This is a great introduction to the civil rights movement for the youngest of readers. This picture book tells the story of two young girls who sneak...moreThis is a great introduction to the civil rights movement for the youngest of readers. This picture book tells the story of two young girls who sneak out of their house to become part of the movement towards equal rights. Although they are only "waist high" to the King, himself-- they march just "like him" in the same direction. In this book, Johnson does not petal the path with roses. It is the scent of home that keeps them safe in their community. The marchers encounter adversity with white folk shouting "You are not right. Equality can't be yours." The illustrations are in black and white-- much like the characters-- but there are hints of red drawn out with the teddy bear's ribbon, the stripes of the American Flag-- and what is not seen beneath the characters skin. I think the illustrator was trying to point out something important to the future inheritors. I too hope that children will remember the scent of rose, even when thorns cut deep. (less)
I really like Scott O'Dell's writing style. He held my interest in fourth grade, and he can still engage student readers today,
This historical fictio...moreI really like Scott O'Dell's writing style. He held my interest in fourth grade, and he can still engage student readers today,
This historical fiction chapter book explores Navajo slavery through the eyes of a young girl. Despite the looks of this funny looking book cover, I think she is authentically presented in the text. I would include this reading in a book club format during the teaching of westward expansion. If children are to learn to see the big picture-- more than one voice must be present. (less)
I believe this book must be the best kept secret on good reads. I am shocked that there is not book cover or other reviews available.
Anthony Brown wa...moreI believe this book must be the best kept secret on good reads. I am shocked that there is not book cover or other reviews available.
Anthony Brown was already one of my most favorite children's author and illustrator simply because I have a thing for surrealistic monkeys. Although I have many of Brown's other books, this was a new find for me. My social studies methods instructor introduced this book for teaching multiple perspectives. This text takes two child-like monkey's (a girl and a boy) to the park with their parents. Brown tells their 'walk in the park' through four different perspectives-- the boy, the girl, and the parent of each. Although the theme centers around friendship, do not stop there. This book gives teachers ample opportunity to sharpen student's critical thinking skills with creativity and imagination. I am very glad our professor introduced this book in a social studies context. I can see a mini-lesson using this book-- connecting different perspectives in history and current events. (less)
This book offers the child's perspective to westward expansion. Although this book is written from the European experience, the author does a fine job...moreThis book offers the child's perspective to westward expansion. Although this book is written from the European experience, the author does a fine job of objectifying information and exposing injustices on both sides of the cultural spectrum. The text includes personal stories of slavery, abduction, and crimes committed on children caught between conflicting cultures. Young readers should be made aware of some emotionally sensitive material before reading this text. (less)
This book will live in my classroom library as a resource for teaching westward expansion.A beautifully illustrated and written narrative that details...moreThis book will live in my classroom library as a resource for teaching westward expansion.A beautifully illustrated and written narrative that details the Navajo’s relocation from Canyon de Chelley, Arizona to Fort Sumner, Arizona. This historical account is one of many specific examples of how Native’s were treated in the midst of Europeans greed for territorial acquisition and colonization. (less)
This realistic fiction introduces a homeless father and son who find shelter in the airport. The story is told from the child's perspective and gives...moreThis realistic fiction introduces a homeless father and son who find shelter in the airport. The story is told from the child's perspective and gives voice to his quieted fears. Although he plays strong for his father, he has natural fears in facing poverty. He learns to transcend fear by watching planes take off. He thinks of them as birds taking flight. Warning-- this sad story does not have a happy ending. This book is sure to stimulate empathy and compassion for the homeless community. (less)
In my opinion, this book is necessary for every student learning American history. Although this book is fiction, it realistically contrasts perspecti...moreIn my opinion, this book is necessary for every student learning American history. Although this book is fiction, it realistically contrasts perspectives and gives voice to those silenced by colonization. I give thanks to Jane Yolen for helping students discover America through the eyes of the Tainos. This book compliments other books about Christopher Columbus. (less)
Help students explore the journey of a lost sailor with this picture book that introduces young Christopher as a boy who dreams of distant lands. The...moreHelp students explore the journey of a lost sailor with this picture book that introduces young Christopher as a boy who dreams of distant lands. The story integrates fact with myth. In reading this book to students, I ask the listener to consider the definition of the word "discovery" when learning about Columbus's journey. What about the people who were already there? What of the other lost sailors who came before? Perfect for critical literacy in 2nd-5th grade classrooms. (less)
Father and son stand to watch a pod of Orca whales passing. The young boy thoughtfully considers the language of whales. Beautiful illustrations and i...moreFather and son stand to watch a pod of Orca whales passing. The young boy thoughtfully considers the language of whales. Beautiful illustrations and informative text weave two varying perspectives-- that of the whale, and that of the boy. Perfect book for ocean lovers or to compliment any life science unit in early elementary grades. (less)
I simply adore the message of this book: be yourself and express your colors always, no matter how bland others become. The book introduces the reader...moreI simply adore the message of this book: be yourself and express your colors always, no matter how bland others become. The book introduces the reader to a diverse neighborhood, where all the houses look exactly alike. Then one day it happened. Someone (or bird?) decided to step out. The next thing you know, the neighbors are all drinking some funny lemonade and they magically becomes who they truly are on the inside by changing their home on the outside. Warning: this book includes made up words and is loaded with colloquialisms, yet presents great opportunities to build meaning with context clues. Great art extension after reading book: have students illustrate their own dream home and explain what inspired their design. (less)
There are many great ways to tell the story of Little Red Riding Hood. This universal classic is translated from China. I would use this book to contr...moreThere are many great ways to tell the story of Little Red Riding Hood. This universal classic is translated from China. I would use this book to contribute to student's awareness of multiple perspectives. In this tale, the grandmother is the wolf that three sisters chase from the forest-- a refreshing twist on a traditional tale. (less)
This is based on a true story about a wild west, African American legend by the name of Bass Reeves. This story poignantly details the courage and bra...moreThis is based on a true story about a wild west, African American legend by the name of Bass Reeves. This story poignantly details the courage and bravery of an ex-slave who found refugee with Native Americans; and also explains how he later became the first black U.S. Deputy Marshall to "tame Indian Territory" after the Civil War. The authors voice brings life to this unsung hero. Worthy of the Coretta Sott King Award. I would use this book to explore African American perspectives during westward expansion in the 3rd-5th grade classroom. (less)
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