Summary: The Devil’s Arithmetic tells the story of one Jewish family’s personal and spiritual connections to the Holocaust.
Themes: Time, continuity, cha...moreSummary: The Devil’s Arithmetic tells the story of one Jewish family’s personal and spiritual connections to the Holocaust.
Themes: Time, continuity, change,power, authority, governance, individual development and identity
Awards: World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novella (1989), National Jewish Book Award (1989), Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (1994)
Curricular Connections: Ask students to trace the meanings of one or more of the vocabulary words from the story. How does changing language challenge us to understand the past?(less)
A teenager or an adult who is interested in fairy tale re-tellings should enjoy this hilarious spin on 'Cinderella'.
Interest Level: ages 8-12 Reading L...moreA teenager or an adult who is interested in fairy tale re-tellings should enjoy this hilarious spin on 'Cinderella'.
Interest Level: ages 8-12 Reading Level: ages 11 and up
Awards: Newbery Honor (1998), Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award (2000), Grand Canyon Reader Award for Teen Book (1999), Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (1999), Iowa Teen Award (2000)(less)
SUMMARY: When young Libby is caught in a lie, she feels better admitting the truth, even though she's punished double. It is the first time she has lie...moreSUMMARY: When young Libby is caught in a lie, she feels better admitting the truth, even though she's punished double. It is the first time she has lied to Mama, and as far as she is concerned, it would be the last. "From now on, only the truth," she decides. But in her commendable attempts to tell "only the truth," she is tactless and cold.
THEMES: Compassion Honesty Tact
CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS: Language Arts Ask students to write a poem about honesty. As a starter, tell students that they can include Mama's words as lines in their poem. Other students may prefer to write a story about a time that they told the truth and hurt someone's feelings, or when someone told them the truth and hurt their feelings.(less)
SUMMARY: In this powerful novel, readers meet the Watsons: your typical "Ward and June Clever" household. There are, however, two differences in the fa...moreSUMMARY: In this powerful novel, readers meet the Watsons: your typical "Ward and June Clever" household. There are, however, two differences in the famous TV Land family and the one created by Christopher Paul Curtis. The Watsons are African-American and the seemingly carefree 1950s era of Leave it to Beaver has been replaced by the turbulent 1960s. Told from the viewpoint of 12 year old Kenny, the story takes readers from a safe-haven in Flint, Michigan to a world turned inside out in race-torn Birmingham, Alabama.
AWARDS: Newbery Honor (1996 Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (1998) Coretta Scott King Award for Author Honor (1996) New Mexico Land of Enchantment Award for Young Adult (2000)
CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS: To teach with this book, I would have students research to learn a bit more about Flint and Birmingham so that they can better understand the story. I would have students draft a business letter requesting a copy of The Flint Journal and The Birmingham News. This way, students can establish a connection/relationship to the story by comparing and contrasting Flint and Birmingham to the their own hometown or city.(less)
SUMMARY: Everyday a young girl is disheartened by the things in her neighborhood: the trash on the streets, the graffiti on the walls, and the homeless...moreSUMMARY: Everyday a young girl is disheartened by the things in her neighborhood: the trash on the streets, the graffiti on the walls, and the homeless woman that sleeps in a box. When she learns the word "beautiful" at school, she sets out to find "something beautiful" in her surroundings. In her search, this little girl learns to see beyond the barren ugliness of her environment to find beauty in her friendships, her family, and herself. This is a book that touches on adult themes such as poverty, homelessness and community responsibility with a tender hand and a poet's voice, by Sharon Dennis Wyeth and illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet. The story stands out as much for its important storyline as it does for its beautiful artistry.
CURRICULUM CONNECTION:
Language Arts/Communication Skills/Writing:
* Interview 5 people. Record what they think is the most beautiful thing to them. * Go on a treasure hunt or organize a scavenger hunt with clues that find things of beauty. * Using the alphabet, find something of beauty for each letter of the alphabet. * List 20 items that are the most beautiful in your world and would be missed if taken away. * Have children compare their own neighborhoods/schools with the book. * Write a poem about your neighborhood. (less)
About the Story: With a lyrical and repetitive refrain, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson tells the story of her own personal history as a little girl, and that...moreAbout the Story: With a lyrical and repetitive refrain, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson tells the story of her own personal history as a little girl, and that of several different generations in her family. She goes through each branch of her family tree recalling shared stories and memories of her family history. For instance, she tells of her great grandma who was white and disowned by her parents after marrying Nelson’s great grandpa who was black. After sharing the story of each family member, she repeats her catchphrase, “What will I be, Lord? What will I be?” The illustrations are detailed and textured with a very distinct rhythm to match the author’s writing style.
My Opinion: “Who Will I Be, Lord?” is a remarkable picture book written in first-person narrative. It is my most favorite picture book. The story, complemented by the illustrations is very reflective, which I think parents will appreciate as much as children will. It is a wonderful story of family struggles, celebrations, and history. This book is filled with many important messages to teach to children. I like how the book places value on the power of stories passed down through a family, and recognize how family connections are a means for ambition and empowerment ("My mama is a mama. And what will I be, Lord? Who will I be? I guess like Mama says, it's up to me"). The catchphrase adds a subtle hint of melody to the story, which I think is just brilliant. The question “who will I be, Lord?” adds a cute spin to the age-old question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” The story is inspiring, amazing, and very happy. It is a winner!
Curricular Connection: There are many lessons that could be taught with this book. It is a first-rate motivator for students, along with their parents, to begin to write their own personal histories as well as for teachers to talk with students about asking questions of, and recording answers from, their family members. The possibilities are endless. I shared the book as a read-aloud with a 1st grade class and they absolutely adored it. Afterwards, the students returned to their seats and I gave them an 11x14 piece of construction paper (in their choice of color) and I had them to each draw a picture of what/who they think they will be one day. The students loved this activity. The drawings that came forth were wonderful; there was a tooth fairy, a cowboy, a number of FBI Agents, a cheerleader, a teacher, and many more. (less)
Summary: A“cool cat” named Chato decides he’d like to have his neighbors, a family of mice, over for dinner. The mouse family, smelling a rat, asks if...moreSummary: A“cool cat” named Chato decides he’d like to have his neighbors, a family of mice, over for dinner. The mouse family, smelling a rat, asks if their friend can some along. When Chato discovers the friend is a “cool dog”, he panics, but just for a moment - until he realizes they can all eat enchiladas together.
Themes: Latino Culture Neighborhoods Friendship
Grade Level: K-2
Curricular Connections: Have students share experiences with moving to a new neighborhood or with welcoming new neighbors to a neighborhood. Discuss: How does it feel to be the new neighbor? How does it feel to be the welcoming neighbor? What kinds of things are common welcoming actions?(less)
SUMMARY: Yolen is pitch-perfect in her delivery of this tender tale of the friendship that blossoms between an elderly white woman and an African Ameri...moreSUMMARY: Yolen is pitch-perfect in her delivery of this tender tale of the friendship that blossoms between an elderly white woman and an African American girl. Miz Berlin is well known in her neighborhood for the long and slow walks she takes around the block each evening. Mary Louise can't help wondering about the odd lady, who seems to be talking to herself as she passes by. The two form a poignant bond that sustains Mary Louise even when Miz Berlin's walking days come to an end. Dedicating her story to her real-life grandmother, Fanny Berlin, Yolen adopts first the voice of the grown Mary Louise, who narrates the tale in flashback, and then interpolates the voice of Miz Berlin. I absolutely fell in love with this story!
CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS: Using the two-page overview of Miz Berlin’s town at the front of the book, make a map of her walk: Have students construct a simple map, showing landmarks and using directional indicators. Next, students will describe the landmarks and cultural features of Virginia and compare these with Chicago.(less)
SUMMARY: This story presents an account of 15-year old Claudette Colvin, an African-American girl who refused to give up her seat to a white woman on a...moreSUMMARY: This story presents an account of 15-year old Claudette Colvin, an African-American girl who refused to give up her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama 9-months before Rosa Parks, and covers her role in a crucial civil rights case.
AWARDS: National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2009) Newberry Honor (2010) A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2009) Cybils Award Nominee for Middle Grade/Young Adult Non-Fiction (2009) Sibert Honor (2010) An ALA Notable Children's Book for Older Readers (2010) Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (2011) YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Nominee (2010)
Classroom Activity: Read Freedom's Children by Ellen Levine and watch video clip of Colvin's interview at the King Institute. Have students write their own entry about Colvin for their US History textbook.(less)
This story is a classic! It is one of my favorites from childhood. The full-color art in the Frances books is beautiful. One of the things children wi...moreThis story is a classic! It is one of my favorites from childhood. The full-color art in the Frances books is beautiful. One of the things children will like about this story is that it can happen in real life and I'm sure many children can relate with Frances, the fussy eater. Frances turns up her nose at everything new. I remember being like this as a child, in fact, I'm still the same. As Frances points out in the story, "...I always know what I am getting, and I am always pleased." Bread and Jam for Frances is a very memorable story. Although Frances is a badger, children will see her just like one of their friends at school; she rides the bus, she jumps rope, she sings, and trades her lunch with her friends at lunch time. The author does a great job at using personification to make Frances seem like a regular girl doing things just as regular children do. The Frances series has been around for over 30 years and I'm still hooked!
Curricular Connections:
I would have students use the internet to research "What are badgers?" During this activity, students will create a scientific journal containing facts about badgers or other small wild animals.(less)
These graphic novels are a great way of explaining ordeals related to the Holocaust. The author, Art Spiegelman, does a wonderful job at telli...moreSUMMARY:
These graphic novels are a great way of explaining ordeals related to the Holocaust. The author, Art Spiegelman, does a wonderful job at telling his father's story as a comic. I think that a graphic novel was a unique way to tell and to read about the Holocaust. I would definitely recommend this reading set.
AWARDS: The first “comic” book to win the Pulitzer Prize.
CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS: Students read and study Art Spiegelman’s Maus. Through the story itself, they will learn about World War II and the Holocaust. Students will discuss: What are stereotypes? Are they harmful, and if so, how? What are some current examples of stereotypes? How does Spiegelman use stereotypes in Maus? Seek and select specific examples. Summarize his techniques, and analyze why he uses them. Infer the artist’s attitudes, and the reasons for his choices.(less)
Elijah of Buxton really made me count my blessings. It is not only about slavery, but also about the different attitudes towards slave...moreOVERALL RESPONSE
Elijah of Buxton really made me count my blessings. It is not only about slavery, but also about the different attitudes towards slavery. This story was the epitome of oppression all over the world-past and present. Effectively, the story is told in narrative form through the eyes of eleven-year-old Elijah, who is very smart. The book is a bit slow, but Elijah being the first child born into freedom in Buxton, Canada makes the story a very interesting read. Elijah's life of liberty on the settlement is an adventure in itself.
SPECIFICS
I think theme is a very important element in fiction books and this story has some big themes. However, some not-so desirable themes appear as well. Violence is certainly a theme in the story, although one could argue that violence was a sign of the times due to the setting of the book. Some examples in the story where violence appears are when Mr. Leroy hits Elijah in the mouth and he blacks out for a moment, and when Preacher is beaten, tortured, and left hanging by his arms in the barn after he is dead. Slavery, of course, is another big theme throughout the story. There are slaves in the U.S. trying to escape to Canada. Some are caught and taken back to their masters. Elijah of Buxton allows young adults to become more acquainted with the issues of slavery without being too intense. I think this especially works because the focus of the story is Elijah and how he grows up and the adventure he is drawn into. Consequently, we learn about others who have escaped a life of slavery and those who have tried to escape, but were unsuccessful. I think that some of the lessons in the book will be lost to young adults and they will just enjoy the story; however, for those who are a little more mature, they will learn that the price of freedom for some is great and for others it costs them everything. This book also has themes of discovery and coming of age. Elijah's character is honest, compassionate, and kind. Throughout the story, he discovers that he is also brave and that he can handle the most difficult situations. The author, Christopher Curtis, is popular for historical fiction for a good reason-he is great at it! He follows the rules. It is very important for authors of historical fiction to make their best attempt to ensure that their work is historically accurate; TMY makes this point as well. Just as important, though, is the setting- the setting should be convincing, otherwise, readers will cast doubt on the author's overall research. Curtis did another spectacular job of bringing us into the past through his writing. He has definitely mastered the balancing act challenge of good historical fiction writing.
CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS
I would probably use this book to teach the Underground Railroad. Students can compare and contrast reasons for using the Underground Railroad and write a letter to a friend convincing them to do the same. In addition, on National Geographic' s website, students are able to take a journey of the Underground Railroad and learn about the obstacles faced by the escaped slaves.
AWARDS
Newbery Honor (2008), Scott O'Dell Award (2008), Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production Honor (2009), Coretta Scott King Award for Author (2008), Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People (2008), Canadian Children’s Literature Award (2008)(less)
In a time when we are swamped with superficial ideas, it is wonderful to see a book that shows children and ADULTS how to appreciate a girl or woman f...moreIn a time when we are swamped with superficial ideas, it is wonderful to see a book that shows children and ADULTS how to appreciate a girl or woman for her personal worth instead of just her looks.
Recommended for ages 7 and up.
Curricular Connection: I would use this book to teach Organization in writing with my students. (less)
An good re-telling of the too well-known story of Cinderella. The illustrations are colorful and over-the-top! Lots of laughs everytime you look close...moreAn good re-telling of the too well-known story of Cinderella. The illustrations are colorful and over-the-top! Lots of laughs everytime you look closer and see more in the intricate and colorful pictures. Kids ages 7-10 will love this book. It certainly gives a fun and creative spin to a tired old tale.
Curricular Connections: Have students do a Comparative Study of Cinderella Stories Based Upon American and Chinese Versions. (less)
If you haven't read a book that combines the individual talents of Lester and Pinkney (Julius Lester writes, Jerry Pinkney draws) then this might be a...moreIf you haven't read a book that combines the individual talents of Lester and Pinkney (Julius Lester writes, Jerry Pinkney draws) then this might be a good place to start. The two artists have reinterpreted a variety of classic African-American tales to their own liking.
Recommended for ages 8 and up; from K-5
Awards: A Caldecott Honor Book Winner of the Society of Illustrators' Gold Medal An ALA Notable Book An NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award The Horn Book Fanfare List A Parents Magazine Best Children's Book of the Year A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book Winner of the Aesop Prize
Curricular Connections: After reading John Henry, have students identify characteristics of a tall tale and locate examples of exaggerations in the story. As an extension, have students research the history of tall tales. Students can plan and draw a tall tale character including props and setting(map). Students can then write a rough draft of their own/original tall tale. Have students present the tall tale and character to the class. Teacher can video the oral presentation and play them back to the class.
This book/cd is a must-have! Children will be encouraged to put their words to poetry and beats. Teachers will be encouraged to allow the artists to s...moreThis book/cd is a must-have! Children will be encouraged to put their words to poetry and beats. Teachers will be encouraged to allow the artists to speak to children. I highly recommend this book, especially for children who are reluctant poetry readers. (I should know, I used to be one of them!) Hip Hop Speaks to Children makes poetry fun, incredibly accessible, and meaningful for children.
Age Level: 8 and up Grade Level: 3 and up
SUMMARY/SPECIFICS:
This anthology highlights the use of rhythm and vernacular in hip-hop, rap, and African-American poetry. The 51 pieces–which also include a passage from Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech–use gospel rhythms, “hambone” rhythms (which Giovanni explains in her informative introduction), jazz and blues rhythms, and language from the fields and the city streets. Artists range from Langston Hughes to Kanye West, from Eloise Greenfield to Queen Latifah. Much of the subject matter focuses on hope, self-esteem, respect for the past, and determination to make a better future. A few selections are more playful, like an excerpt from “Principal’s Office” by Young MC. The accompanying CD enables readers to hear many of the pieces spoken or performed by the artists. Meanwhile, a team of five illustrators provides colorful, lively pictures that add atmosphere and personality... (the volume) will provide classroom teachers with a substantial amount of material. The fact that an important historical writer like James Weldon Johnson appears in the same book as contemporary musician Lauryn Hill may help some kids see the older writers with a fresh eye, and may also introduce today’s artists to teachers and librarians ... this is an interesting, worthwhile collection.
THEMES:
Art and Music
CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS:
Collaborations in Poetry Writing: Choose a poem from the book to be used as a "model." Each member of the class should write a line of poetry base on rules set by teacher or class as a whole.
“Invitation to the Game,” by Monica Hughes is the story of a group of teenagers trying to find their way in futuristic society. The story take...moreSUMMARY:
“Invitation to the Game,” by Monica Hughes is the story of a group of teenagers trying to find their way in futuristic society. The story takes place in 2154, in a time when a gradually mechanizing society and overpopulation leaves a group of eight graduates homeless and unemployed, but staged to make an incredible adventure that can only be dreamed.
The main characters of the story go away to school for much of their lives. The government imposes these boarding schools to develop the student’s specialties, to eventually find employment for them. The narrator, Lisse, brings us to her school, the day that employment assignments are handed out. Lisse knows there is little hope since she isn’t the best student, and has skills that robots tend to excel at. Soon, she receives her diploma with a slip of paper telling her that she is consigned to unemployment and must take a bus to a Designated Area or D.A. Designated Areas are where unemployed are restricted live for the rest of their lives. Lisse boards the bus with many other people she knows, most very talented and skilled people. Lisse herself is a great writer and literature expert, her school yard crush Brad is a carpenter and talented handyman. Scylla is an artist, Trent is brilliant, but bored, Alden is a chemist, Paul has an amazing photographic memory. Katie is a brilliant judo expert and geologist. Karen assumes the role of leader at times, but also is a historian. Rich and Benta, who join the group after their jobs are replaced by robots, are a doctor and farmer respectively.
Once in the D.A., the characters must find a way to make do with little government assistance, and the constant fear of being hurt by roving gangs within the D.A. The group finds out that some of them have special talents that can compliment the group; Brad can fix almost anything, Scylla brightens their lives with art that she sells on street corners, and the rest work hard to create a home and a new life. The problem is that they are given no other opportunity to advance, they cannot vote, and they have little or no access to news. In essence, they are forced to find a reason for their existence since battling the current system is nearly impossible because of the way a designated area is segregated from others, and the restrictions on traveling outside a D.A. Lisse describes how the group begins to believe that there really isn’t any reason to exist, that is, until they hear of “The Game.”
“The Game” is by invitation only. After searching for how to become involved with it, the group find themselves invited by an envelope to the door. After their first train ride they are told that they will be given a “prize” for completing the Game, and should work together. After each member lies down on soft benches they all suddenly find themselves transported to another place that is open and unspoiled. “The Game” is never explained, only that they must figure out how to get the prize. The group is brought back the center from whence they started after someone’s life is jeopardized, as Lisse is when she falls climbing down a rock face. As the story continues, the group returns several more times to the game, each time stronger and better prepared than before. But we must ask ourselves, what is “The Game?” Is it a virtual reality world simply for amusing the masses, as Karen says?
At the end of the novel we encounter the truth of these questions, as each character is forced to use his or her talents to help the group to the eventual “Prize.”
AWARDS:
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (1995) Golden Duck, Hal Clement Award for Young Adult (1992)
CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS:
Written Response:
1.) Describe two characters and their relationship before “The Game” and after they receive the “Prize”. What events led to this change, if any?
2.)How would you feel if you were replaced by a robot? Do you see this happening in the future?
3.)What would you do if you were given your own planet? Who would be the leader? Who would you bring with you? How would you survive? (aka food, shelter, weather?) From this information, write a letter persuading the government to your opinion of the effectiveness of your plan.
Great story! Ada Ruth tries her best to be brave when her mother decides to go to Chicago to work on the railroads during World War II. Times...moreSUMMARY:
Great story! Ada Ruth tries her best to be brave when her mother decides to go to Chicago to work on the railroads during World War II. Times are hard and Ada Ruth must remain at home with her grandmother. Ada Ruth knows her mother loves her more than rain and more than snow, but she still misses her more and more. She constantly waits for the arrival of a letter from her mother. When a stray kitten appears on the doorstep, she puts down a saucer of milk. As Grandmother softens towards the kitten, Ada Ruth sees how much her grandmother misses her mother as well. The three of them keep each other company as they await news from Chicago. Finally, a letter with some much-needed money from her mother arrives. The letter also includes the promise that her mother will be coming on home soon.
SPECIFICS:
Woodson’s text is simple and spare, conveying pure emotion. The dialogue is written in italics, helping to keep the text clean of even punctuation. She repeats the phrase, “coming on home soon,” to reassure not only the characters but also the readers that mother will indeed reappear. E. B. Lewis has filled the pages with watercolors full of light. Sometimes the light shines through the window or streams in an open door. It is always there to give the illustrations warmth despite the expressions of longing and hope on the faces of Ada Ruth and Grandmother.
AWARDS: Caldecott Honor Book, 2005 ALA Notable Book, 2005
CONNECTIONS/RELATED BOOKS:
Mama Will Be Home Soon by Nancy Michella While You Are Away by Eileen Spinelli
THEMES:
African-American Stories Grandmothers Separation of Family
CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS:
Language Arts: Letter-Writing • Have students pretend that they are Ada Ruth’s mother and have them write a letter to Ada Ruth, describing what it is like working far from home and family.
Social Studies • Students can compare/contrast life in Ada Ruth’s small community to life in the city of Chicago. • Have students locate Chicago on a map. Students can find pictures and information about Chicago and develop a bulletin board.
History • Read aloud When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr and discuss ways that World War II affected American citizens. • Have students research life in America during World War II. Discuss hardships of families on the “homefront” and the role of women during the war. Web (less)
Summary: An old Salvadoran man recounts the story of his first encounter with the white men who landed on the island in 1492 as a warning to people eve...moreSummary: An old Salvadoran man recounts the story of his first encounter with the white men who landed on the island in 1492 as a warning to people everywhere of the threat of invasion and conquest that destroyed his people and culture
Curricular Connections: I would use this book to teach a lesson on point of view. Students will discover the difference that point of view makes on a book’s overall message, and how they need to be aware of the messages when they are reading any text.(less)
![Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry with a Beat [With CD]](http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347353241s/3743168.jpg "Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry with a Beat [With CD]")
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