reading
Notes: Contains realistic language including an occasional curse word. Lupica has a natural talent for hooking the interest of boys, especially those who tend to be reluctant to read on their own. Click here to visit the author's website and to find similar titles. *The author's website also has a video of a recent interview with Lupica on the Today Show.
Labels:
Books,
Fiction,
Literature Connections,
Middle School,
Reluctant Readers
Monday, February 7, 2011
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.
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.
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Books,
Civil Rights,
Diversity,
Elementary,
Historical Fiction,
Literature Connections,
Middle School,
Picture Books,
Social Studies
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Math Curse by Jon Scieszka
Title: Math Curse
Author: Jon Scieszka
Publisher / Date: Viking Juvenile / 1st Edition: 1995
If you're looking for a great read aloud with a math focus, this is it! Math Curse opens with the main character's teacher commenting, "You know, almost everything in life can be considered a math problem." The student then is "cursed" with discovering the truth in this statement as she goes about her day. As the student encounters math problems in everyday situations she shares her "curse" in humorous ways while tackling addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and other problem solving skills. Teachers will love this book for the authentic math problems that are presented and the humorous approach to dealing with math anxiety. Jon Scieszka's humor and creative story telling along with catchy illustrations by Lane Smith hold students' interest.
Themes: Math, Humor, Math Anxiety
Curriculum Connections: Grade 1 and up: Math!!! This book is full of interesting word problems
Author: Jon Scieszka
Publisher / Date: Viking Juvenile / 1st Edition: 1995
If you're looking for a great read aloud with a math focus, this is it! Math Curse opens with the main character's teacher commenting, "You know, almost everything in life can be considered a math problem." The student then is "cursed" with discovering the truth in this statement as she goes about her day. As the student encounters math problems in everyday situations she shares her "curse" in humorous ways while tackling addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and other problem solving skills. Teachers will love this book for the authentic math problems that are presented and the humorous approach to dealing with math anxiety. Jon Scieszka's humor and creative story telling along with catchy illustrations by Lane Smith hold students' interest.
Themes: Math, Humor, Math Anxiety
Curriculum Connections: Grade 1 and up: Math!!! This book is full of interesting word problems
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Books,
Elementary,
Everybody Books,
Math
Friday, January 21, 2011
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
Title: Esperanza Rising
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Publisher / Date: Scholastic / 2002
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Themes: Overcoming the odds, Mexican Revolution, Great Depression
Summary: Esperanza is the only child of a wealthy Mexican farmer. During the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution her father is killed. Esperanza and her mother face many hardships and tragedy which leads them to seek new life in California as they work and live at Mexican farm labor camp. Esparanza is challenged to find a strength she didn't know she had to care for her mother and herself in a new place during the Great Depression.
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies / History: Grades 4-8: Mexican Revolution, Great Depression
Notes: This book is categorized "YA" or "Teen" but would also be appropriate for ages 9+. Pam Munoz Ryan's website has some great links for curriculum connections on the Mexican Revolution, recipes that pertain to the story, discussion guide for the book, and teacher and student notes from the author. http://www.pammunozryan.com/esper.html
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Books,
Fiction,
High School,
Historical Fiction,
Literature Connections,
Middle School,
Social Studies,
war,
Young Adult
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice by Judy Schachner
Title: Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice
Author / Illustrator: Judy Schachner
Publisher / Date: Penguin Group / 2009
Genre: Fiction, picture book
Themes: Space, animals, humor, Spanish
Summary: Skippyjon Jones is a quirky cat with big ears who thinks he is a dog. Skippy also thinks Mars is covered with spicy red pepper. As he sets off to prove that the planet is red because of the spices, he encounters one humorous adventure after another. The play on words and mixture of English and Spanish add to the humor.
Curriculum Connection: Grades K-2 Science: Read this book aloud as an interest builder for a unit on space; leisure reading
Notes: Visit Skippyjon Jones online at http://skippyjonjones.com/
Author / Illustrator: Judy Schachner
Publisher / Date: Penguin Group / 2009
Genre: Fiction, picture book
Themes: Space, animals, humor, Spanish
Summary: Skippyjon Jones is a quirky cat with big ears who thinks he is a dog. Skippy also thinks Mars is covered with spicy red pepper. As he sets off to prove that the planet is red because of the spices, he encounters one humorous adventure after another. The play on words and mixture of English and Spanish add to the humor.
Curriculum Connection: Grades K-2 Science: Read this book aloud as an interest builder for a unit on space; leisure reading
Notes: Visit Skippyjon Jones online at http://skippyjonjones.com/
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Books,
Elementary,
Everybody Books,
Fantasy,
Fiction,
humor,
Literature Connections,
Science
The Lightening Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) by Rick Riordian
Title: The Lightening Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)
Author: Rick Riordian
Publisher / Date: Disney Book Group / 2010
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Themes: Adventure, Fantasy, Greek Mythology
Summary: 12 year old Percy Jackson has been moved from school to school and labeled a trouble maker. Thought to have ADHD, Percy has never met his father and feels misunderstood. While at boarding school, Percy is surrounded by strange happenings, including his pre-algebra teacher turning into a flying monster that tries to kill him and discovering his best friend is a satyr. Percy soon finds himself on the way to "summer camp" where his mother says he will be safe. In order to get there he must first fight a Minotaur and save his friend from danger. Once at Camp Half-blood, Percy pieces together enough information to discover that his father is a Greek god and he is considered a half-blood. He soon learns that the Greek gods are alive and angry in modern day America. Percy is accused of stealing Zues's lightening bolt and must prove his innocence while also trying to bring peace and end the war between the gods.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 5-9: Greek Mythology; Literature: character development
(See the author's website link below for project ideas and more curriculum connections)
Notes: Action Packed! Be aware that some readers / parents may not like the paganism and violence portrayed in the book. See the author's website for a teacher's guide to the book, unit lesson plans, readers' guides, and a well written curriculum rationale for using The Lightening Thief in the classroom, a Readers' Theater short intro script based on the book, project ideas and video interviews with the author.
http://www.rickriordan.com/index.php/books-for-children/a-teachers-guide-to-percy/
Author: Rick Riordian
Publisher / Date: Disney Book Group / 2010
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Themes: Adventure, Fantasy, Greek Mythology
Summary: 12 year old Percy Jackson has been moved from school to school and labeled a trouble maker. Thought to have ADHD, Percy has never met his father and feels misunderstood. While at boarding school, Percy is surrounded by strange happenings, including his pre-algebra teacher turning into a flying monster that tries to kill him and discovering his best friend is a satyr. Percy soon finds himself on the way to "summer camp" where his mother says he will be safe. In order to get there he must first fight a Minotaur and save his friend from danger. Once at Camp Half-blood, Percy pieces together enough information to discover that his father is a Greek god and he is considered a half-blood. He soon learns that the Greek gods are alive and angry in modern day America. Percy is accused of stealing Zues's lightening bolt and must prove his innocence while also trying to bring peace and end the war between the gods.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 5-9: Greek Mythology; Literature: character development
(See the author's website link below for project ideas and more curriculum connections)
Notes: Action Packed! Be aware that some readers / parents may not like the paganism and violence portrayed in the book. See the author's website for a teacher's guide to the book, unit lesson plans, readers' guides, and a well written curriculum rationale for using The Lightening Thief in the classroom, a Readers' Theater short intro script based on the book, project ideas and video interviews with the author.
http://www.rickriordan.com/index.php/books-for-children/a-teachers-guide-to-percy/
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Books,
Elementary,
Fantasy,
Fiction,
Literature Connections,
Middle School,
Young Adult
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/
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/
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Books,
Elementary,
Everybody Books,
Literature Connections,
Middle School,
Nonfiction,
Picture Books,
Social Studies
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.
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.
Labels:
Biography,
Book Reviews,
Books,
Civil Rights,
Diversity,
Elementary,
Literature Connections,
Picture Books,
Social Studies
March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris
Title: March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World
Author: Christine King Farris
Illustrator: London Ladd
Publisher / Date: Scholastic, Inc. / 2008
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: Civil Rights, History, Famous Americans
Summary: Martin Luther King Jr.'s sister tells the story of the historical day of MLK's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. This story offers a behind the scenes look at MLK preparation of the great speech and what that day was like for his sister.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 3-5 Social Studies: Civil Rights, Famous Americans
Notes: Amazing full color illustrations! Wonderfully told from a unique perspective.
Author: Christine King Farris
Illustrator: London Ladd
Publisher / Date: Scholastic, Inc. / 2008
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: Civil Rights, History, Famous Americans
Summary: Martin Luther King Jr.'s sister tells the story of the historical day of MLK's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. This story offers a behind the scenes look at MLK preparation of the great speech and what that day was like for his sister.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 3-5 Social Studies: Civil Rights, Famous Americans
Notes: Amazing full color illustrations! Wonderfully told from a unique perspective.
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Books,
Diversity,
Elementary,
Literature Connections,
Nonfiction,
Social Studies
Sister Anne's Hands by Marybeth Loribiecki
Title: Sister Anne's Hands
Author: Marybeth Loribiecki
Illustrator: Wendy Popp
Publisher / Date: Penguin Group / 2000
Genre: Fiction; Picture Book
Themes: Friendship; Culture & Diversity
Summary: Set in the early 1960's Anna has a new teacher, Sister Anne. Sister Anne is the first person Anna has ever seen with dark skin. Anna is surprised by a racist comment from another student and is sad for her teacher. Sister Anne teaches a valuable lesson in how she responds to the comment in this story of diversity and acceptance.
Curriculum Connections: Grades K-5: Social Studies: Cultural Diversity; Character and Values
Notes: Wonderful story with beautiful illustrations that tenderly deals with a difficult topic. After reading, have students trace their own hand and the hand of a classmate with the thumbs and pointer fingers of opposite hands are touching and form an upside down heart. Have the students illustrate their own traced hands with symbols that represent their uniqueness.
Author: Marybeth Loribiecki
Illustrator: Wendy Popp
Publisher / Date: Penguin Group / 2000
Genre: Fiction; Picture Book
Themes: Friendship; Culture & Diversity
Summary: Set in the early 1960's Anna has a new teacher, Sister Anne. Sister Anne is the first person Anna has ever seen with dark skin. Anna is surprised by a racist comment from another student and is sad for her teacher. Sister Anne teaches a valuable lesson in how she responds to the comment in this story of diversity and acceptance.
Curriculum Connections: Grades K-5: Social Studies: Cultural Diversity; Character and Values
Notes: Wonderful story with beautiful illustrations that tenderly deals with a difficult topic. After reading, have students trace their own hand and the hand of a classmate with the thumbs and pointer fingers of opposite hands are touching and form an upside down heart. Have the students illustrate their own traced hands with symbols that represent their uniqueness.
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Books,
Diversity,
Elementary,
Everybody Books,
Fiction
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