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.