Author Study Chris Crutcher Designed for a 9 th Grade Health Classroom Time frame About 21 days for read aloud (about 15 minutes a day) About 7 weeks for literature circles (1/2 class period (25 min) per week Objectives: Students will be able to identify at least three adolescent health issues presented in the literature read in class. Students will discuss and present adolescent health issues in relationship to its effect on teens. Teacher Background Web resources: About Chris Crutcher Chris Crutcher s Authorized Website http://www.chriscrutcher.com/ Teen Reads.com http://www.teenreads.com/authors/au-crutcher-chris-2.asp Young Adult and Kids Book Central bio Chris Crutcher http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion/index.cfm?fuseaction=authors.bio& author_id=9&bio_id=91 Harper Collins Books http://www.harpercollins.com/authors/16156/chris_crutcher/index.aspx Teaching Banned Books Censorship http://www.aboutcrutcher.com/index.2ts?page=censorship National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) http://www.ncac.org/ Intellectual Freedom and Censorship ALA http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/basics/intellectual.htm 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 1
What I ve Learned About Censorship, Milsner-Halls, K. http://www.kellymilnerhalls.com/index.2ts?page=censorshiptips Bulletin Board set up in room highlighting Crutcher s books Bulletin Board Images covers of his books and awards given to them Censorship Poster First Amendment Biography of Chris Crutcher PART ONE: Read aloud of Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes Lesson One: Give a short Biography of Chris Crutcher including the awards given and challenges presented to his books. Chris Crutcher grew up in Cascade, Idaho, and now lives in Spokane, Washington. He is the critically acclaimed author of eight novels and a collection of short stories for teenagers, all chosen as ALA Best Books. In 2000, he was awarded the American Library Association's Margaret A. Edwards Award, honoring his lifetime contribution in writing for teens. Drawing on his experience as an athlete, teacher, family therapist, and child protection specialist, he unflinchingly writes about real and often-ignored issues that face teenagers today. (Harper Collins Books) Book talk the 4-5 of Crutcher s books. See book talks page for examples Play some of the music mentioned in the book as the students enter the room each day to help set the mood. The Byrd s, Buddy Holly, Rolling Stones, Dave Clark Five, Turtles Lesson two thru twenty: Read a chapter at the beginning of each class period. Have students write answers to the following questions in their health journals each day. Questions Chapter one: 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 2
Make a prediction of what you feel is going to happen in this book. Chapter two: Why would Lemry not allow the students to talk about someone who wasn t there in CAT class? Chapter three: What is the purpose of Crispy Pork Rinds? Chapter four: What impact have the burns on Sarah Byrnes face had on her life? Chapter five: Play the song From a Distance by Nancy Griffith that was discussed in the chapter. Chapter six: Why did Sarah Byrnes form a friendship with Dale Thorton? Chapter seven: Why would Sarah Byrnes be understanding what s going on and not Acknowledging it? Chapter eight: What do you think Lemry meant when she said Most tough problems in the world run into each other.? What do you think Jody has to talk to Eric about? Chapter nine: What was your reaction when Sarah Byrnes started talking? How do you feel about what Sarah Byrnes mother did after Sarah was burned by her father? What could she have done? Chapter ten: Why does Virgil Byrnes want Sarah to come home with him so badly? Chapter eleven: Was it right for Eric to show Sarah Byrnes letter to Ms. Lemry? Chapter twelve: Why is the principal sticking up for Mark Brittain? Chapter thirteen: Did Jody make a good decision telling the class she had an abortion? Chapter fourteen: Why did Mark Brittain try to commit suicide? Chapter fifteen: Why did Ellerby call his dad for help in the office? 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 3
Chapter sixteen: When Eric made it to Dale s house what was the best thing for Dale to do? Chapter seventeen: How do you think Eric feels about not swimming the rest of the season? Chapter eighteen: Why doesn t Eric mind being called Mobey? Chapter nineteen: How will Sarah Byrnes life change now she has a new family? Closing Reflections: Using research from two reliable sources, write a 1 page summary on one of the following statements. 1. Describe how Eric s life changed as his body image changed. 2. Was the way Eric lost his weight healthy? 3. In which ways was Sarah Byrnes life affected by the permanent damage to her face? 4. Would it be possible for Sarah Byrnes to have some repairs done to her face? If possible, should she have them done? 5. What could have prevented Mark Brittain s suicide attempt? What signs should a friend be watching for? 6. Which relationship in the book do you feel were the strongest? 7. What is your reaction to Mark Brittain s stance on abortion? 8. How could the relationship between Mark and Jody be improved? PART TWO: Literature Circles with books related to health issues featuring books by Chris Crutcher. Other options are available for those who would prefer to read something else. Lesson One: Book talk the choices for the literature circles. Some possible choices could be: Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher. 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 4
Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher Ironman by Chris Crutcher The First Part Last by Angela Johnson. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy Have students write down first and second choices for books. Teacher will sort through and arrange students into groups of 3-6. Trying to give everyone his/her first choice. Only five groups will be formed leaving some book choices out. Teacher needs to divide each book into six equal sections to assign reading each week. Lesson Two: Students will be broken into their literature circle groups. Class expectations will be handed out and discussed. Each group will create a web of ideas as they read the book to summarize learning. Handout Chris Crutcher bookmarks. Make predictions of what the book will be about. Assign pages to be read for the next week. Lessons Three, Four, Five, and Six: Discuss assigned pages. Add to web of ideas. Assign pages to read for the next week. Lesson Seven: Discuss ending of book, comparing to predictions made in lesson one. Complete a review of the book. (Some of the book reviews may be used on bulletin board). 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 5
Final Assignment: 1. Each student is to choose a health related issue presented in the book they read for literature circles. 2. Research the issue more in depth using at least two alternate sources. (Articles, books, or internet) 3. Create a project to share with the rest of the class what you have learned. Some possible choices: Prepare a skit demonstrating one aspect of the issue. Present a book talk on a book that includes a similar issue. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation on the issue Create a poster or brochure to share information on the issue Write a one page report on the issue. Write a poem Write and present a song to the class Any other appropriate project NHES 1 National Health Standards Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention. NHES 2 NHES 3 NHES 4 Students will demonstrate the ability to access valid health information and health promoting products and services. Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and reduce health risks. Students will analyze the influence of culture, media, technology, and other factors on health. NHES 5 Students will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health. NHES 6 NHES 7 Students will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting and decision making skills that enhance health. Students will demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family and community health. 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 6
For more information on Wisconsin Academic Standards visit http://dpi.wi.gov/standards/ A B C D E F G Wisconsin Health Standards Students in Wisconsin will understand concepts related to personal health promotion and disease prevention. (Disease prevention and health promotion.) Students in Wisconsin will practice behaviors to promote health, prevent disease, and reduce health risks. (Health behavior.) Students in Wisconsin will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting and decision making skills to enhance health. (Goal setting and decision making.) Students in Wisconsin will demonstrate the ability to access valid health information and services. (Accessing accurate information.) Students in Wisconsin will analyze the impact of culture, media, technology, and other factors on health. (Impact of culture and media.) Students in Wisconsin will demonstrate the ability to use effective interpersonal communication skills to enhance health. (Communication skills.) Students in Wisconsin will demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, school, and community health. (Advocacy.) A B C D E F Wisconsin Language Arts Standards Students in Wisconsin will read and respond to a wide range of writing to build an understanding of written materials, of themselves, and of others. (Reading/Literature.) Students in Wisconsin will write clearly and effectively to share information and knowledge, to influence and persuade, to create and entertain. (Writing.) Students in Wisconsin will listen to understand and will speak clearly and effectively for diverse purposes. (Oral Language.) Students in Wisconsin will apply their knowledge of the nature, grammar, and variations of American English. (Language.) Students in Wisconsin will use media and technology critically and creatively to obtain, organize, prepare and share information; to influence and persuade; and to entertain and be entertained. (Media and Technology.) Students in Wisconsin will locate, use, and communicate information from a variety of print and nonprint materials. (Research and Inquiry.) References Crutcher, Chris. (1989). Athletic shorts. Greenwillow Books. New York Crutcher, Chris. ( 1989). Chinese handcuffs. Greenwillow books. New York. Crutcher, Chris. (1987). The Crazy horse electric game. Greenwillow Books. New York. Crutcher, Chris. ( 1995). Ironman. Greenwillow books, New York. 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 7
Crutcher, Chris. (1983). Running Loose. Greenwillow books. New York. Crutcher, Chris. (1993). Staying fat for sarah byrnes. Greenwillow Books. New York Crutcher, Chris. (1986). Stotan. Greenwillow books. New York. Crutcher, Chris. (2001). Whale talk. Greenwillow books. New York. Harper Collins Books, Chris crutcher biography. Retrieved August 4, 2006 from http://www.harpercollins.com/authors/16156/chris_crutcher/index.aspx Johnson. Angela. (2003). The first part last. Simon and Shuster, New York Keane, Nancy. Book talks quick and simple. Retrieved August 4 2006 from http://nancykeane.com/booktalks/ Mackler, Carolyn. (2003). The earth, my butt, and other big round things. Candlewick press. Cambridge, MA. Murphy, Jim. (2003). An American Plague: The true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. Clarion Books. Richards Bodart, Joni. Book talks. Retrieved August 6, 2006 from http://www.aboutcrutcher.com/index.2ts?page=teachers 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 8
Chris Crutcher AWARDS AND HONORS Margaret A Edwards Award 2000 Alan Award for Significant Contribution to Adolescent Literature National Intellectual Freedom Award King of the Mild Frontier Best Books for Young Adults 2004 (ALA) Whale Talk Best Books for Young Adults 2002 (ALA) Ironman Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers 1996, (ALA) Best Books for Young Adults 1996 (ALA) Staying Fat for Sarah Brynes Best Books for Young Adults 1994 (ALA) Best Book of the Year. (School Library Journal) Athletic Shorts o o Best Books for Young Adult Readers 1992 (ALA) Best of the Best in Young Adult Literature (School Library Journal) Chinese Handcuffs o Best Books for Young Adult Readers 1990. (ALA) Crazy Horse Electric Game o Best Books for Young Adult Readers 1987. (ALA) Stotan! o o Best Books for Young Adult Readers 1986. (ALA) Best of the Best in Young Adult Literature (School Library Journal) Running Loose Best Books for Young Adult Readers 1983. (ALA) 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 9
Chris Crutcher Born: July 17, 1946 in Dayton, Ohio Parents: WWII bomber pilot and homemaker Grew up In: Cascade Idaho Education: BA in Psychology and Sociology from Eastern Washington State College Employment: Primary and Secondary Education in Washington State and California Alternative K-12 School Director Therapist and Child Protection Advocate First Book: Running Loose early 1980 s 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 10
CRAZY HORSE ELECTRIC GAME Crutcher, Chris New York : Dell, 1988. IL YA RL 7.1. ISBN 0440200946 Booktalk at: http://nancykeane.com/booktalks/crutcher_crazy.htm RUNNING LOOSE Crutcher, Chris. New York : Greenwillow, 1983 IL YA ISBN 068802002X Booktalk at: http://nancykeane.com/booktalks/crutcher_running.htm STOTAN Crutcher, Chris New York : Dell, 1988. IL YA RL 6.3. ISBN 0440200806 Booktalk at: http://nancykeane.com/booktalks/crutcher_stotan.htm Chinese Handcuffs Chris Crutcher New York: Greenwillow Booktalk at: -- Radical Reads: 101 YA Novels on the Edge (Scarecrow, 2002). Joni Richards Bodart found at http://www.aboutcrutcher.com/index.2ts?page=portfolio&catid=307&sub=& wrtid=474&func=excerpt 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 11
Ironman Chris Crutcher New York: Greenwillow, 1995 Booktalk at: -- Radical Reads: 101 YA Novels on the Edge (Scarecrow, 2002). Joni Richards Bodart found at http://www.aboutcrutcher.com/index.2ts?page=portfolio&catid=307&sub=& wrtid=472&func=excerpt Whale Talk Chris Crutcher New York: Greenwillow, 2001 Booktalk at: -- Radical Reads: 101 YA Novels on the Edge (Scarecrow, 2002). Joni Richards Bodart found at http://www.aboutcrutcher.com/index.2ts?page=portfolio&catid=307&sub=& wrtid=471&func=excerpt 2006 Angela Boles Chris Crutcher Author Study 12