My Great-Aunt Arizona

Information for students
Author: Houston, Gloria Title: My Great-Aunt Arizona
Book Genre: Biography Publishing Info: Harper Collins Publishers;
32 pp.

Summary: This is a touching tale of the life of Arizona. Arizona is described as a tall, thin, vivacious woman who dreams of far-away places. Her childhood is portrayed with perfect imagery. When tragedy struck her family, her plans changed and because of this she became a fabulous teach who touched the lives of many generations. Arizona imparted her dreams into the hearts of her students!

Personal rating: ****

Rationale: high literary merit; rich in content; an enjoyable read; rhythmic text; character’s life is adequately described; qualified author

Information for teachers
Reading level: 4.0 Interest level: K-2nd

Thematic Areas: culture; diversity; values; determination; dreams

Content Areas: Social Studies; language arts

Potential Problems or Difficulties: none foreseen

Possible use in classroom: use in a language arts unit about characterization and finding proof in a story; character chart on Arizona; write sentences that show proof of her character; on the second reading of the story, stop and write down the fact given on that page; make a life cycle for Arizona; write a short story or poem about a family member