A Variety of Literary Selections for a Variety of Topics Rebecca Porter My artifact, A Variety of Literary Selections for a Variety of Topics, has an assortment of picture books for both primary and intermediate grades. I was focused on books that either would teach students new things or helped in teaching them a lifelong lesson. I carefully selected these books, and although found more than just this selection, found that these books were the best of the best. I selected several books that I once read as a student myself. I hope to use this literary selection in future internships and also in my future classroom.
Title: Baloney (Henry P.) Author: Jon Scieszka Illustrator: Lane Smith Publication Date: 2001 Genre: Science Fiction Recommended Grade Range: k-3 The setting of Baloney (Henry P.) is at Henry s szkola (school) where he is telling his teacher why he is late for the class today. Baloney is the main character, and the plot is about the adventure Baloney had that made him late for school. The conflict that Baloney is faced with (outside of his made up story) is with his teacher, so the conflict represents man vs. man. The conflict within his made up story takes you on an adventure through space and tells about the obstacles Baloney faces while trying to get to school on time. The most intense part of the story is when Baloney is free falling through the sky. It is resolved by him saying that he suddenly remembered that falling bodies obey the law of gravity. And I haven t learned the law of gravity yet. So I stopped and came to szkola. At the end, the teacher does not believe his story but tells him that today s assignment is to compose a tall tale. This is perfect, for the story Baloney just told is just that! Baloney (Henry P.) is a fun science fiction book that matches many elements of quality in children s literature. It is full of wonderful words that the children will enjoy trying to say. These words include zimulis (pencil), deski (desk), torakku (school bus), razzo (rocket), pordo (exit), buttuna (button), and many more. The author put a note at the end of the story that says, This transmission was received directly from deep space. Once the signals were decoded, it became clear that this was a story about a life form similar to many earthlings. Even more amazing was the discovery that the story is written in a combination of many different earth languages including Latvian, Swahili, Esperanto, and Inuktitut. Who Knows why. I thought it was extremely clever of the author to use other languages to create alien language. This story is also extremely original. There are tons of books about aliens and outer life forms, but none quite like Baloney s adventure. The images that Lane Smith drew were awesome, and children will enjoy/ connect the pictures with the odd words Jon Scieska uses. This story could also fit into a curriculum if the teacher wants students to write tall tales, for the story Baloney tells his teacher demonstrates just this. CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: READERS-RESPONSE IDEA At the end of the story Miss Bugscuffle tells Henry that today s assignment is to compose a tall tale which Henry had already created before school even started. Since Miss Bugscuffle assigned Baloney to write out his tall tale, so should the students who read his story!
Title: Because of Winn-Dixie Author: Kate Dicamillo Publication Date: 2000 Genre: Realistic Fiction Recommended Grade Range: 3-5 Opal Buloni and her preacher father move from Naomi, Florida to Watley, Florida during the summer. Opal, who is ten years old and the main character, misses her home and friends. While going to the market to pick up food for her father, she finds a stray dog there that she soon claims as her own. She names this dog Winn-Dixie (because that s the name of the market and the only name she could think of) and the two become the best of friends. Throughout the story Opal and Winn-Dixie meet several people including the old librarian, Miss Franny; the witch, Gloria Dump; and the pet store owner, Otis. Opal goes and tells all of these people stories each day. Towards the end of the story Opal and Gloria Dump plan a party and invite people Opal loves and some Opal is a little hesitant about liking. At this party thunder and lightning strike and rain pours down. Winn-Dixie is deathly afraid of the storm and goes missing which becomes the climax of the story. Opal and her father go searching for Winn-Dixie despite of the storm, but cannot find her. They soon return to the party and Winn-Dixie is found (the resolution). Opal also realizes at the end of the party that you should never judge a book by its cover. She learned that people may act certain ways or have a past that makes them come off mean or scary; however, she finds that this is not important, for you should only judge a person by their present state. Because of Winn-Dixie is a story that matches several elements of quality in children s literature. The story uses rich language including things like, You ain t got to be sorry or whoeeeeee! This language is awesome for students and can be really fun for read-aloud. The story is also extremely relatable. I am sure that there will be several kids who have had to move from school to school before and can understand what Opal s loneliness feels like. Students can also relate to this story because I am sure they have judged, or been judged by another person before without really knowing them. This will help students to realize they should learn about someone before judging them which is a great lesson that needs to be learned, especially since bullying is a big deal for this age range. This story could easily fit into the curriculum because it is extremely appropriate for this grade range. An awesome story that is extremely original, enjoyable, and best of all FUN! CURRICULUM CONNECTION: READER-RESPONSE IDEA Students could do an activity just like the one we do in this class. One student could create juicy questions as to why certain things happen, another student could be the illustrator, another student could connect the story with something within the story, and the last person could be the passage master and find important sections of the text.. Then they could all come together and discuss what they have learned.
Title: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Author: Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault Illustrator: John Archambaut Publication Date: 1989 Genre: Fiction Recommended Grade Range: Pre-k - 1 The picture book Chicka Chick Boom Boom is an awesome book to teach young children the alphabet in a fun way. It starts off by saying, a told b and b told c, I ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree. The story of the alphabet climbing up the tree in alphabetical order continues until the tree bends so much (climax) that the letters all fall to the ground. Once all of the lower-case letters have fallen to the ground, the problem is resolved by the uppercase letters coming to help. The story then tells each letters injury in alphabetical order yet again, including D having a skinned knee, N being stooped, and T having a loose tooth. After all of the letters have been described, nighttime soon falls and the letters are in bed. However, the pesky a, who causes the alphabet to misbehave, is up in the coconut tree and is once again taunting the other letters. What happens next? The question gets to be answered by you. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a story the matches many elements of quality in children s literature. Readers will respond very well to this book because it is a fun way to learn the alphabet. It is very appropriate for children this age because it is not too intense of a read and clearly presents what student s need to learn. The story is an awesome way to teach children about rhymes, for the entire story is composed of rhyming words and catchy phrases. The pictures within the story are also awesome, and clearly show readers exactly what is occurring throughout the story. The book also presents children with new grammer, or words that they have never learned like, Skit skat skoodle doot. The story of the alphabet is also extremely original, I mean, how often is the alphabet personified in a story? Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a wonderful book to open up children s minds to learning in a new way. It s an awesome book for kids to learn. CURRICULUM CONNECTION:READER-RESPONSE IDEA Students could put on a play for parents. Using all the kids from kindergarten or first grade will work out perfectly. Students could represent each letter of the alphabet and present the story of Chick Chicka Boom Boom. What a fun activity for all to do! This would be a great learning experience for all.
Title: Christmas Oranges Author: (Retold) by: Linda Bethers Illustrator: Ben Sowards Publication Date: 2007 Genre: Realistic Fiction Recommended Grade Range: 1-3 (or any grade for Christmas time) The story begins in late November at Greenwoods Orphanage. Rose, the main character, has been an orphan there for almost all of her 8 years of life. During this cold November, a harsh flu sweeps across the country and ends up killing her orphan mother, Mrs. Hartley. Rose is moved to a new Orphanage called Irongates Orphanage. This orphanage is run by a very mean man, Mr. Crampton, who is extremely controlling. He believes that every rule broken must be met with a punishment, even if someone who is new isn t familiar with the rules. By the middle of the story Christmas Eve has come and a large tree decorated with oranges donated by the townspeople is given to the orphanage. The children, however, are not allowed to see this tree until Christmas morning. In the middle of the night, Rose creeps out of the room and goes downstairs to view this beautiful tree. Mr. Crampton sees her do this, but decides to wait until the morning to punish Rose. The conflict in the story occurs when Mr. Crampton tells Rose that she does not get an orange and that she has to scrub the floors/ clean all Christmas day. The story is resolved when the children of the orphanage decide to take a single piece of their orange to give to Rose, which they do later that night. At the end of the story it says, The oranges were the best that day because they were sweetened with friendship, kindness, and love. The moral of the story is the same for almost all Christmas stories that you should be giving and thinking of others so they can be happy and also so you can be happy. Christmas Oranges is a story that matches several elements of quality in children s literature. It is an original story that every child needs to hear during the Christmas season. It will teach them the best lesson and will stick with them for life because it is extremely memorable. The story can also encourage discussions with the class (throughout the story). You could ask children what they think will happen now since Mrs. Hartley has died, or what they think the consequence will be when Rose goes downstairs to look at the tree. The story can easily fit into the curriculum because it comes right at the end of the students first semester. What a great way to end the semester with this book. The story is also extremely appropriate, especially during the Christmas Season. CURRICULUM CONNECTION: READER-RESPONSE IDEA Students could, because it is such a clear memorable story, do a fun activity with oranges. The class can be divided up into two teams with each team given a single orange. When the timer starts, students must pass the oranges using only their necks from student to student. Whichever team passes the oranges the fastest without dropping the oranges wins! A fun activity that will keep the serious/ teachable story in their minds forever.
Title: Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type Author: Doreen Cronin Illustrator: Betsy Lewin Publication Date: 2000 Genre: Fiction Recommended Grade Range: Pre-k - 2 The setting of the story is on Farmer Brown s Farm, and the main character is none other than Farmer Brown. The story begins with Farmer Brown having a problem with his cows who like to type. All day long he hears, Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. Clickety, clack, moo. Farmer Brown cannot believe his cows are typing, but he is even more baffled when the cows leave him a note asking for electric blankets. This presents the literary conflict between Farmer Brown and his cows. Farmer Brown doesn t respond so the cows type up a note that tells Farmer Brown that there will be no milk today. Farmer Brown still doesn t give the cows blankets, and the cows ask the farmer if the hens can get blankets too, but the farmer won t give in. The climax of the story occurs when the cows and hens will not give the farmer milk or eggs because he will not give them blankets. The farmer becomes furious and decides to type his own letter. In this letter Farmer Brown demands that the cows and hens give him milk and eggs. The duck (who is a neutral party ) brings the note from the farmer to the cows and hens. The next day the duck brings the farmer the cow s response note. The note says, We will exchange our typewriter for electric blankets. Leave them outside the barn door and we will send Duck over with the typewriter. Farmer Brown thinks this is a good idea, so he decides to give the cows and hens heated blankets resolving the issue. However, the next morning the farmer gets a note from the ducks asking for a diving board. They got a hold of that darn typewriter! The story ends with a picture of a duck splashing into the water from a diving board. The moral of the story is that animals can t directly tell us what they want, so we need to be aware of what they need. Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type is a story the matches many elements of quality in children s literature. The story is very original; I mean how many stories do you hear about Cows who can type? This will make it fun and exciting for your readers and will open their minds to new ideas. The story can also encourage discussions. Children will wonder why the Cows are writing letters, they may ask why the cows don t just ask the farmer in person. This will help children to realize the moral of the story being that animals can t always tell us what they want. The illustrations within the story are also awesome! They demonstrate what is going on within the story and are very well thought out. The kids will love them! The story can also give students a different perspective. I m sure for this age range, young kids have never really thought about what animals might want or be thinking. An awesome way to show them their animals might want something too. This story could also easily fit into any teacher s curriculum. If the class is going to go to a farm on a field trip day, Click, Clack, Moo will be a perfect story to read to students! A wonderful, fun, and out-right cute book to read a-loud to young readers. CURRICULUM CONNECTION: READER-RESPONSE IDEA Students could write a letter just like the cows wrote letters to Farmer Brown. The kids will instead write the letter from their animal s perspective. For example, if a student has a cat and their name is Julie, Julie could write Dear Julie, I wish you wouldn t put your jacket on my favorite sleeping spot. Sincerely, Mr. Snuggles. After they write their letter, students could draw a picture of what is going on in the letter! This will be a fun activity for students that will be extremely memorable.
Title: Earth To Stella! Author: Simon Puttock Illustrator: Philip Hopman Publication Date: 2005 Genre: Science Fiction Recommended Grade Level: 1-3 5 4 3 2 1 BLAST OFF! The setting of Earth To Stella is in both Stella s home and within Stella s mind. The story begins with Stella, the main character, getting ready for bed so her father can tell her a space story. She starts getting ready by first putting on her stripy space suit. Then she steps into her chicken spaceship and Blasts off! The plot is to take you on a journey through outer space with Stella to explore new things and find other earthlings. While off in space Stella calls back to home, but finds that no one answers, and Stella soon feels very alone. She eventually returns to her bedroom to explore her home planet. Her loneliness is resolved when she explores her home planet and finds her father asleep in the TV room. At the end of the story Stella s father goes to explore outer space with her. The message that this story tells is that although it is fun to explore new places on your own, you will eventually get lonely and should share your experience with another. Earth to Stella is a story that has many elements of quality in children s literature. The story includes language that references to things that astronauts say like, check and Earth to Stella or Stella to Earth for communication. Earth to Stella also has words around the pictures describing what noises are going on like vroo-oom or whoosh. The vocabulary used to describe the story can be fun for a read aloud and will keep students interested. The illustrations within the story are awesome and will catch the reader s eye. This story is enjoyable and could fit very well into a curriculum. If you are teaching younger students about space and what things astronauts are looking for, then Earth to Stella is a perfect way to spark their imagination and keep them interested in the study of outer-space. CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: READER-RESPONSE IDEA Students could write their own outer space story. They can talk about what their spaceship looks like, how long they are out in space, and most importantly what they find on the new planet. Because the story references back to Stella feeling alone, they can also include who they will be communicating with back on their own home planet. A wonderful activity for students to be creative and will excite them to learn about outer space.
Title: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key Author: Jack Gantos Publication Date: 1998 Genre: Realistic Fiction Recommended Grade Range: 5-7 Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key is a part of a series of books involving Joey Pigza. Joey, who is obviously the main character, suffers from ADD. Joey can t sit still, can t pay attention, and can t follow the rules. He does whatever pops into his head! The story includes a series of Joey s mishaps that lead him to attending a special ed. center. These mishaps include swallowing his key, sharpening his finger, climbing on top of a barn, and snipping a classmate s nose off. These all become a part of the plot, thus leading to the conflict Joey faces with himself. Although the meds he is taking are duds, Joey believes that no one likes him and that everyone thinks he is bad which makes it hard for him to try to be good. The climax of the story would be when Joey snips of Marias (his classmates) nose off and has to be sent to the special ed. center. The resolution is when Joey receives the right meds and is able to return back to school where he now believes he belongs. The theme of Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key is to never judge a book by its cover, or in Joey s case, to look deeper within a person or yourself before thinking you can t do something. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key is a story that has many elements of quality in children s literature. The story is told from Joey s point of view, so readers will have a strong connection with Joey. The story of Joey can help to educate students about themselves (if the child has ADD him/herself) or about others in the class who may act up. It s a learning moment for all. The story offers a lot of humor but also talks about serious issues that Joey has to face. Although Joey s story is a bit extreme, it can educate students about one another and what they don t see is going on at home. For example, Joey s grandmother was crazy and emotionally abused him, Joey s father left him, and Joey s mother is an alcoholic. It teaches children to never judge a book by its cover, for you don t know what is going on inside. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key is a very original story. How many books do you see that give a child with ADD a chance to tell his or her story? This is a wonderful book that gives children a different perspective. CURRICULUM CONNECTION: READER-RESPONSE IDEA Students could write about a time they were struggling with something that no one understood at the moment. It could be serious or silly. They can write about how they overcome that challenge and how it changed them for the better. A great activity to boost students self-esteem and help them to realize that everyone has their own issues.
Title: Number the Stars Author: Lois Lowry Illustrator: Lois Lowry Publication Date: 1989 Genre: Historical Fiction Recommended Grade Range: 6-9 The story takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark during World War II. Annemarie Johansen, the main character, is living in Denmark and is adjusting to the Nazi s coming in and taking control of her life. Annemarie is best friends with a Jew, Ellen. The story is told by Annemarie who reflects on how much life around her has changed since the Nazi s came there. Things continually get worse in Denmark and soon the Nazi s begin to gather up the Jews and take them somewhere unknown. Annemarie s family become very brave during this terrifying time and insist on helping their Jewish friends (Annemarie s best friend s family). Ellen comes to live with Annemarie and her family and acts like she is Lise, Annemarie s recently deceased sister. Throughout the story there are several scary interrogations by the Nazi s on the Johansen family. However, since the family s daughter has died they are safe from the Nazi s knowing they are housing a Jew. Towards the middle to end of the book the Johansen family goes to the Henrik s up North. They pretend to have a funeral for their nonexistent great aunt so they can explain why there are so many people at the home. After the funeral, Peter (Lise s husband) and the mother take the Jewish guests out of the home and hide them in a boat. The climax of the story occurs when Annemarie has to venture alone to the boat to deliver a package to her Uncle s boat. The package she delivers to the boat is extremely important for it contains a secret ingredient, an ingredient that makes it so dogs can t sniff out humans. When the Nazi s go to check the boat with their dogs, no humans are found because of the package Annemarie delivered, resolving the issue of the Jews getting caught. The boat traveled safely to Sweden, and Annemarie is happy to know she saved so many lives, especially her best friend s life. The moral of the story, which is the same for many stories that center around the holocaust, is to be brave and know that you can make a large difference in someone s life. Number the Stars is a story that matches several elements of quality in children s literature. This story is a joy to read because it becomes so intense on several parts throughout the story. This will engage students. The story is also very real, so it is an awesome asset to use while teaching about the holocaust. It s perfect for blending in with your curriculum. The story is also appropriate for children to read. It is not graphic, but it does teach student s a little bit about the stresses of living during the holocaust. The book is also a great story that will encourage discussions. At the start of the book you could ask students what they know about the holocaust. During the book you could ask students what they think the Johansen s next move will be. You can have the children guess what will happen at the end of the story. The possibilities are endless. A wonderful book to expose children to about the holocaust. CURRICULUM CONNECTION: READER-RESPONSE IDEA You could do an activity with another classroom. Have one class read Number the Stars and have the other class read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Once both classes have completed the stories, have each class present the stories to each other. The students can compare and contrast the stories which will allow them to see several perspectives on the holocaust. This is an awesome engaging activity for teaching students about the holocaust.
Title: The BFG Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake Publication Date: 1982 Genre: Fantasy Recommended Grade Range: 4-6 The BFG is a story about a little girl named Sophie (the main character) who lives in an orphanage and sees a giant walking through the streets of England. The giant catches Sophie staring at him and takes Sophie away, for giants are not allowed to be seen by humans. Sophie first thinks that the giant is going to eat her but realizes he is a friendly giant, and they soon become the best of friends. The BFG is a giant who catches dreams and goes out each night to give children these wonderful dreams. There are, however, nine other giants who go to different countries each night and take people out of their homes to eat them. This presents the conflict that Sophie knows she and The BFG must resolve. The only person she knows can help to defeat these giants is none other than the Queen of England. Sophie and the BFG mix together a dream to give to the Queen so she understands what is going on and is able to take action. The most intense part of the story is when all of England s military travels to Giant Land to capture the nine man-eating Giants. The story is resolved when the Giants are put in a massive hole and are only fed nasty vegetables which the BFG hates. I believe Roald Dahl wanted readers to see that you should both never judge a book by its cover nor underestimate what you can achieve. FEAUTRES OF QUALITY The BFG is a story that carries many elements of quality in children s literature. The story is a lot of fun and is a joy to read. The reader s attention will be grabbed by both the storyline and the lesson the book teaches. The book is full of fun words and sentences that children will enjoy reading. For example, Meanings is not important, said the BFG. I cannot be right all the time. Quite often I is left instead of right or a whizhooper(music) or don t gobblefunk around with words. The story is also extremely original, I mean, how often do you hear about a friendly giant that collects dream? This is unheard of and will open up children s imagination. There are also quite a few illustrations in the story that will allow students to picture in their minds what the characters look like and how events occur during intense parts in the book. The story could fit into the curriculum when you are teaching children how to create an unrealistic fictional story. This story is a perfect example of a fun and exciting made up story. The story is also memorable. Students will remember this story for years to come because it is hilarious, whimsical, and entreating. After all, it has been my favorite story since reading it in my fourth grade classroom. CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS:READER-RESPONSE IDEA Students could create a fun fictional story themselves on how something occurs in their life. For example, in The BFG people received dreams because the BFG blew the dream into the children s minds. An awesome activity to get those imaginary juices flowing in students heads. As the teacher, you could create Frobscottle for the students to drink, just like the BFG drank in the story (mix green food coloring with crème soda/ make soda label with Made in Giant Country on the bottle). An awesome, fun, and exciting activity for students to do EXTREMELY memorable.
Title: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Author: John Boyne Publication Date: 2006 Genre: Fable/ Historical Fiction Recommended Grade Range: 6-12 The setting of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is in Berlin, next to the famous Auschwitz camp during the holocaust. The stories main character is Bruno who is only 9 years old and is so innocent that he doesn t realize the terrible events going on around him. His father gets a promotion which forces Bruno to leave his life behind in Germany and move to a place where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. The only thing Bruno finds to be adventurous is the huge fence which runs as far as his eye can see that cuts him off from the people behind it, playing in their striped pajamas. Bruno gets so bored one day that he decides to explore the fence and discovers something, just like Christopher Columbus discovered America. This is even better then Columbus finding America, for Bruno found a friend who lives on the other side of the fence. Their friendship is wonderful but ends up leading to a terrible consequence. Their friendship is the conflict in the story, for Bruno is the son of the commandant over the Nazi s who control the camp Bruno s friend is in, out-with (Auschwitz). The climax comes at the end of the story when Bruno goes on his friend s side of the fence to explore, but in turn is faced with a horrible death Jews had to face during the holocaust. There is no resolution at the end of the story, only that fact that Bruno s father was faced with karma: the death of his son. The theme of the story is justice. The story will make your heart melt and will teach a very important lesson to youth. FEAUTRES OF QUALITY The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a story that carries many of the elements of quality in children s literature. The story is very appropriate for readers because it comes from an innocent child s perspective. At the beginning, if you were to not know much about the events of the holocaust, it seems like a regular old story. However, as the story continues more and more occurs that will get readers to start thinking. The author s way of portraying the story through Bruno s perspective helps to teach younger children a little about the Holocaust without explaining the grueling details. For example, how Bruno always seems to notice how skinny his friend is, how Lieutenant Kotler gets angry and hurts Bruno s cook, how the people behind the fence wore the same striped pajamas and listened to the orders of the men dressed in nice-pressed suits. The story also will help children to relate to Bruno, for he is a young boy just like them. This book could easily fit into the curriculum at a school when you are teaching students about the holocaust and the many injustices the Jews had to face. CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: READER-RESPONSE IDEA Since the story relates to the holocaust, have students read this book while studying the holocaust so they can receive a different perspective. Because this book presents a lot of discussion, come up with a list of questions involving the characters, setting, plot, and of course the theme. Have a discussion with the class about the answers to their questions.
Title: The Cat in the Hat Author: Dr. Seuss Illustrator: Dr. Seuss Publication Date: 1957 Genre: Fiction Recommended Grade Range: Pre-k -1 The story begins with two young children sitting in a window looking outside at a storm. They are inside their home bored because they cannot go out and play, which presents the setting of the story. Then all of the sudden, they hear a BUMP and the Cat in the Hat walks through the door. The Cat in the hat is the main character of the story. The cat tells the bored children that he knows some good games that they can play. He shows them that he can balance several things at once, but soon drops everything and creates a big mess. This presents the conflict: the children not knowing what to do with the Cat in the Hat who is making a large mess. The climax of the story occurs when the Cat in the Hat tells the children he has another fun game for them to play. He brings in the crazy thing 1 and thing 2. Thing one and thing two make an even bigger mess in the house. The children don t know what to do for their fish tells them that their mother is almost home! The little boy decides to take action and he catches thing one and thing two in his net. He tells the Cat in the Hat, Now you do as I say. You pack up those Things and you take them away! The Cat is very sad but does what he says, but the children are left with the terrible mess the Cat in the Hat created. The story is resolved when the Cat in the Hat comes back with a machine that can quickly clean up the huge mess he has created. The Cat cleans the house and leaves just in time for the children s mother to come home. The moral of the story is to keep the house clean and not let anyone in your home while your mother is away. The Cat in the Hat is a story the matches many elements of quality in children s literature. Just like any of Dr. Seuss s stories, The Cat in the Hat uses wonderful rhymes to tell the story. This makes the story both enjoyable and teachable for children. The illustrations Dr. Seuss uses in his book are also great. They clearly show what is going on in the house and will capture the reader s attention. The story is also a classic which proves it to be very original, just as all of Dr. Seuss s books are. Students could easily relate to the story because I am sure several kids have created a large mess at home while their moms have been away but don t clean it up in time! The Cat in the Hat could also easily fit into the curriculum. While doing my service-learning, my teacher did a Dr. Seuss book week. She read the children the best of the best of Dr. Seuss s strange yet fun stories. The kids loved it. She also did a writing activity with the children that the students enjoyed very much. CURRICULUM CONNECTION:READER-RESPONSE IDEA Students could, like my service-learning students did, create a book full of what they would do if they were placed in Dr. Seuss stories. Specifically for The Cat in the Hat, students could answer the question at the end of the story What would you do if your mother asked you? Then they could draw a picture of what they did that day and include themselves, the Cat in the Hat, the fish, their mess, and of course their mom! A fun activity that kids will love!
Title: The Invention of Hugo Cabret Author: Brian Selznick Illustrator: Brian Selznick Publication Date: January 2007 Genre: Historical Fiction Recommended Grade Range: 4-7 The setting of The Invention of Hugo Cabret is in the year of 1931 in Paris, France. The story s main character is none other than Hugo Cabret. The story centers on the automaton Hugo is trying to fix which his father used to work on before his death. Hugo goes to the old man s shop and steals toys whose pieces fit perfectly within the automaton. He gets caught while stealing a mouse which launches a chain of events that changes everything. The major conflict that occurs in the story is when the old man steals Hugo s notebook because Hugo has been stealing his toys. When Hugo steals the old man s goddaughter s necklace which fits perfectly in the key hole to work the automaton the story becomes even more crazy. The climax of the story occurs when Hugo finds out that the old man is George Melies, creator of both the automaton and Hugo s father s favorite movie A Trip to the Moon. The resolution of the story ends with Hugo not being thrown into jail for all of the stealing he has done, but becoming a part of George Melies odd family. The story is ended with the new family going to an event held at the Film Academy for Papa Georges wonderful films. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a story that matches several elements of quality in children s literature. The most amazing part of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, I would say, is the wonderful illustrations used throughout the story. Rather than just displaying the images to add to the story, the pictures tell the story. The book looks like a large chapter book, but a lot of the pages are illustrations that allow you to see what Hugo see s. How the illustrations are used is absolutely wonderful and enjoyable, awesome visual comprehension. The book is definitely an original; after all, how many books do you read that have pictures telling the story. The book is also easy to relate to. It promotes children to believe that anything is possible and that if they try hard enough, everything will happen as they want. The story also presents connections readers can look for throughout the story that all lead to the grand ending. A wonderful magnificent book full of opportunities to teach students so much! CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: READER-RESPONSE IDEAS After reading the story, children could watch the actual film A trip to the Moon by George Melies to see what all the fuss about the movie in the book is about. This will allow students to realize how real this story could be. After watching the film and reading the book, students can answer questions that address the several connections throughout the story. Ex: Mechanical man to Papa George, how the key from the little girl fit perfectly into the automaton, why the moon has a connection with Hugo, his father, and Papa George.
Title: The Rainbow Fish Author: Marcus Pfister Illustrator: Marcus Pfister Publication Date: 1992 Genre: Fiction Recommended Grade Range: k-2 The story begins with the rainbow fish, which is the main character, being asked by another fish if he can have one of the rainbow fish s shiny scales. The rainbow fish angrily say s no which presents the conflict within the story: the rainbow fish not wanting to share. Because the rainbow fish is so mean and unwilling to share his beautiful shiny scales all the other fish avoid him and he is left alone. The rainbow fish soon runs into an octopus that tells him he has been searching for him all day. The octopus tells the rainbow fish that he must give a glittering scale to each fish to discover how to be happy. The rainbow fish says that he can t but later surprises himself. The climax of the story occurs when a fish comes and asks the rainbow fish for a scale. The rainbow fish, instead of being angry and telling the fish no, gives it to him and a rather peculiar feeling came over the rainbow fish. He began to share more of his shiny scales and realized that the more he gave away the more delighted he became. The story is resolved when he has given away all but one of his shiny scales and is called over by the other fish to go and play. The moral of the story is an obvious one, to share what you have with others to find happiness. The Rainbow Fish is a story the matches many elements of quality in children s literature. It is an original story that takes a different turn on teaching children how to share. The story will be greatly enjoyed by readers because of the wonderful images of the rainbow fish throughout the story. The sparkling scales which the children hear about during the story can clearly be seen on the fish in the illustrations. This story is also very relatable. When kids are younger they tend to be very selfish with their things, so giving them a new perspective is awesome. The book is also good for discussions. You can ask children if they have something they love, then ask them if they are willing to share that object with others. This will allow them to connect their item with the rainbow fish s shiny scales and discuss what they will do differently. A very fun and appropriate way for young children to learn! CURRICULUM CONNECTION: READER-RESPONSE IDEA Students could draw themselves with their prized possession. In the picture they could include the rainbow fish with its shiny scales sharing and include themselves with their prized possession sharing. A great activity to allow children to see the importance of sharing!
Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Author: Eric Carle Illustrator: Eric Carle Publication Date: 1969 Genre: Fiction Recommended Grade Range: k-3 The story begins with a little egg on a leaf in a tree, creating the setting for the story. The story continues with a POP! Out of the egg came a very hungry caterpillar. The caterpillar is the main character of the story. The conflict of the story is that the Caterpillar is extremely hungry. Because of this hunger the caterpillar began to eat things to try and not be so hungry. He begins by eating one apple, but he is still hungry. The caterpillar then eats two pears, but he is still hungry. He then eats three plums, but he is STILL hungry. The story continues with the caterpillar eating through several foods until finally he is full. The climax of the story comes when the caterpillar has eaten so much that he becomes a big fat caterpillar. The caterpillar is very full and decides to build a home resolving his tiredness. After building his cocoon, the caterpillar soon emerges from his home. Instead of being the caterpillar he was before he has become a beautiful butterfly. The moral of the story is that caterpillars need a lot of food to help make them a healthy and beautiful butterfly. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a story the matches many elements of quality in children s literature. The most important quality this story holds is the lesson it teaches. This lesson is not about the reader s themselves, but about how caterpillars evolve into butterflies. This book teaches young children in a fun way which they will love. The story also has wonderful illustrations. The caterpillar, although painted into the story, looks very real and will capture a young child s imagination. The story is also a classic which makes it extremely original. Every child needs to be read this book, and reading it in the classroom is a perfect way to make that happen. The Very Hungry Caterpillar also can easily fit into a teacher s curriculum. If you are doing a class project on butterflies (having caterpillars in a cage and watching them go into their cocoons then seeing them become butterflies) then this book is just perfect! This book will allow students to relate to the book and have the book itself come to life. How awesome!!! CURRICULUM CONNECTION: READER-RESPONSE IDEA Students could do a class project and get real-life caterpillars. They can write down and record each of the caterpillar s stages all the way up until the caterpillar becomes a butterfly. This will be a fun and memorable activity for young students that they will cherish for life.
Title: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly Author: Simms Taback Illustrator: Simms Taback Publication Date: 1997 Genre: Poetry Recommended Grade Range: Pre-k-2 The story begins with, There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. I don t know why she swallowed a fly. Poor old lady I think she ll die. The old lady is the main character of the story and the entire poem revolves around the old lady swallowing several animals. The story continues with the old lady swallowing a spider to get the fly. Then the old lady swallows the bird to catch the spider. She then swallows the cat to catch the bird. After that the old lady swallows the dog to catch the cat. Next the old lady swallows the cow to catch the dog. The entire story you are wondering, When is that old lady going to die, she has eaten so much! Finally at the end of the story it states, There was an old lady who swallowed a horse. She s dead of course. I believe that this is both the climax AND resolution to the story. It is climactic because she has finally died, and it resolves the story because the old lady would have continued to swallow larger and larger objects. Who knows, maybe if she hadn t died after swallowing a horse she would have eventually swallowed the entire earth! There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly is a story the matches many elements of quality in children s literature. The story does an excellent job with teaching children that poetry can be fun. The poem/story also helps children understand rhymes and gives them an awesome example of how a fun and exciting rhyme should look. The illustrations in the story are fantastic. Children will definitely be entirely engaged throughout the story. The rich colors and design of the illustrations are extremely impressive. The story is also extremely original. Sure there may be stories about people swallowing big things, but none about a little old lady. The idea of an Old Lady swallowing so many large and downright gross items will have students giggling for days. This story is very enjoyable and will spark any person s imagination (especially young children). This is a fantastic, fun, and absolutely cute story that children will cherish. CURRICULUM CONNECTION:READER-RESPONSE IDEA Students could do several fun and memorable activities. They could get a sketch of the old lady and see if they can remember all the things she swallowed and draw them in her belly (good for testing student s memory). Students could have an eating contest against other classmates and eat as much food as they can until they feel like they are going to die. This book is also an awesome (and sneaky) way to do a lesson on children s health/diet. Although what the old lady ate was a little extreme, you can teach student s that eating too much of certain things is bad for them and could be detrimental to their health.
Title: Where the Sidewalk Ends Author: Shel Silverstein Illustrator: Shel Silverstein Publication Date: 1974 Genre: Poetry Recommended Grade Range: 3-5 There are several different poems within Shel Silverstein s Where the Sidewalk Ends, so I choose a couple that really stuck out for me. The first poem I selected is titled, Point of View. There is no main character directly referenced during the poem, it comes from whomever wrote the poems perspective (an anonymous writer even though Shel wrote it himself). The poem starts off with a conflict that Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner are not the best of holidays. Why you must ask? Because the writer looks at the turkey/chicken/ducks point of view. The resolution of the poem is that you should look from another person s point of view before you make it a big holiday for yourself. The next poem that I really enjoyed was, Sarah Cynthia Stout would not take the garbage out. The setting of the poem is at her home, and Sarah Cynthia Stout is the main character. The plot of the poem is based off of her not taking the trash out, and the garbage stretching from New York to the Golden Gate. The literary conflict is between herself and everyone else so it is man vs. man. The climax of the poem is when all of her neighbors move away and her friends will not come to play. The poem has no resolution for, Poor Sarah met an awful fate. The theme of the story is to promote kids to Always take the garbage out! as referenced at the end of the poem. FEAUTRES OF QUALITY Where the Sidewalk Ends has several poems that match the many elements of quality in children s literature. The book has a compilation of 127 poems that are very different and very original. The word choice in a lot of the poems is extremely fun, for example Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too. If the poems were not good enough, the pictures are absolutely wonderful. They are drawn so well and can practically tell the story of what goes on within the poem in a single image. The poems are also very good because they give children multiple perspectives on how others feel and about why they should do things a certain way. These poems could be brought into the curriculum when you want to teach the children a lesson in a fun way. I believe that these poems are appropriate for children and will make them laugh. Best of all, they will grow to love this poetry and be open for more. CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: READER-RESPONSE IDEA Have the students generate a poem about a lesson they have learned in life (assign them this life lesson so each poem has a different moral). Make sure they use fun word choice, rhymes, and give enough information so the lesson is obvious but not told. Also, have the children draw a picture that captures the poem! Collect all of the students poems after they finish and make a book for each student, including all of their poems.