Realistic Blog

BOOK ENTRY FORMAT FOR GENRE PROJECT

Information for students
Author: Margaree King Mitchell Title: Uncle Jed’s Barbershop
Book Genre: Realistic Publishing Info: Simon & Schuster Books, 28 pp.

Summary: Sarah Jean looks up to her favorite uncle, Jed. Uncle Jed saves up all of his money to open up his own barbershop, but gives the money to Sarah Jean’s family when Sarah Jean is sick and needs an operation. Her family cannot afford to pay for it and Uncle Jed gives up his hard earned money to help her survive. Even after giving up all of his savings to help Sarah Jean, he never loses the dream of owning his own barbershop. In the end, he gets exactly that and shows that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Personal rating: ****

Rationale: Beautiful pictures to accompany an inspirational story. It’s a great look back into history with a memorable lesson to learn along with it.

Information for teachers
Reading level: 3.8 Interest level: K – 3rd

Thematic Areas: family, determination, perseverance, courage, hope

Content Areas: careers, African American, history, Civil Rights Movement, social studies, segregation

Potential Problems or Difficulties: none

Possible use in classroom: Have students interview an adult about their career and present to the class. When they present to the class have them bring 2 or 3 things that relate to that adult’s career. Students can create a story map for this book. Have students create an advertisement for the book that would encourage others to read it. They can also create a mobile illustrating the book. Have students write a letter to one of the characters in the book and state how you felt about the actions or problems that they faced. State what you might do if you were in their situation. Research further about the Great Depression and discuss findings with the class. How did the Great Depression cause many people to become very poor?