READ ACROSS AMERICA 2008 Celebrate Favorite Characters! Dr. Seuss Properties TM & 2007 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved. TM & 1997 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., and NEA. Cat in the Hat image. TM & 1957 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved. 2008 Teacher Activity Guide Join in the 11th annual NEA s Read Across America Day! This nationwide literacy event will take place on March 3rd, in honor of Dr. Seuss, the author whose books epitomize reading fun! Last year close to 50 million children, adults, and celebrities shared books across the nation. And this year s celebration promises to be bigger than ever! Young readers love to find new friends in books whether with Seussian characters like Horton and Lorax, detectives like Nate the Great, or unforgettable siblings like Judy Blume s Pain and the Great One. We hope you use this activity guide to share favorite characters with your students. www.randomhouse.com/teachers www.nea.org/readacross

Look for Horton in movie theaters March 2008! A Person s a Person, No Matter How Small! Classroom Connection: HORTON HEARS YOU! Lead a class discussion on the importance of having one s voice heard. Beginning February 1st, have students call 877-OK-HORTON toll-free and leave Horton a message telling him about something good they ve done for a friend, classmate, or family member. They will receive a special audio thank you message from Horton and will receive information about entering a sweepstakes to win a family trip to Universal Studios and meet Horton. HORTON HEARS A WHO! PARTY EDITION Horton, the lovable elephant, tries to protect tiny creatures on a speck of dust. A memorable tale told in delightful verse and pictures. HC: 978-0-394-80078-3 (0-394-80078-8) GLB: 978-0-394-90078-0 (0-394-90078-2) Dr. Seuss Properties TM & 2007 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved. HORTON HEARS A WHO POP-UP! Novelty HC: 978-0-375-84194-6 (0-375-84194-1) HORTON HATCHES THE EGG It's the talk of the jungle when an elephant hatches an egg. Extravagant nonsense and rollicking verse. HC: 978-0-394-80077-6 (0-394-80077-X) GLB: 978-0-394-90077-3 (0-394-90077-4) For kid-friendly activities, visit www.hortonhears.com

I Speak for the Trees Perfect for Earth Day celebrations! Classroom Connection: LEARN FROM THE LORAX "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." After reading The Lorax to your class, discuss the meaning of this statement. Ask students: Can one person make a difference? Can you? Brainstorm a list of simple Earth-friendly actions that you and your students can do every day, such as changing to energy-efficient lightbulbs, carpooling, picking up litter, and using both the front and the back of scrap paper. Dr. Seuss Properties TM & 2007 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved. THE LORAX Decades before saving the earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth's natural beauty. HC: 978-0-394-82337-9 (0-394-82337-0) GLB: 978-0-394-92337-6 (0-394-92337-5) The big, colorful pictures and the fun images, wordplays and rhymes make this an amusing exposition of the ecology crisis. School Library Journal For kid-friendly activities, visit www.seussville.com The Cat in the Hat, a perennial favorite character, introduces beginning readers to basic nonfiction in the Cat in the Hat s Learning Library program. The Cat in the Hat, a perennial favorite character, introduces beginning readers to basic nonfiction in the Cat in the Hat s Learning Library program. OH, THE THINGS YOU CAN DO THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOU! All About Staying Healthy HC: 978-0-375-81098-5 (0-375-81098-6) GLB: 978-0-375-91098-2 (0-375-91098-0) A WHALE OF A TALE! All About Porpoises, Dolphins, and Whales HC: 978-0-375-82279-7 (0-375-82279-8) GLB: 978-0-375-92279-4 (0-375-92279-2) MY, OH MY A BUTTERFLY! All About Butterflies HC: 978-0-375-82882-9 (0-375-82882-6) GLB: 978-0-375-92882-6 (0-375-92882-0) I CAN NAME 50 TREES TODAY! All About Trees HC: 978-0-375-82277-3 (0-375-82277-1) GLB: 978-0-375-92277-0 (0-375-92277-6) THERE S A MAP ON MY LAP! All About Maps HC: 978-0-375-81099-2 (0-375-81099-4) GLB: 978-0-375-91099-9 (0-375-91099-9)

Picture Book Biographies PreK 4 Real-life heroes to inspire even the youngest of readers Classroom Connection: YOUNG BIOGRAPHERS Picture book biographies illustrated with colorful, engaging pictures captivate young children. They delight in discovering how ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things. Have students try their hand at writing a picture book biography by choosing a person of interest to research and write about. Students can work independently to write and illustrate a biography, or work with a partner. Have plenty of picture book biographies in your classroom to use as models when the children begin their writing and illustrations. YOUNG PELE HC: 978-0-375-83599-5 (0-375-83599-7) GLB: 978-0-375-93599-2 (0-375-93599-1) NOTHING BUT TROUBLE The Story of Althea Gibson HC: 978-0-375-83408-0 (0-375-83408-7) GLB: 978-0-375-93408-7 (0-375-93408-1) THE CHAMP The Story of Muhammad Ali PB: 978-0-440-41782-8 (0-440-41782-1) HC: 978-0-375-82401-2 (0-375-82401-4) GLB: 978-0-375-92401-9 (0-375-92401-9) MUHAMMAD ALI Champion of the World HC: 978-0-375-83622-0 (0-375-83622-5) GLB: 978-0-375-93787-3 (0-375-93787-0) PIANO STARTS HERE The Young Art Tatum HC: 978-0-375-83965-8 (0-375-83965-8) GLB: 978-0-375-93965-5 (0-375-93965-2) Check out these thoughtful and vivid portraits in the Step into Reading program! STEP 1: READY TO READ Preschool Kindergarten Big type and easy words Rhyme and rhythm Picture clues STEP 2: READING WITH HELP Preschool Grade 1 Basic vocabulary Short sentences Simple stories STEP 3: READING ON YOUR OWN Grades 1 3 Longer sentences Engaging characters Easy-to-follow plots LISTEN UP! Alexander Graham Bell s Talking Machine PB: 978-0-375-83115-7 (0-375-83115-0) GLB: 978-0-375-93115-4 (0-375-93115-5) EAT MY DUST! Henry Ford s First Race PB: 978-0-375-81510-2 (0-375-81510-4) GLB: 978-0-375-91510-9 (0-375-91510-9) GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE GENERAL S DOG PB: 978-0-375-81015-2 (0-375-81015-3) STEP 4: READING PARAGRAPHS Grades 2 3 More challenging vocabulary Short paragraphs Exciting stories Illustration 2004 by Richard Walz STEP 5: READY FOR CHAPTERS Grades 2 4 Chapters Long paragraphs Full-color art

The stars of 1 5 Kid heroes for early chapter book readers to befriend Classroom Connection: CHARACTER WEBS Have students create a character web for a favorite character in a Stepping Stones book perhaps Jack or Annie from the Magic Tree House series or KC or Marshall from the Capital Mysteries series. Students should write the character s name in the center of the page and label two personality traits for that character. For each one of these, they should find evidence in the story that demonstrates that trait and describe it in the connected boxes. starring Jack and Annie! #39 DARK DAY IN THE DEEP SEA HC: 978-0-375-83731-9 (0-375-83731-0) GLB: 978-0-375-93731-6 (0-375-93731-5) starring Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose! SEA MONSTERS PB: 978-0-375-84663-2 (0-375-84663-8 GLB: 978-0-375-94663-9 (0-375-94663-2) starring KC and Marshall! Junie B. Jones, the world s most hilarious first grader, strives to be a good friend, daughter, sister, student, and citizen. Junie B. s stories and insights are perfect for talking to young readers about the character traits that are necessary to foster a warm, safe classroom environment. MAYFLOWER TREASURE HUNT PB: 978-0-375-83937-5 (0-375-83937-2) GLB: 978-0-375-93937-2 (0-375-93937-7) starring Andrew, Judy, and Thudd! #9 THIEF AT THE NATIONAL ZOO PB: 978-0-375-84804-9 (0-375-84804-5) GLB: 978-0-375-94804-6 (0-375-94804-X) starring Molly Duff and Troop 23! JUNE B., FIRST GRADER: CHEATER PANTS PB: 978-0-375-82302-2 (0-375-82302-6) HC: 978-0-375-82301-5 (0-375-82301-8) GLB: 978-0-375-92301-2 (0-375-92301-2) JUNE B., FIRST GRADER: TOOTHLESS WONDER PB: 978-0-375-82223-0 (0-375-82223-2) HC: 978-0-375-80295-9 (0-375-80295-9) GLB: 978-0-375-90295-6 (0-375-90295-3) Illustration 2007 by Denise Brunkus, from the Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park. #17 IN THE DESERT 978-0-375-84667-0 (0-375-84667-0) GLB: 978-0-375-94667-7 (0-375-94667-5) PEANUT-BUTTER PILGRIMS PB: 978-0-440-40066-0 (0-440-40066-X)

Charismatic characters for middle grade readers to get to know Classroom Connection: PEN PALS! Have students write a letter to a character in a chapter book or novel that they ve read. Encourage them to state their opinion about how the character handled a certain situtation and ask questions of that character that were not answered in the book. Next have them put themselves in the character s position and write a letter in the character s voice responding to the questions and providing more information. Judy Blume 2 5 is back with irresistable characters all kids can relate to. Illustrations 2007 by James Stevenson SOUPY SATURDAYS WITH THE PAIN AND THE GREAT ONE HC: 978-0-385-73305-2 (0-385-73305-4) GLB: 978-0-385-90324-0 (0-385-90324-3) MEET THE PAIN: My sister s name is Abigail. I call her The Great One because she thinks she s so great. Who cares if she s in third grade and I m just in first? MEET THE GREAT ONE: My brother s name is Jacob Edward, but everyone calls him Jake. Everyone but me. I call him The Pain because that s what he is. He s a first grade pain. I ll always know exactly what he s thinking. That s just the way it is. Delight students with mysteries starring their favorite detective now with new covers and 32 pages of fun activities included in each book! Lucy Rose is the new girl on Capitol Hill! She moved to Washington D.C. after her parents divorce and is busy making plans and having adventures. NATE THE GREAT AND THE MUSICAL NOTE PB: 978-0-440-40466-8 (0-440-40466-5) Check out Nate the Great s television debut on PBS! NATE THE GREAT TALKS TURKEY PB: 978-0-440-42126-9 (0-440-42126-8) HC: 978-0-385-73336-6 (0-385-73336-4) GLB: 978-0-385-90353-0 (0-385-90353-7) Get to know the sassy mouse with an active imagination! This smart series is great for teaching character traits and its graphic novel format will attract reluctant readers. HERE S THE THING ABOUT ME PB: 978-0-440-42026-2 (0-440-42026-1) HC: 978-0-385-73203-1 (0-385-73203-1) GLB: 978-0-385-90234-2 (0-385-90234-4) BIG ON PLANS PB: 978-0-440-42027-9 (0-440-42027-X) HC: 978-0-385-73204-8 (0-385-73204-X) GLB: 978-0-385-90235-9 (0-385-90235-2) #6: CAMP BABYMOUSE PB: 978-0-375-83988-7 (0-375-83988-7) GLB: 978-0-375-93988-4 (0-375-93988-1) #7: SKATER GIRL PB: 978-0-375-83989-4 (0-375-83989-5) GLB: 978-0-375-93989-1 (0-375-93989-X) #8: PUPPY LOVE PB: 978-0-375-83990-0 (0-375-83990-9) GLB: 978-0-375-93990-7 (0-375-93990-3) BUSY LIKE YOU CAN T BELIEVE PB: 978-0-440-42108-5 (0-440-42108-X) HC: 978-0-385-73319-9 (0-385-73319-4) GLB: 978-0-385-90338-7 (0-385-90338-3) WORKING MYSELF TO PIECES & BITS HC: 978-0-385-73408-0 (0-385-73408-5) GLB: 978-0-385-90425-4 (0-385-90425-8)

3 7 Classroom Connection: PERSPECTIVE Lead a class discussion about the characters that students like least in a novel. Why is the character not likeable? How does he/she compare with other characters in the book? Next have students write a chapter of the novel from the perspective of their least favorite character. Does this exercise make them sympathize with the character at all or realize why he/she acts a certain way? THE FIVE ANCESTORS An action-packed adventure series that follows five young temple brothers who have each mastered a different kung fu animal fighting style: Tiger, Monkey, Snake, Crane, and Eagle. The Edge Chronicles tell the story of three generations of heroes Quint, Twig, and Rook whose courage and strength of character take them on remarkable quests and journeys throughout the Edge, a land of great beauty and terrifying dangers. #1: TIGER PB: 978-0-375-83072-3 (0-375-83072-3) HC: 978-0-375-83071-6 (0-375-83071-5) GLB: 978-0-375-93071-3 (0-375-93071-X) #2: MONKEY PB: 978-0-375-83074-7 (0-375-83074-X) HC: 978-0-375-83073-0 (0-375-83073-1) GLB: 978-0-375-93073-7 (0-375-93073-6) #3: SNAKE PB: 978-0-375-83076-1 (0-375-83076-6) HC: 978-0-375-83075-4 (0-375-83075-8) GLB: 978-0-375-93075-1 (0-375-93075-2) #1: BEYOND THE DEEPWOODS HC: 978-0-385-75068-4 (0-385-75068-4) GLB: 978-0-385-75069-1 (0-385-75069-2) #2: STORMCHASER HC: 978-0-385-75070-7 (0-385-75070-6) GLB: 978-0-385-75071-4 (0-385-75071-4) #3: MIDNIGHT OVER SANCTAPHRAX HC: 978-0-385-75072-1 (0-385-75072-2) GLB: 978-0-385-75073-8 (0-385-75073-0) #4: CRANE PB: 978-0-375-83078-5 (0-375-83078-2) HC: 978-0-375-83077-8 (0-375-83077-4) GLB: 978-0-375-93077-5 (0-375-93077-9) #5: EAGLE HC: 978-0-375-83083-9 (0-375-83083-9) GLB: 978-0-375-93083-6 (0-375-93083-3) Follow a spectacular family from generation to generation #4: THE CURSE OF THE GLOAMGLOZER HC: 978-0-385-75076-9 (0-385-75076-5) GLB: 978-0-385-75077-6 (0-385-75077-3) #5: LAST OF THE SKY PIRATES HC: 978-0-385-75078-3 (0-385-75078-1) GLB: 978-0-385-75079-0 (0-385-75079-X) #6: VOX HC: 978-0-385-75080-6 (0-385-75080-3) GLB: 978-0-385-75081-3 (0-385-75081-1) #7: FREEGLADER HC: 978-0-385-75082-0 (0-385-75082-X) GLB: 978-0-385-75083-7 (0-385-75083-8) #8: THE WINTER KNIGHTS HC: 978-0-375-83741-8 (0-375-83741-8) GLB: 978-0-375-93741-5 (0-375-93741-2) #9: CLASH OF THE SKY GALLEONS HC: 978-0-375-83742-5 (0-375-83742-6) GLB: 978-0-375-93742-2 (0-375-93742-0) NORY RYAN S SONG PB: 978-0-440-41829-0 (0-440-41829-1) MAGGIE S DOOR PB: 978-0-440-41581-7 (0-440-41581-0) WATER STREET PB: 978-0-440-41921-1 (0-440-41921-2) HC: 978-0-385-73068-6 (0-385-73068-3) GLB: 978-0-385-90097-3 (0-385-90097-X) Meticulously researched historical fiction 2007 Newbery Honor winning books COUNTING ON GRACE PB: 978-0-553-48783-1 (0-553-48783-3) HC: 978-0-385-74644-1 (0-385-74644-X) GLB: 978-0-385-90878-8 (0-385-90878-4) RALEIGH S PAGE HC: 978-0-375-83319-9 (0-375-83319-6) GLB: 978-0-375-93319-6 (0-375-93319-0) PENNY FROM HEAVEN PB: 978-0-375-83689-3 (0-375-83689-6) HC: 978-0-375-83687-9 (0-375-83687-X) GLB: 978-0-375-93687-6 (0-375-93687-4) HATTIE BIG SKY PB: 978-0-440-23941-3 (0-440-23941-9) HC: 978-0-385-73313-7 (0-385-73313-5) GLB: 978-0-385-90332-5 (0-385-90332-4)

7 up Knockout Young Adult Characters Classroom Connection: BOOK LETTERS Work with another teacher to start a letter-writing program about books between your two classes. Have each student select a code name and then assign them to a buddy in the other class. Select one class to start the exchange by writing a letter to their buddy reacting to the story and the characters in a novel of their choice. The following week have the other class respond to the letters with questions and write about the novels they are reading. Keep the book letter exchange going as long as possible! Stargirl is back in another celebration of nonconformity! LOVE, STARGIRL HC: 978-0-375-81375-7 (0-375-81375-6) GLB: 978-0-375-91375-4 (0-375-91375-0) STARGIRL PB: 978-0-440-41677-7 (0-440-41677-9) Trade PB: 978-0-375-82233-9 (0-375-82233-X) HC: 978-0-679-88637-2 (0-679-88637-0) GLB: 978-0-679-98637-9 (0-679-98637-5) STARGIRL JOURNAL HC: 978-0-375-84056-2 (0-375-84056-7) Philip Pullman s beloved characters go from the bestselling book, THE GOLDEN COMPASS, to the big screen! Have students fulfill cultural arts credits when they see the major motion picture. www.randomhouse.com/teachers The ultimate resource for teachers! THE GOLDEN COMPASS PB: 978-0-440-41832-0 (0-440-41832-1) PB: 978-0-440-23813-3 (0-440-23813-7) Trade PB: 978-0-375-82345-9 (0-375-82345-X) GLB: 978-0-375-93830-6 (0-375-93830-3) THE SUBTLE KNIFE PB: 978-0-440-41833-7 (0-440-41833-X) PB: 978-0-440-23814-0 (0-440-23814-5) Trade PB: 978-0-375-82346-6 (0-375-82346-8) GLB: 978-0-375-94672-1 (0-375-94672-1) THE AMBER SPYGLASS PB: 978-0-440-41856-6 (0-440-41856-9) PB: 978-0-440-23815-7 (0-440-23815-3) Trade PB: 978-0-375-82335-0 (0-375-82335-2) GLB: 978-0-375-94673-8 (0-375-94673-X) For bios, teachers guides, classroom clubs, and more! Louis Sachar follows up with Armpit as he tries to turn his life around. A cozy corner just for preschool educators. THE BOOK THIEF PB: 978-0-375-84220-7 (0-375-84220-9) HC: 978-0-375-83100-3 (0-375-83100-2) GLB: 978-0-375-93100-0 (0-375-93100-7) SMALL STEPS PB: 978-0-385-73315-1 (0-385-73315-1) HC: 978-0-385-73314-4 (0-385-73314-3) GLB: 978-0-385-90333-2 (0-385-90333-2) HOLES PB: 978-0-440-41480-3 (0-440-41480-6) PB: 978-0-440-22859-2 (0-440-22859-X) Young adults will not forget Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich during World War II. Search over 140 themes and holidays by format and grade level. Bring favorite authors into your classroom via podcast! Random House Children s Books School and Library Marketing 1745 Broadway, Mail Drop 10-4 New York, NY 10019