Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr

Wordle: http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/572591/Sadako_and_the_Thousand_Paper_Cranes

Genre: Multicultural (chapter book)

This book was based on events of the Second World War. Because fifth graders study this time period, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes would fit exceptionally well into a language arts or social studies curriculum. This could be one option for students in literature circles, discussing the elements of the story from a historical and literary point-of-view. Students could keep a journal or reading log while reading the novel and use their reflections to create discussion within their literature circle. The book could also begin a social studies view of WWII, allowing students a perspective into the effects of war. Expanding even further, students could use the book as a basis for research on such topics as WWII, atomic bomb usage, war effects and Japanese culture.

The Lotus Seed by Sherry Garland

Story Pyramid:

Ba

Traditional Refugee

War-torn Unknown America

Cherishing Tradition, Culture & Heritage

Ba takes seed for remembrance

seed taken by grandson and planted

Ba is overjoyed with pink lotus blossom

lotus seeds are passed down to the grandchildren

Pyramid created by Kristen
(Created at: http://www.boobis.com/students/pyramid.html)

Genre: Multicultural

This story tells of a Vietnamese family’s forced flee from their home to escape a devastating civil war. Because this story is based on true historical events, students will learn about the reasons for the entering of Vietnamese refugees into the United States. This could be discussed during a particular social studies lesson, using the book as a single account of what the transition might have been like. In the book, the grandmother has a cherished lotus seed that she kept with her in the move from Vietnam to America. It was very valuable to her and she began a tradition with her family by giving each of her grandchildren a lotus seed to pass down to their successors. Presenting the story to students could also begin a discussion of their own family customs and traditions. Students could write about their own keepsakes, like the lotus seed for the grandmother, and why it is important to them and their family.

Great Stories of Courage (Graphic Novel)

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Modern Fantasy

This compilation of classic stories is written in a format unlike any other. Just as scenes would change in a movie or play, the pictures in these stories change according to the authors' words. All of the stories have bold, full color illustrations that go along directly with the story's actions. The graphics are important features of the stories as they depict the plot, allowing the reader an additional opportunity to enjoy the works. These classic works of literature are retold by the authors in a format that is easily understood by many age and ability levels. At the end of each story, there is an informative biography of each of the authors. These let the reader know the author's personal background as well as their professional background and knowledge. This book is only one of a series of Bank Street Graphic Novels. Each of the works compiles several stories with a similar theme for the enjoyment of the reader. Because these types of stories are very accessible to students of various reading abilities, I would create a section of my class library to be dedicated to graphic novels such as this. Students not only enjoy these stories for their action and content, but they especially like the illustrations that depict the action. An important factor in enjoying reading is enjoying the reading material. Having access to stories like these in the classroom would certainly make students want to read.

When I Was Young In the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant

Realistic Fiction

This is a story told by a little girl about the simple and happy pleasures of her grandparents' home in the mountains. Each page was a remembrance she had of her time spent in the mountains. The girl recalled her grandmother's cooking, going to the general store, swimming in the watering hole and going to church on Sundays. Her experiences were illustrated with cheerful pictures that evoke a feeling of a family's love and her own love for the mountain she held so dear. Because the pictures so beautifully illustrate the author's words, this story would be an excellent read-aloud to younger elementary students. The book would also create a means for discussion amoung students, as it tells of a young girl with a passion for her mountain. Students could use this book as a beginning for their own creative writing project. Because the author uses similar sentence structures throughout and a writing style that suits the mood of the story, students could use the book as a model to create their own story. The teacher could introduce a new setting and allow the students to write a new story based on the new location, or the students could write individually about when they were younger.

All About Electricity by Melvin Berger

Nonfiction

As the title suggests, this book offers many facts all dealing with electricity. It gives examples of electricity, ones that students would easily recognize, and describes what electricity actually is. As it is a form of energy, the book also gives other examples of energy that students would understand and be familiar with. The book also discusses electric generators, compasses, and magnets. It even discusses atoms and the parts of an atom in ways that elementary students can understand. There are pictures of generators with a description of each of the parts and what they do. To help students grasp the concepts better, the book gives examples of types of appliances that use electricity that can be found inside their homes. Static electricity is also discussed, using lightning as a major example. The book lists tips and advice for students who are outdoors in a lightning storm and also what they should do if they are inside as well. The back section of the book is filled with small experiments that students can perform individually to help them understand such topics as batteries, generators and static electricity. In my SBTE's classroom, the students are actually learning about electricity and forces in their science class. This book and its experiments would be a great resource for students to read about their unit topic and use the experiments to supplement their understanding. My SBTE had the students rotate through different stations that taught about each of the science topics. At each station, there was an experiment dealing with static electricity, forces and magnetism. The experiments in this book would be a great source for the teacher to develop her stations. The back of the book also lists other science books written in this same format. If available, these books would be a fantastic way to allow students to integrate reading into science and experiment on their own to discover science.

Jamaica Tag-Along by Juanita Havill

Realistic Fiction

When Jamaica overhears her brother saying he is going to play basketball at the park, she wants to go. Ossie, her older brother, says for her not to tag along. She went anyway, watching her big brother and his friends play basketball. When they see her, Ossie again tells her she cannot play and Jamaica goes off to play on her own. She begins building a castle out of sand when a little boy comes to help her. Because Jamaica does not want him to play with her and her castle (because she is afraid he will mess it up), she tells him something similar to what her brother always tells her. Finally, Jamaica realizes the mistake she has made by being mean to the boy younger than her and allows him to help her build the castle. Her worry was that he would tear up the castle, so she shows him how to build it correctly, and they are both happy in the end. This character-building story could teach any age student the importance of being kind to others, especially those who may be looking up to the as a role model. With older elementary students especially, it is not unusual for them to have siblings, particularly younger. If they are the older sibling, this story could help them realize the role they play in their younger brother or sister's life. As a role model for their younger siblings, they could come to appreciate their brother or sister wanting to play with them and do things like them. This story could also be used to discuss older-elementary students' role in the school atmosphere. As a fourth or fifth grader, younger students look up to them and try to mimic their actions. If students understand this superiority, it is possible that they may feel a responsibility to be a good citizen in the school. I believe a counselor could easily use this book as an aid when discussing being a role model, or a teacher could use this book as a topic for a classroom meeting.

Do You Feel Earth Moving? by Stephen Tomecek

Nonfiction

This book is packed full of information about weathering, erosion, sedimentation, forces and earthquakes. To better understand each of these topics, the author uses simplistic explanations and clear-cut facts. Also, the author does a good job of using examples and stories that students could relate to and recognize. These are important so that the student makes a connection and can better remember the topic content. The pictures and photographs in the book are excellent and directly relate to the subject matter. Real-life photos make the book more interesting as well as relatable to the reader. The basic burp0se of the book is to inform students on the different ways the Earth's layers are continuously moving. Enough information is presented about each subject for a student to have a general understanding. One way to use this book with students is to present an open-ended question or problem about the material to let them investigate and formulate a solution. An example of this could be to have the students investigate sedimentation and erosion by posing a question about rivers. This could be: Why are rivers typically narrow at its source and wider as it travels along its path? This would allow students to think and come up with an explanation, using the terms erosion and sedimentation appropriately. Also, students could use this story as a writing activity. Because this book discusses the many ways that the Earth moves, students could write about the differences in Earth if earthquakes, weathering and other forms of movement did not exist. This would enhance their writing skills along with their critical thinking skills.

Just Enough Is Plenty by Barbara Goldin

Multicultural

This is a story of a family's Hanukkah traditions. Malka, Zalman and their family is preparing for the Festival of Lights but they do not have much money. Malka's mother is preparing the meal for the beginning of Hanukkah while Malka and her brother play with a dreidel. To make more money, her papa has to work very long hours in his tailor shop. Unlike years previous when the family was able to afford to invite many guests, the family will only have two, Uncle Shmuel and Aunt Hindy, for their first night of Hanukkah. After a long night of enjoying the family's company, there was a knock at Malka's door. A stranger was there, and Malka's family invited him in. He was old and poor and just wanted a shelter and some company. He played Dreidel with Zalman and read stories aloud to the family. After everyone was asleep, the old man, who never revealed his name, left a note for the family and left. Behind with the note, the stranger left wonderful gifts and the family celebrated. This story would be appropriate during the holiday season, possibly when studying different customs of the world. Each student in a classroom should have his or her celebrations represented, including Jewish individuals. This story would acknowledge the practice and traditions, using appropriate terms to describe the events.

The Princess and the Pea by Janet Stevens

Modern Fantasy

This adapted version of the original tale involves a prince, which happens to be lion, wishes to find a real princess to marry. His mother, though, is very picky and a real princess must meet certain expectations. The royal family traveled the land looking for the perfect princess for the prince. The princess must be able to play three instruments at once without being too noisy, be able to skip without bending the grass, eat daintily and dance with grace. Unfortunately, the royal family did not find a princess and returned home. Later a tiger arrived that claimed to be a real princess, so the queen allowed her to spend the night. Sneaking up to the room before the princess, the queen placed a pea under 20 mattresses. If the tiger is a true princess, she should feel the pea from under all the mattresses. The next morning, the queen asked how she slept and the princess said she was very uncomfortable. Knowing this meant she were a real princess, the queen was full of joy and the prince married her. All the kingdom celebrated. This is a creative tale with great illustrations. Students would enjoy this story read aloud or an individual reading. The story is of interest to students and would easily be read by a variety of students. I have also see this story used for the basis of class play, which would be a very exciting and different approach to reading a book for students.

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

Modern Fantasy

"Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type." This humorous story tells of a group of cows who use a typewriter to communicate with their farmer. They want heated blankets because the barn is cold at night. When the farmer thinks that is ridiculous, the cows go on strike. What's more, the chickens now want blankets, too, so they go on strike as well. The farmer is distraught because he does not have milk or eggs from his animals. The cows, hens and farmer came to an agreement. If the farmer would give them their blankets, they would give up the typewriter. Because this seemed reasonable, the farmer agreed. Unfortunately, the ducks now have the typewriter and begin negotiations with the farmer. This creative story is full of wonderful illustrations. The big pictures would make reading this story aloud to a class perfect. Students would fully enjoy this story, its inventive style and the unique characters. This book could be used during a "class meeting" to discuss how to work out problems among each other. Although this book's zany characters and problems would not take place in a classroom, it could open up a discussion on proper ways to approach dealing with issues and problems. The teacher could read the story with students, allow the students to think about ways to approach problems and issues with each other, and then present students with other strategies that will also work. The students will obviously not have issues such as the farmer's, but they will encounter dilemmas in which having strategies to solve them would be beneficial.

Now I Know Turtles by Janet Craig

Nonfiction

Now I Know Turtles is a simplistic way to teach students the basic facts about turtles. The book discusses the different types of turtles, such as box turtles, sea turtles, tortoises and snapping turtles. The different habitats that turtles live in are discussed as well as the way baby turtles are born (hatched from eggs). The pictures in the story are not real-life pictures; instead they are animated turtles drawn by an artist. I believe students would appreciate seeing real photos of turtles in the book instead, so they can get an understanding of what turtles look like in real life. As this is a scientific topic, this book would be a great addition to a science library or as part of a science learning station. The text in the story is very readable for any age, including those who are struggling with literacy. The book would serve as an option for students to chose to read on their own to learn more about turtles. In science, this would be a resource for students to do individual investigations to learn facts about turtles, write a report or explain to a group what the book is about. Because the pictures are large enough to be seen clearly from a distance, this would be a suitable read aloud if beginning a science lesson on turtles, animals in general or any related material.

George Washington by Garnet Jackson

Biography (chapter book)

George Washington was born in 1732. As a child, he was the oldest in his household and his younger siblings looked up to him. He was very intelligent and honest in school, also showing his leadership skills in the school yard. He liked animals and surveying, and he became a major in Virginia's army at age 20. The book goes on to explain his victories in the army, ultimately the reason he becomes President of the United States. As the president, Washington made many positive improvements to the country and he was well liked by citizens. Students could use this biography as a resource in learning about the first president of the United States. Although the biography is brief, it tells of the life of George Washington and would be easily understood for elementary-age students. This book is one of several in the series, each dealing with a different president. Students could each research one of the presidents, using this book as a source of information on Washington, and come together to learn about each of the different presidents. In class, students could learn about each of the presidents by jigsawing with other students. This would allow all the students to hear about the different presidents while only researching one on their own. This would also give students the opportunity to present a president to their classmates, working on presentation and oral skills.

Who Shot the President? by Judy Donnelly

Nonfiction (chapter book)

Chapter one of this book describes the time and place that President John F. Kennedy was killed. With real black-and-white photos mixed into the text, the explanation of the president's death is explicit and detailed. This book also discusses the important accomplishments of the president during his time in office, the critical laws and achievements he made for our country. The second half of the book was dedicated to the arrest of a possible murderer then the happenings after he was in custody. The mystery surrounding JFK's death is also discussed, along with the possibility of a conspiracy. Who killed the president? This question has been asked since the day he was shot, and several investigations have ensued. This true story is a dramatic one, with graphics to illustrate the horrific day and detailed first-hand accounts to allow the reader an insight on the tragedy. This book would be a great resource for students studying the presidents or this period in history. I think a student could understand much about JFK through this biography and it would be a good source of information if trying to write their own biography of the president. Students could also use this book as a "jigsawing" book, using it as well as others about this president or several presidents to learn more about each one. One student would read this biography, and other students in the group would read other articles about JFK or about a different president altogether. The group would come together, discussing their findings and would leave with a lot more knowledge about the different presidents.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka

Traditional/Folk

Unlike the original story of "The Three Little Pigs", this tale is told from the wolf's perspective. The wolf's story is quite different from the famous tale involving an angry, hungry wolf attacking innocent little pigs. This wolf, who happened to have a head cold at the time, was baking a cake for his grandmother when he discovered he needed a cup of sugar. Since his nearest neighbors were the three little pigs, he walked to each of their houses to find some sugar for his cake. Of course the first house he came to, the pig had made his house out of straw. After knocking on the door (and the door falling in, because it was made from straw), the wolf sneezed a great sneeze, causing the house to fall down. The pig, dead from his house falling on top of him, would have been a wasted meal if the wolf had not eaten him. Now, can you blame him? The wolf proceeded to the second house, where similar occurrences took place, and then to the third house. This is where the wolf was caught by the cops, in what looked like, attempted murder. The story ends with the wolf in jail, wrongfully accused, and with a plea for readers to believe him and give him a cup of sugar. All students know the story of the Three Little Pigs, but this story puts a new perspective on the tale. This book would be a great opportunity for a teacher to discuss perspective with students. Even with older elementary students, this book could provide an opportunity to discuss the point of view of the character telling the story and would allow for a creative writing experience. The students could create a story using their own perspective to a tale such as this one. They could invent a different way of looking at a popular tale, just by changing the perspective. This would help students develop their critical thinking skills, along with their writing and communication abilities.

A Chair For My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Realistic Fiction

"A Chair For My Mother" is a heart-warming story of a family of women, a girl, her mother and grandmother, who are saving up money to buy a big, beautiful, comfortable chair. The girl's mother works at a diner, collecting change from her tips to buy the new furniture. They have a big jar at their house to fill up with the change, and when the jar is full, they will go buy a chair. The story explains their need for the new chair. One day, they came home to find their home in flames and everything in it was ruined. When they were able to move into a new apartment, the neighbors brought over their extra things, like a bed, table, rug, pots and pans and curtains. The chair that this family saved up for was the finishing touch on their new start. This is a character building story, and could be used to teach children the importance of coming together to accomplish a common goal. Working together to get something or, in this case, to buy something is much more efficient than doing things alone.Crises like this family's happens daily, and could very well happen to a student in your class or school. This may be a way for the other students to understand the hurt and need felt by the victim of a fire or other incident.

The Three Bears by Kurt Nagahori

Traditional/Folk

This version of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" is a very special one. With no words, only the pictures on the pages tell the story. The author used great illustrations to represent the famous tale. Each page is covered in colorful pictures from top to bottom. The author's bold colors and lines tell the story of Goldilocks finding a cottage and going inside to look around. She ate porridge, sat in the bears' chairs, and laid in their beds. The three bears came home and found Goldilocks asleep and she ran back home, ending the story. This book is interesting because it can be retold in so many different ways because there are no words. A teacher could allow the students to help create the story as they go, inserting their own words and emotions. Also, a student could take this book and write their own story according to the way they interpret the pictures in the story. The book promotes creativity and allows students to add their input to a classic tale. To give students an opportunity to create their own picture story, they could write an imaginative tale (about whatever topic would be suitable for their studies) and then create pictures to go along with their words.

The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell

Traditional/Folk

This story is an adaptation of a familiar folktale, "The Three Little Pigs". This version is southwestern, taking place in the desert. Javelinas are related to pigs and are wild and hairy. The story plot is essentially the same as the originial version. The three javelinas each set out to build a house of their own. The first javelina builds his house out of tumbleweeds, the second out of saguaro sticks and the third out of adobe bricks. Instead of a wolf, the three javelinas were tormented by a coyote. In the end, all three of the wild pigs are safe and sound in the third pig's house, sheltered from the coyote. I believe this story would be a good change to reading the original version of "The Three Little Pigs." Most students have heard the ordinary version before and a different adaptation would create a new interest to the old tale. This story would be a good example to read to students before assigning a creative writing assignment. With this tale, a teacher could explain that authors create new and special stories out of old stories by using a similar plot. Students could then create a new story of their own using a tale that they already know, giving them a chance to use their imagination and practice writing skills.

Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki

Historical Fiction

This is a story about a Japanese American internment camp which housed thousands of Japanese Americans during World War II. Afterin one of these internment camps. One boy, "Shorty", in particular and his family were among the thousands that were forced to move. The story describes their hardships, the freezing cold, the heat and the dust. Some of the Japanese Americans, Shorty included, decided to build a baseball field to have something positive to look forward to. In playing baseball, the Japanese were able to pass the time they were forced to spend in the camp, as well as form a sense of self-respect and unity. In a classroom, I feel this book could be beneficial in discussing WWII, giving the students a different the attack on Pearl Harbor, these families were forced to relocate and make a home perspective to think about. The book also shows the morale that can be created when a group of people come together in times of hardship and oppression.

First Graders From Mars by Shana Corey

Science Fiction

Horus was beginning first grade and, initially, was excited about it. After going to school for the first day and learning what his class would be doing throughout the school day he was not as sure. They did not have nap time like when he was in Martiangarten and the teacher had them begin working on the first day of school. When his parents made him go back to school the next day, Horus discovered another student who did not want to be there. Horus told the girl that it wasn't so bad and began to realize that he may even like it himself if he'd give it another chance. This story would be a great introduction to the school year. Students come to class for the first few days with many apprehensions about their class. They have a new teacher, new classmates and new responsibilities. A light-hearted book such as this one could reassure students of their apprehensions and let them know others experience similar feelings when being a new school year, even first graders from Mars.

Missing May by Cynthia Rylant

Realistic Fiction (chapter book)

Missing May is a story about a sort of nontraditional family who lost their mother figure, May. May was the glue of the family and when she died, the lives of her husband Ob and daughter Summer were drastically changed. After a few months of living without May, a family friend named Cletus suggested a trip to visit a spiritualist church to try to find a way to connect with May in the afterlife. Although their trip did not accomplish the intended goal, the family did receive something else, closure. This story encompasses a hard subject, death, but also explains the journey a family takes to overcome their suffering. Students could most likely relate to the characters Ob and Summer as they have probably experienced some sort of loss of a family member or pet. By discussing this story with students, they may become more sympathetic toward individuals who have experienced this tough situation.