Title: A Corner of the Universe
Author: Ann M. Martin
Awards: Newberry Honor Book
Grade Level: 6.1
Summary: Hattie looks back over the summer of 1960 and the events that changed her perception of life. The 12-year-old has difficulty making friends her own age, but enjoys the company of an elderly boarder, the friendly cook, and her artist father. Her relationship with her mother is sometimes difficult because they must always negotiate clothing and behavior to suit her wealthy, overbearing maternal grandmother. Suddenly, an uncle whom Hattie has never heard of comes to live with her grandparents because his school has closed. Although she is totally shocked at the existence of this rapidly babbling, Lucille Ball-quoting, calendar-savant child in a man's body, Hattie comes to appreciate his affection for her, his exuberance for life, and his courage in facing society's rejection. When she suggests that he sneak out to join her for a night of fun at a carnival, tragedy ensues. Hattie's narration is clear and appealing. Her recollection of the smallest of behaviors shows that each family member has felt both love and pain for her uncle, but could not express it. As she comes to understand what Uncle Adam meant when he spoke of being able to lift the corners of our universe, she is hopeful that her family can learn to heal and communicate.
Teaching Ideas: I would recommend to use this as either a read aloud to the whole group, small literature circle groups or as an individual read. When the students finished reading the book I would have them write a letter to Hattie. It is a very emotional struggle that Hattie faces and may be left with comments and strong feelings.
Evaluation: 10 out of 10 – Just read it, you’ll thank me.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: The Moonshiner’s Son
Author: Carolyn Reeder
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 5.4
Summary: In the hills of Virginia during Prohibition, moonshining is an accepted way of life for 13-year-old Tom and his father, June. The boy plans to follow in this chosen career until a Bible-thumping preacher moves into the area to rid the country of the evils of liquor. As he becomes friendly with the preacher's daughter, Tom begins to wonder about the negative effects of whiskey on their customers. Conflict builds between the mountain people and the outsiders--revenuers, the preacher, and an unscrupulous bootlegger. Another stranger, a folklorist gathering material for a book, finds his way into the hearts of the native people through his interest in their crafts and tales. Tom's pa is a renowned local storyteller and the boy has inherited the talent. However, a great deal of the tension in the story lies between father and son.
Teaching Ideas: While studying the 1920’s era this book could be used as a whole group read aloud.
Evaluation: 8 out of 10 – When the struggle between Tom and his Pa occurs, it is a very difficult topic to read and for students to have to listen to.
---------------------------------------------------------------------Title: Diary of a Young Girl
Author: Anne Frank
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 6.5
Summary: In 1942, with Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, until their whereabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, they and another family lived cloistered in the "Secret Annex" of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death.
Teaching Idea: The story of Anne Frank can be very hard for students to hear/read for the first time, discussion is very important throughout this book. The holocaust can be an overwhelming topic for even adults. Throughout the book Frank details the layout of the attic her and her family have taken refuge. One-activity students could do would be to draw the layout of Frank’s attic home according to the details. Another activity would be a writing prompt where the students are asked to create their own diary entries.
Rating: 10 – It doesn’t matter how many times I read this book, the story of Anne Frank is as powerful as the first time I read it.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Title: Esperanza Rising
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Awards: Pura Belpre Award
Grade Level: 5.5
Summary: Esperanza's life on the ranch in Mexico is filled with laughter, riches, and the love of her well- to-do family. Shielded from the harshness of the world, her father teaches her respect for the earth and the servants who work on the grounds. A sudden tragedy forces Esperanza from her home in Mexico to a labor camp in California where she must work with other Mexican migrant workers. Esperanza and her mother work hard to fight the financial woes of the Great Depression era. Financial difficulties, awful working conditions, and rejection from those around her weigh heavily on Esperanza's soul. Although young and inexperienced, she must find the strength to survive in this new world.
Teaching Idea: Since this book is set during the great depression students could write a journal entry from the point of view of someone suffering through the time of The Great Depression. Including background knowledge that they have from other sources on this time period of American History.
Rating: 9 – I enjoyed the flow of the book, it was easy to get into and Esperanza’s character development through her struggles makes for a quick read.----------------------------------------------------------------
Author: Ann M. Martin
Awards: Newberry Honor Book
Grade Level: 6.1
Summary: Hattie looks back over the summer of 1960 and the events that changed her perception of life. The 12-year-old has difficulty making friends her own age, but enjoys the company of an elderly boarder, the friendly cook, and her artist father. Her relationship with her mother is sometimes difficult because they must always negotiate clothing and behavior to suit her wealthy, overbearing maternal grandmother. Suddenly, an uncle whom Hattie has never heard of comes to live with her grandparents because his school has closed. Although she is totally shocked at the existence of this rapidly babbling, Lucille Ball-quoting, calendar-savant child in a man's body, Hattie comes to appreciate his affection for her, his exuberance for life, and his courage in facing society's rejection. When she suggests that he sneak out to join her for a night of fun at a carnival, tragedy ensues. Hattie's narration is clear and appealing. Her recollection of the smallest of behaviors shows that each family member has felt both love and pain for her uncle, but could not express it. As she comes to understand what Uncle Adam meant when he spoke of being able to lift the corners of our universe, she is hopeful that her family can learn to heal and communicate.
Teaching Ideas: I would recommend to use this as either a read aloud to the whole group, small literature circle groups or as an individual read. When the students finished reading the book I would have them write a letter to Hattie. It is a very emotional struggle that Hattie faces and may be left with comments and strong feelings.
Evaluation: 10 out of 10 – Just read it, you’ll thank me
Title: The Moonshiner’s Son
Author: Carolyn Reeder Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 5.4
Summary: In the hills of Virginia during Prohibition, moonshining is an accepted way of life for 13-year-old Tom and his father, June. The boy plans to follow in this chosen career until a Bible-thumping preacher moves into the area to rid the country of the evils of liquor. As he becomes friendly with the preacher's daughter, Tom begins to wonder about the negative effects of whiskey on their customers. Conflict builds between the mountain people and the outsiders--revenuers, the preacher, and an unscrupulous bootlegger. Another stranger, a folklorist gathering material for a book, finds his way into the hearts of the native people through his interest in their crafts and tales. Tom's pa is a renowned local storyteller and the boy has inherited the talent. However, a great deal of the tension in the story lies between father and son.
Teaching Ideas: While studying the 1920’s era this book could be used as a whole group read aloud.
Evaluation: 8 out of 10 – When the struggle between Tom and his Pa occurs, it is a very difficult topic to read and for students to have to listen to.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Author: Anne Frank
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 6.5
Summary: In 1942, with Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, until their whereabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, they and another family lived cloistered in the "Secret Annex" of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death.
Teaching Idea: The story of Anne Frank can be very hard for students to hear/read for the first time, discussion is very important throughout this book. The holocaust can be an overwhelming topic for even adults. Throughout the book Frank details the layout of the attic her and her family have taken refuge. One-activity students could do would be to draw the layout of Frank’s attic home according to the details. Another activity would be a writing prompt where the students are asked to create their own diary entries.
Rating: 10 – It doesn’t matter how many times I read this book, the story of Anne Frank is as powerful as the first time I read it.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Title: Esperanza Rising
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Awards: Pura Belpre Award
Grade Level: 5.5
Summary: Esperanza's life on the ranch in Mexico is filled with laughter, riches, and the love of her well- to-do family. Shielded from the harshness of the world, her father teaches her respect for the earth and the servants who work on the grounds. A sudden tragedy forces Esperanza from her home in Mexico to a labor camp in California where she must work with other Mexican migrant workers. Esperanza and her mother work hard to fight the financial woes of the Great Depression era. Financial difficulties, awful working conditions, and rejection from those around her weigh heavily on Esperanza's soul. Although young and inexperienced, she must find the strength to survive in this new world.
Teaching Idea: Since this book is set during the great depression students could write a journal entry from the point of view of someone suffering through the time of The Great Depression. Including background knowledge that they have from other sources on this time period of American History.
Rating: 9 – I enjoyed the flow of the book, it was easy to get into and Esperanza’s character development through her struggles makes for a quick read.
Title: Joey Pigza: Swallowed the Key
Author: Jack GantosAwards:
*National Book Award Finalist *ALA Notable Children's Book
Grade Level: 5.2
Summary: Joey Pigza is wired. Really wired. One minute he's sitting at his desk like any other kid; the next he's out of control and taking a time-out in the hallway. When Joey gets all worked up, all the rules set by his mother and his teachers go right out the window. Joey knows he's a good kid but sometimes he just can't control himself. His mom's been warned that if he keeps messing up he could transferred to the downtown special-education center for problem kids. Told from Joey's perspective, students with learning disabilities can relate this his feelings of self-doubt and explore with him the way he transforms into the student he knows he can be.
*Check out Jack Gantos' webpage for teaching ideas and links to his other stories.
Teaching Ideas: This can be a creative teaching tool used to discuss tolerance and acceptance. Teachers must plan cautiously and really know their students. This book also offers many literary concepts such as irony, point of view, and allusion. A project idea could be for students to create a representation of what it would be like to be in "Joey's shoes" for the day.
Evaluation: 10 - For it's compassionate and comedic tone that students will relate to and appreciate.
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Awards: NoneGrade Level: 5.6
Teaching Idea: Students can create a painting of their own either by collaborating with the art teacher in a school, or in your own room. They will then write a mystery story based on their own painting.
Scholastic offers a unit idea, which uses Chasing Vermeer to develop problem solving skills and creativity.
Rating: 10 because it integrates math, literacy, and art into one intriguing mystery!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Chasing Vermeer
Author: Blue Balliett
Awards: NoneSummary: Students Petra and Calder hardly knew each other, until they realized their mutual love of art and teamed up to solve a mystery! A Vermeer painting has gone missing, and the pair of eleven year olds decide that they are just the ones to discover who stole it, using clues that the robber leaves in the newspaper and their knowledge of Vermeer. This captivating and interactive mystery is just the first in a series of mysteries with Petra and Calder. Get reluctant readers hooked on the excitement, and they will be on the edge of their seats to read the rest of the series!
Scholastic offers a unit idea, which uses Chasing Vermeer to develop problem solving skills and creativity.
Rating: 10 because it integrates math, literacy, and art into one intriguing mystery!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Hatchet
Author: Gary Paulsen
Awards: Newbery Honor Award
Grade Level: 6.3Summary: Brian Robeson is only thirteen years old when his plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness. He must use his limited resources, including the hatchet his mother gave him, to survive. Not only does Brian face life or death situations, but he also struggles with a secret he holds from his parent's divorce. Readers will be captivated as they discover Brian's strength and determination to survive and be rescued. This is the first book in a series, so students will be motivated to read on to the next adventure!
Teaching Idea: Students can work in groups to create a wilderness survival guide, based on Brian's experiences throughout the book. Students can each write about a certain number of experiences, and work together to create a front and back cover that illustrate the topic, draw the reader in, and tell them what to expect from their guide.
Scholastic also offers a lesson idea for Hatchet, based on the descriptive writing found in the book, and a unit plan, which uses Hatchet to teach imagery.
Students can also write to the author using the address found on his page through Random House.
Rating: 10 because this is an excellent book to get reluctant readers interested in reading (especially boys) and it has become somewhat of a "classic" in it's mere 20 years in print.
Students can also write to the author using the address found on his page through Random House.
Rating: 10 because this is an excellent book to get reluctant readers interested in reading (especially boys) and it has become somewhat of a "classic" in it's mere 20 years in print.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Among the Hidden
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Awards:
*The ALA Best Book for Young Adults
*The ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers
Grade Level: 5.9
Summary: This is the first book in the Shadow Children series. Luke is one of the shadow children, a third child forbidden by the Population Police. He's lived his entire life in hiding and when a new housing development moves in next door he is no longer allowed to go outside. One day he meets another shadow child who lives in the new house next door. His new friend, Jen, is willing to risk everything to come out of the shadows but Luke struggles with deciding whether to follow her dangerous plan or remain in hiding.
Teaching Ideas: Reorganize your family tree as if a third child or beyond was never born. Research China's population control and compare it to other countries. Compare and contrast totalitarian countries to democratic countries.
Evaluation: 10 - Could not put this book down!
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Title: Rosa
Author: Nikki Giovanni
Awards:
Author: Nikki Giovanni
Awards:
* Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award for Rosa. 2006.* Child Magazine's Best Children's Book of the Year, Oct. 2005.
* Rosa named a Caldecott Honor Book.
* Rosa receives the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration.
Grade Level: 5.1
Summary: Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This picture- book tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed.
Teaching Ideas: Introduction to Black History Month, Civil Rights Movement
Evaluation: 10 – Well written and beautiful illustrations
Evaluation: 10 – Well written and beautiful illustrations
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Title: Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryAuthor: Roald Dahl
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 5.9
Summary: Willy Wonka, a crazy chocolatier, opens his chocolate factory doors for the first time to five lucky children who have randomly purchased the coveted chocolate bars containing the golden ticket. Besides a lifetime supply of chocolate, the children get a chance to tour the mysterious factory with their guide, Willy Wonka. Throughout their journey in Wonka's factory the children encounter all sorts of silliness, as well as ethical dilemmas.
Teaching Ideas: Please visit http://www.roalddahlfans.com/teachers/chardrama.php for amazing teaching ideas
Evalution: 10 - I love this book!
Evalution: 10 - I love this book!
---------------------------------------------------------Title: James and the Giant Peach
Author: Roald Dahl
Grade Level: 6.4
Summary: James Henry Trotter loses his parents in a horrible accident, he is forced to live with his two wicked aunts, Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. After three years he becomes very sad and lonely. Then one day, an old man in a dark-green suit gives James a bag of magic crystals that promise to reverse his misery forever. James accidentally spills the crystals on his aunts' withered peach tree. From the old tree a single peach grows, until finally James climbs inside the giant fruit and rolls away from his despicable aunts to a whole new life. James befriends an assortment of characters, including Grasshopper, Earthworm, Miss Spider, and Centipede.
Teaching Ideas: This book is filled with many great science concepts like antonmy of an insect, buoyancy, and the life cycle of a plant/fruit. All of these concepts are woven into the story and would be a great way to integrate literacy and science.
Evaluation: 9 out of 10 This is a childhood favorite, I read it over and over again.
This book is great for read alouds, but be advised while reading to younger students the book does contain some vulgar words.
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Title: Harriet the Spy
Author: Louise Fitzhugh
Grade Level: 6.2
Summary: A story of a young girl named Harriet, who is aspiring to become a writer when she grows up. Through encouragement of her nanny, Harriet begins to carefully observe people and writes down her thoughts in a notebook to practice her writing. During a game of tag, Harriet loses her notebook and her classmates discovers it and reads all of entries she has written about them. Hurt and lonely, Harriet decides to get back at her former friends and thinks about a punishment for each one. While writing in her notebook all the time, her grades begin to slip and Harriet's parents take away her notebook and find out what she is really writing about. Harriet's parents speak with her teacher in order to resolve all of the issues that are going on with her classmates and they decide to appoint Harriet as the editor of the class newspaper.
Teaching Ideas: This novel could be used to teach students about jounraling or writing in a diary format. This style of writing could be used within the classroom to allow the students time throughout the day to practice the components of writing and developing their own voices in writing.
Evaluation: 9 out of 10 This novel is full of cleverness, creativity, and imagination!
I really like how this blog is set up. Its very easy to understand. I like how after every book there is idea for a lesson to incorporate with the book. These are great books to read too. I remember reading them when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteBrittany Hauryski
EDLS 207 Monday and Wednesday lab
It's always interesting to hear blogger's feedback about what books they remember reading in school and anything you liked about reading those stories. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDelete