Traditional Literature
Bagels from Benny - Aubrey Davis
Reading level - 3.0; Interest level - K-5
from Angela Burgess
It could always be worse - Margot Zemach
Reading level - 4.9; Interest level - 2nd-4th
from Nicole Guifarro
Fantasy
Stellaluna - Janelle Cannon
Reading level - 4.9; Interest level - pre K - 5th
from Kammie Ruth
Runaway Ralph - Beverly Cleary
Reading level - 4.1; Interest level - 3rd-5th
from Jessica Williams
Oh my, Baby Bear! - Audrey Wood
Reading level - 4.5; Interest level - K-2nd
from Roxi Harp
Multicultural
My diary from here to there - Amada Irma Perez
Reading level - 4.0; Interest level - K-5th
from Frances Phan
First day in grapes - L. King Perez
Reading level - 3.2; Interest level - 2nd-6th
from Keri Bass
Dona Flor - Pat Mora
Reading level - 3.6; Interest level - K-2nd
from Angie Selig
Realistic fiction
Love, Ruby Lavender - Deborah Wiles
Reading level - 4.2; Interest level - 3rd-5th
from Laura Cochrane
Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-ha-ha! - Barbara Park
Reading level - 1.9; Interest level - K-2nd
from Cindy Brown
Biography
Helen Keller: Her life in pictures - George Sullivan
Reading level - 5.8; Interest level - 2nd-5th
from Melinda McLaughlin
Informational
Rain and shine: A first look at seasons - Sara Lynn and Dianne James
Reading level - 3.8; Interest level - K-6th
from Kristy Hollar
The Bermuda Triangle - Aaron Rudolph
Reading level - 5.0; Interest level - 5th-8th
from Angie Blair
Showing posts with label Biography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Biography. Show all posts
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
A Girl Named Helen Keller
BOOK ENTRY FORMAT FOR GENRE PROJECT
Information for students
Author: Margo Lundell Title: A Girl Named Helen Keller
Book Genre: Biography Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc, 42
Summary: After an illness, Helen Keller is left blind and deaf. Her parents spoil her and give her what she wants. Finally, her parents contact the Perkins School for the Blind and ask them to send for a teacher. Anne Sullivan arrives and is determine to tame the rebellious Helen before she is able to help her. Anne attempts to teach Helen sign language, but Helen does not understand. Finally, Helen spells “water” and understands what it means. She suddenly wanted to know the signs for everything. Helen and Anne remained close friends until Anne died
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: unique and colorful illustrations, simple, sign-language alphabet on back cover
Information for teachers
Reading level: 2.8 Interest level: k-2nd
Thematic Areas: blind, deaf, determination, love, family, patience, dedication, adversity
Content Areas: social studies, language arts
Potential Problems or Difficulties: There were no potentials problems or difficulties that I noticed.
Possible use in classroom: teach students the sign-language alphabet; in a large group, have students build a class list of all of the various adversities that people in the class have had or seen in the lives of others around them; set up an obstacle course in another room or outside where students will not see it prior to the experience, have class get into pairs and explain that there is to be absolutely no talking from anyone, and one person in each pair is to be blindfolded. Each pair must work together to get through the obstacle course. After everyone has had a try at the course, come back to the classroom and have students write in journals about how they felt not being able to talk and/or blind, was it hard to communicate, how did having partners help, were they able to work together to reach their goal?; Discuss with the class how Helen Keller gave lectures on how to help the deaf and blind, women's rights and pacifism (against war and violence). With the class, brainstorm issues in the world today which could use some public awareness or support. Have students choose one and write a speech, giving reasons why the issue needs support, and ideas for solutions. These speeches will be given in front of the class, on the last day of this unit, as a culminating event.
Information for students
Author: Margo Lundell Title: A Girl Named Helen Keller
Book Genre: Biography Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc, 42
Summary: After an illness, Helen Keller is left blind and deaf. Her parents spoil her and give her what she wants. Finally, her parents contact the Perkins School for the Blind and ask them to send for a teacher. Anne Sullivan arrives and is determine to tame the rebellious Helen before she is able to help her. Anne attempts to teach Helen sign language, but Helen does not understand. Finally, Helen spells “water” and understands what it means. She suddenly wanted to know the signs for everything. Helen and Anne remained close friends until Anne died
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: unique and colorful illustrations, simple, sign-language alphabet on back cover
Information for teachers
Reading level: 2.8 Interest level: k-2nd
Thematic Areas: blind, deaf, determination, love, family, patience, dedication, adversity
Content Areas: social studies, language arts
Potential Problems or Difficulties: There were no potentials problems or difficulties that I noticed.
Possible use in classroom: teach students the sign-language alphabet; in a large group, have students build a class list of all of the various adversities that people in the class have had or seen in the lives of others around them; set up an obstacle course in another room or outside where students will not see it prior to the experience, have class get into pairs and explain that there is to be absolutely no talking from anyone, and one person in each pair is to be blindfolded. Each pair must work together to get through the obstacle course. After everyone has had a try at the course, come back to the classroom and have students write in journals about how they felt not being able to talk and/or blind, was it hard to communicate, how did having partners help, were they able to work together to reach their goal?; Discuss with the class how Helen Keller gave lectures on how to help the deaf and blind, women's rights and pacifism (against war and violence). With the class, brainstorm issues in the world today which could use some public awareness or support. Have students choose one and write a speech, giving reasons why the issue needs support, and ideas for solutions. These speeches will be given in front of the class, on the last day of this unit, as a culminating event.
George Washington Carver
Author: Bolden, Tonya
Title: George Washington Carver
Book Genre: Autobiography
Publishing Info: Abrams Books for
Young Readers, 41pp.
Summary: This was a wonderful collection of the life and contributions of artist, poet, educator, and inventor, George Washington Carver. The book begins by informing readers of what some may see as tragic circumstances, the loss of his mother when he was just an infant. No matter what changes or adversity Carver faced, he seemed to always maintain a positive outlook on life and its possibilities. Education was always essential to Carver, whether he was teaching himself or moving to various towns to seek higher education. From an early age, Carver had a special talent for agriculture and finding new ways to use every resource. The book gives countless examples of how Carver dedicated his life to “Learning all you can and then go out into the world, and give your learning back to our people.” Not only has Carver’s life been an inspiration to African Americans, but to people all over the world.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Very detailed; written in a manner easily understood by students; illustrations which include various photographs of Carver’s life, inventions, and paintings
Reading level: 7.4 Interest level: 3rd-8th
Thematic Areas: African American culture and leaders; courage; life-long learning; conservation of resources; self-reliance; inspiration for all readers
Content Areas: History
Potential Problems or Difficulties: Some words may be too advanced or unfamiliar to some readers
Possible use in classroom: Use to reinforce lessons about American inventors; use in a thematic unit about African-American influences and leaders; have students journal about how the life of George Washington Carver has inspired their outlook on learning; in groups, have students research to find which of Carver’s contributions are still in practice today
Title: George Washington Carver
Book Genre: Autobiography
Publishing Info: Abrams Books for
Young Readers, 41pp.
Summary: This was a wonderful collection of the life and contributions of artist, poet, educator, and inventor, George Washington Carver. The book begins by informing readers of what some may see as tragic circumstances, the loss of his mother when he was just an infant. No matter what changes or adversity Carver faced, he seemed to always maintain a positive outlook on life and its possibilities. Education was always essential to Carver, whether he was teaching himself or moving to various towns to seek higher education. From an early age, Carver had a special talent for agriculture and finding new ways to use every resource. The book gives countless examples of how Carver dedicated his life to “Learning all you can and then go out into the world, and give your learning back to our people.” Not only has Carver’s life been an inspiration to African Americans, but to people all over the world.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Very detailed; written in a manner easily understood by students; illustrations which include various photographs of Carver’s life, inventions, and paintings
Reading level: 7.4 Interest level: 3rd-8th
Thematic Areas: African American culture and leaders; courage; life-long learning; conservation of resources; self-reliance; inspiration for all readers
Content Areas: History
Potential Problems or Difficulties: Some words may be too advanced or unfamiliar to some readers
Possible use in classroom: Use to reinforce lessons about American inventors; use in a thematic unit about African-American influences and leaders; have students journal about how the life of George Washington Carver has inspired their outlook on learning; in groups, have students research to find which of Carver’s contributions are still in practice today
Bette Davis: Film Star
Author: Gene Brown
Title: Bette Davis: Film Star
Book Genre: Biography
Publishing Info: Blackbirch Press, 64 pp
Summary: Bette Davis was the most famous female actress in the mid-1940s – she was also the most unusual. Bette got her strong-will from her mother, Ruthie Davis. She was born in 1908 in Lowell, Massachusetts as Ruth Elizabeth Davis. Her professional acting career began in Rochester, New York in the year of 1928 where she played in a play called Broadway. Her director, George Cukor, loved her work and said that she had a type of “white heat”. She went from there to doing major Broadway plays. One of her cameramen (while shooting a very unimportant, forgettable movie) noticed that she had gorgeous eyes. From there, Bette’s career took off with a quick pace.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Young girls love to read about famous movie stars. This is a great book that would grab their interest. Highly recommend this book!
Reading level: 7.5
Interest level: 2nd-8th
Thematic Areas: love; family; friends; courage; movies
Content Areas: art; history
Potential Problems or Difficulties: No potential problems or difficulties.
Possible use in classroom: Children could make a class list/graph of their own favorite movies and actors/actresses. This would be a great book to read while doing a “career” unit. The children could write a story about what job they would like to have when they grow up.
Title: Bette Davis: Film Star
Book Genre: Biography
Publishing Info: Blackbirch Press, 64 pp
Summary: Bette Davis was the most famous female actress in the mid-1940s – she was also the most unusual. Bette got her strong-will from her mother, Ruthie Davis. She was born in 1908 in Lowell, Massachusetts as Ruth Elizabeth Davis. Her professional acting career began in Rochester, New York in the year of 1928 where she played in a play called Broadway. Her director, George Cukor, loved her work and said that she had a type of “white heat”. She went from there to doing major Broadway plays. One of her cameramen (while shooting a very unimportant, forgettable movie) noticed that she had gorgeous eyes. From there, Bette’s career took off with a quick pace.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Young girls love to read about famous movie stars. This is a great book that would grab their interest. Highly recommend this book!
Reading level: 7.5
Interest level: 2nd-8th
Thematic Areas: love; family; friends; courage; movies
Content Areas: art; history
Potential Problems or Difficulties: No potential problems or difficulties.
Possible use in classroom: Children could make a class list/graph of their own favorite movies and actors/actresses. This would be a great book to read while doing a “career” unit. The children could write a story about what job they would like to have when they grow up.
First on the Field: Baseball Hero Jackie Robinson
Information for Students
Author: Derek T. Dingle Title: First on the Field Baseball Hero Jackie Robinson
Book Genre: Biography Publishing Info: Hyperion pp. 48
Summary: Jackie Robinson a man of great talent. In high school and college, he broke many records in baseball, football, track, and basketball. He was a great athlete with one society-based contradictory characteristic he was African American. His determination and competitive energy helped break the barrier of discrimination. He set and paved the way for other African American athletes to play in the major leagues. Jackie Robinson a legendary baseball player who faced much diversity, which gave him a place in history.
Personal Rating: ****
Rationale: Well written, capturing illustrations and photographs, inspirational plotted biography, determined and competitive character, racism and discrimination problems.
Information for Teachers
Reading Level: 6.4 Interest Level: 4th-9th
Thematic Areas: African Americans; courage; honor; baseball; families; social structures; prejudice; racism
Content Areas: History; sports; psychology; discrimination; bibliography
Potential Problems or Difficulties: Print is very small and hard to read on some pages.
Angie Blair
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin
Information for students
Author: James Cross Giblin Title: The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin
Book Genre: biography Publisher: Scholastic Press
Summary: This book is about the life of Benjamin Franklin and how amazing his life was. It discusses the challenges that Franklin had in this life with family, businesses, and illnesses. We also learn about his successes, inventions and accomplishments during his life making him the “wisest American” of his time. In the back of the book are “Important Dates” in his life, “Franklin the Inventor,” “Sayings from Poor Richard’s Almanac” and “Historical Sites Associated with Benjamin Franklin.”
Personal rating: *****
Pages: 48
Rationale: loved how the author tells the facts and does not romanticize the story, very informative with illustrations that match the text, a must read
Information for teachers
Reading level: 6.6 Interest level: grades 3-6
Thematic Areas: family, challenges, printer, inventor, statesman, scientist, Revolutionary War, Poor Richard’s Almanac, taxes, U.S. Constitution
Content Areas: social studies, geography, language arts, arts & humanities, science, literature
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not foresee any problems
Possible use in classroom:
· Have students to list all the places that Franklin traveled and lived, on a big map let them take turns and show you and the class where these places are
· Let students research the club Junto that Franklin started
· In science, discuss the importance of the discovery of electricity, maybe do an experiment on electricity
· Discuss Franklin’s important role of writing the U.S. Constitution
Author: James Cross Giblin Title: The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin
Book Genre: biography Publisher: Scholastic Press
Summary: This book is about the life of Benjamin Franklin and how amazing his life was. It discusses the challenges that Franklin had in this life with family, businesses, and illnesses. We also learn about his successes, inventions and accomplishments during his life making him the “wisest American” of his time. In the back of the book are “Important Dates” in his life, “Franklin the Inventor,” “Sayings from Poor Richard’s Almanac” and “Historical Sites Associated with Benjamin Franklin.”
Personal rating: *****
Pages: 48
Rationale: loved how the author tells the facts and does not romanticize the story, very informative with illustrations that match the text, a must read
Information for teachers
Reading level: 6.6 Interest level: grades 3-6
Thematic Areas: family, challenges, printer, inventor, statesman, scientist, Revolutionary War, Poor Richard’s Almanac, taxes, U.S. Constitution
Content Areas: social studies, geography, language arts, arts & humanities, science, literature
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not foresee any problems
Possible use in classroom:
· Have students to list all the places that Franklin traveled and lived, on a big map let them take turns and show you and the class where these places are
· Let students research the club Junto that Franklin started
· In science, discuss the importance of the discovery of electricity, maybe do an experiment on electricity
· Discuss Franklin’s important role of writing the U.S. Constitution
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Salt in His Shoes
Author: Deloris Jordan Title: Salt in His Shoes
Book Genre: Biography
Publishing Info: Simon & Schuster, NY 2000 (29pgs)
Summary: This story is told from the viewpoint of Michael Jordan’s mom. It takes place when he is a young child and gets discouraged because of his height. He wants and desires to become taller, so that when he goes to play basketball with his brothers and their friends, he can be a better player. He learns that it is not about his height, but rather his determination and will to become better by practicing.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: This is a story of determination that children of all ages can be encouraged by. It talks about struggle and discouragement, yet overcoming the things we cannot change. The illustrations are fun for young children, who cannot read the story on their own.
Reading level: 3.6 Interest level: K-5th
Thematic Areas: Struggle, discouragement, determination, success, family values and encouragement
Content Areas: History, physical education, health, character
Potential Problems or Difficulties: This story could give some students false hope that they can become professional basketball players.
Possible use in classroom: Have the students research more struggles that Michael Jordan had when trying to play basketball throughout life. Have students journal on things, activities, etc. that they struggle with and ways in which they can overcome the struggles. Have the students get into groups of 3-4, and come up with a skit, of how they can encourage someone that is discouraged about something.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Happy Birthday Martin Luther King
Author: Marzollo, Jean Title: Happy Birthday Martin Luther King
(A BIG BOOK)
Book Genre: Biography Publishing Info: Scholastic, 28 pp.
Summary: This is an abbreviated story about the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the story it tells about his untimely death as well. The story follows his life from the time of his birth to his untimely death.
Personal rating: **** Great
(A BIG BOOK)
Book Genre: Biography Publishing Info: Scholastic, 28 pp.
Summary: This is an abbreviated story about the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the story it tells about his untimely death as well. The story follows his life from the time of his birth to his untimely death.
Personal rating: **** Great
Rationale: This brief version of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is well written for younger audiences. This big book would be a great resource for introducing elementary children to this part of our history. The artwork in the book is excellent.
Reading level: 3.1 Interest level: K-3
Themes: Leadership, Responsibility, Death, Freedom
Reading level: 3.1 Interest level: K-3
Themes: Leadership, Responsibility, Death, Freedom
Content Areas: History, Social Studies, Language Arts, Art, Music
Potential Problems or Difficulties: Some children may have a hard time with the part of the text that conveys that Dr. King was shot, and the reading may need to be adjusted accordingly. The teacher could read the text as he died.
Possible use in classroom:
*This book could be used as a resource to go with an introduction of the civil rights movement and what it means. For younger students the text is just enough to get them familiar with this time in our history.
*Students could work together in forming a list of rules (laws) for the classroom which included how the students were to treat one another. (respecting their differences) This would help them connect to the part of the text where King helped to change some of the laws of the land.
*Students could collectively make a chart that listed the laws of our land that they are familiar with.
*To integrate art the teacher could have students color a paper with different colored crayons and then cover the colors with a black ink. Then when the pictures are dry students can use tools to scrape off (draw on) the black to make a picture revealing the colors underneath. Students could even try to “draw” a scene that would be appropriate for the book.
*The teacher could have someone come in and to play and sing some of the music that the Reverend King might have had in his church. Then students could share with each other what types of music they enjoy and maybe even bring in some examples.
*This Big Book format would be good to use in teaching directionality, and fluency.
*Students could create a timeline of the key events of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
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
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
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