Trade Books Project
By
Shaina Clark
Genre: Multi-cultural
TITLE OF BOOK ACTIVITIES
More Than Anything Else 1. Comparing and contrasting chart
The Legend of the Bluebonnet 1. Create a flower with a legend to go with
it
Papa’s Mark 1. Class election with ballots
The Always Prayer Shawl 1. Family Momentum show and tell
Coal Mine Peaches 1. Draw a picture of their grandfather and
write a poem to go with it
Genre: Fantasy
TITLE OF BOOK ACTIVITIES
Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type 1. Friendly letter
Frog and Toad Together: The Garden 1. Plant a seed/measure each day and keep
track in a journal
Frog and Toad Together: A List 1. Create their own to-do lists and reflect
on them
What Was I Scared Of? 1. Short story about something they were
scared of and how they overcame it
Too Close Friends 1. Create a short script about having a
conflict and how to resolve it
Genre: Realistic Fiction
TITLE OF BOOK ACTIVITIES
We’ll Paint the Octopus Red 1. Kickball, cooperating while having
“disabilities
The Hard-Times Jar 1. Students will have their own savings jar
to save for school necessities
Rondo in C 1. Play “Rondo in C” for the students and
have them paint what they envision
while listening to it
The Pain and the Great One 1. Create a book telling one story from two
points of view
Jingle Dancer 1. Each student will do an interpretive
dance to powwow music
Genre: Historical Fiction
TITLE OF BOOK ACTIVITIES
Uncle Jed’s Barbershop 1. Create a mobile over the Great
Depression
America’s White Table 1. Create a Veteran’s Day wall and set up
our own white table in the class
Coming on Home Soon 1. Write a research paper over the role of
women during World War II
Working Cotton 1. Create a timeline
Don’t You Know There’s A War On? 1. Create a petition about a cause
Genre: Non-fiction
TITLE OF BOOK ACTIVITY
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers 1. Create a memorial poster of the Twin
Towers
What to Do About Alice 1. Write a week’s worth of diary entries
Just a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln 1. Write a speech and present it to the class
Sarah Morton’s Day 1. Fill out a chart of all the things Sarah
does in a day and glue it next to the
chart of all the things the students do in
a day/ observing the difference of roles
between settlers and now
The Journey 1. Students will write a newspaper article
Genre: 5 your choice
TITLE OF BOOK ACTIVITY
Stellaluna 1. Write their own alternate ending to the
story
Pink and Say 1. Students will color in a US map labeling
which states were North and which were
South during the Civil War
Dog Ku 1. Create a bookmark
Smith’s Incredible Storybook 1. Create a book sleeve
Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods That
Make My Day
1. Play emotions charades and have a class
discussion over what could cause each
emotion
Shaina Clark
EDUC 340
Professor Heather Schilling
6 May 2011
Trade Books 1: Multicultural and Fantasy
Title of book: More Than Anything Else
Author’s name: Marie Bradby
Copyright year: 1995
Genre: Multicultural
Number of pages: 29
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
More Than Anything Else is a book about a young African American male who wants to
learn how to read. In his town, people may now come and go but reading is scarce. He tells his
mother he wants to learn how to read and she gives him a small blue book. When the boy gets
home from working all day, he studies his book. Although he studies his book, he cannot learn to
read on his own and seeks out a man who knows how to read. This man reads the book to this
young boy and teaches him how to write his name. The boy is full of hope at the end and it is
revealed to the reader that this boy is Booker T. Washington.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/83839.aspx Margo Dill
Students will make a chart comparing and contrasting their life to Booker T.
Washington’s.
English 3.4.2 Discuss ideas for writing, use diagrams and charts to develop ideas, and
make a list or notebook of ideas. (Core Standard)
Title of book: The Legend of the Bluebonnet
Author’s name: Tomie DePaola
Copyright year: 1983
Genre: Multicultural
Number of pages: 27
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
The Legend of the Bluebonnet is about a little girl with the name of She-Who-Is-Alone.
She-Who-Is-Alone’s Indian tribe is struggling sue to a very long drought. Her villagers pray to
the spirits and do rain dances for many days and yet the rain does not come. She-Who-Is-Alone
has a very special warrior doll that is the only thing left as a memory of her family. The Shaman
told the people that they must have a sacrifice, burning their most valuable possessions in order
for the spirits to bring the rain. She-Who-Is-Alone knew what she must do and later that night
she sacrificed her doll and spread the ashes. The next day the land was covered in blue flowers,
as blue as the feathers on her warrior doll, and as the people began to dance and sing, the rain
began to fall. After the rain fell, a beautiful flower appeared.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/blueb.html
Using colored paper and glue, students will create their own flower. Then, students will
create a mini-legend about how their flower came to be and name it. Then, students will
verbally present their flower and legend to the class.
English 2.7.5 Organization and Delivery of Oral Communication: Organize presentations
to maintain a clear focus. (Core Standard)
Title of book: Papa’s Mark
Author’s name: Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert
Copyright year: 2003
Genre: Multicultural
Number of pages: 30
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Papa’s Mark is set in Lamar County where Simms and his father live. Lamar County was
making history in this story by allowing “colored men” to vote. Although there was a problem,
Simms’ father could not write his name. Simms really wanted his father to be able to clearly
write his name so that he could stand proud as he voted on Election Day. So, Simms wrote out
his father’s name on a piece of paper perfectly so that his Dad could copy it and would help him
practice every night. Many of the African American men were scared to vote, yet many of them
went anyway. Simms’ father proudly wrote his name clearly and he and Simms turned the ballot
in together happily because of the new freedom in Lamar County.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of Activity: www.lesliepreddy.com/YHBA/06-07/Picture%20Book/Papa-
Gehm.doc
The students will hold a class election where each student will cast a ballot. After voting,
students will help calculate the results.
Math 1.6.4 Make precise calculations and check the validity of the results in the context
of the problem.
Title of book: The Always Prayer Shawl
Author’s name: Sheldon Oberman
Copyright year: 1994
Genre: Multicultural
Number of pages: 32
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
The Always Prayer Shawl is about Adam, a young Jewish boy who lived in Russia. Adam
attended a small school at his grandfather’s house, where he learned to read and write in Hebrew
and learned stories about his people. Adam’s life was turned upside down when trouble came to
Russia and people were starving and soldiers were fighting. Adam’s family decided it was best to
leave and go far away but his grandfather could not go because he was too old. Adam cried due
to the departing of his grandfather, but his grandfather gave him his very special prayer shawl
that was passed down from his grandfather. Adam and his family traveled far on a ship and
moved to a country where he lived in an apartment and learned English in school. As Adam grew
up and his life changed, he always wore the prayer shawl every Saturday, fixing it when it was
worn and torn, until the day he passed it on to his own grandson.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
Students will bring a family momentum to school for show and tell. Students will have to
describe the item, the item’s purpose, and why it is special to his/her family.
English 1.7.10 Use visual aids, such as pictures and objects, to present oral information.
Title of book: Coal Mine Peaches
Author’s name: Michelle Dionetti
Copyright year: 1991
Genre: Multicultural
Number of pages: 29
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Coal Mine Peaches is a book where a little girl tells the reader about the life and stories
of her grandfather that was a link between her family and their Italian culture. The little girl’s
grandfather lived in a small coal-mining town as a boy and when he grew up he moved to New
York. Her grandfather was always entertaining everyone he came into contact with by telling
them lots of stories, including his coworkers as they built the Brooklyn Bridge. Her grandfather
married a beautiful quiet girl named Victoria and they had many children, lived on a farm, and
were poor. As his children grew up, they had their own children and they always came to visit,
which is how his granddaughter came to love him and the stories he could tell. When her
grandfather told her stories, she always believed him.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
Have the students draw a picture of their grandfather and write a poem to go with it. The
poem should have strong details that enhance the drawing and the visual of the
grandfather. If students do not have a grandfather, then they can choose an older role
model.
English 2.5.4 Write rhymes and simple poems. (Core Standard)
Title of book: Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type
Author’s Name: Doreen Cronin
Copyright year: 2000
Genre: Fantasy
Number of pages: 29
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type is a story about Farmer Brown and some animals that
live on his farm. Farmer Brown has some very unique cows that can type. Farmer Brown had a
difficult time believing that his cows were truly typing until he seen with his own eyes. Farmer
Brown’s cows would type letters to him making requests, and if the requests were not answered
then they refused to give milk. The cows even got the hens in on the demands while the ducks
were supposed to remain neutral. Farmer Brown thought that he had come to a compromise with
the animals when the ducks decided that, they too would like some benefits!
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
Students will type a letter to Farmer Brown pretending to be an animal. The students may
choose any animal that could live on a farm. The students must make some request of the
farmer and threaten to take away something if the farmer does not give in to their
demand. In the letter the students must have the date, a proper greeting, body of the letter
and closing, and a proper signature.
English 2.5.3 Write a friendly letter complete with the date, salutation (greeting such as
Dear Mr. Smith), body, closing, and signature.
Title of book: Frog and Toad Together: The Garden
Author’s name: Arnold Lobel
Copyright year: 1971
Genre: Fantasy
Number of pages: 12
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
In the story Frog and Toad Together: The Garden, Frog and Toad are best friends, and
Frog has a very beautiful garden and Toad wishes that he could have one. So, Frog gives Toad
some seeds to take home and plant in the ground. Toad went home and planted his seed but he
was impatient and wanted them to grow right away. Therefore, Toad yells at the seeds telling
them to grow. When that does not work, Toad does other things for his seeds such as read to
them, sing to them, and play music for them. The seeds still did not grow and Toad became
frustrated and fell asleep. The next day Frog wakes Toad up to see that his garden had finally
sprouted.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
Each student will get to plant a seed in a little cup. Each day the students will water their
plants and keep a journal, recording what they observe and asking questions. They also
need to record what activities they do with their plants, such as talk to them or read to
them. They need to discuss each day how the plant looks different and measure it. The
student just writes a few sentences in their journal each day and turns it in every Friday.
The teacher then tries to answer some of their questions and then returns them on
Monday. At the end of four weeks, each student will present their plant to the class,
discuss why they think their plant grew the way that it did, and discuss some of their
questions with the class.
The Nature of Science and Technology 1.1 Students are actively engaged in exploring
how the world works. They explore, observe, count, measure, compare, and ask
questions. They discuss observations and use tools to seek answers and solve problems.
They share their findings.
Title of book: Frog and Toad Together: A List
Author’s name: Arnold Lobel
Copyright year: 1971
Genre: Fantasy
Number of pages: 14
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Frog and Toad Together: A List is a story about a Toad who creates a list of items that he
needs to do for the day. As Toad accomplishes an item on his list, he crosses it out. Of course
multiple items on his list include his best friend Frog. Frog and Toad go for a walk, and when
Toad reaches for his list to cross that item off, the wind blows his list away. Frog chases the list
because Toad feels lost without it, but he cannot catch it. Toad decides to do nothing since he no
longer knows what is on his list, until it is so late that he and frog have to sleep. Finally, he
remembers that sleep was on his list and he then felt the day was complete.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
The students will create their own to-do lists for the upcoming Saturday. Students will
then have to cross items off of the list as they do them. Then, on Monday they are
expected to bring their lists back and have a discussion with the class on different
questions such as “Did they do everything on their list? Did they do everything in the
correct order? Did they need to add items to the list? Would they have been lost like Toad
without the list?”
English 1.5.5 Write for different purposes and to a specific audience or person. (Core
Standard)
Title of book: Too Close Friends
Author’s name: Shen Roddie
Copyright year: 1997
Genre: Fantasy
Number of pages: 24
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Hippo and Pig were neighbors and good friends. They took turns spending time at each
other’s houses and doing different activities. One day Hippo decides that he would be nice and
cut down the hedge in between his and Pig’s house. Since the hedge was gone, Pig and Hippo
could see into each other’s houses, discovering that each of them had some habits that the other
did not like. Due to witnessing each other’s habits and getting into an argument, Hippo and Pig
stop seeing each other. Although as the hedge grew back, Pig and Hippo missed each other too
much and became friends again.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
The students will be split into partners. Students will together create a short script of
having some sort of conflict and then resolving it. Students will later role play this script
for the class.
Fine Arts: Theatre 1.6 Students create scripts and theatre pieces through collaboration,
inquiry, and improvisation.
Title of book: What Was I Scared of?
Author’s name: Dr. Seuss
Copyright year: 1961
Genre: Fantasy
Number of pages: 23
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
The main character in the book What Was I Scared of? thought that he was not afraid of
anything. Then, one night he saw a pale green pair of pants. These pants were walking on their
own with nobody inside them. This frightened the character and he ran away from the pants.
After that night, he seen the empty pants several other times: on a bicycle, in a boat, and in a
Snide-field. Finally, the character and the pants met face to face and he realized that the pants
were just as scared as he. He decides to talk to the pants and then they became friends, and from
then on when they seen each other they always said hi.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
Students write a short story about something they were scared of and how they overcame
that fear or plant to overcome that fear. The stories must have topic sentences and details.
English 3.4.3 Create single paragraphs with topic sentences and simple supporting facts
and details. (Core Standard)
Trade Books 2: Realistic and Historical Fiction
Title of book: We’ll Paint the Octopus Red
Author’s name: Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
Copyright year: 1998
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of pages: 22
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Emma is a little girl who is told by her parents that she will soon have a little brother or
sister. At first, Emma is not too excited that she will have a sibling because she enjoys having her
mom and dad all to herself. Then, Emma thinks of all the things that she can do with her new
sibling and she becomes excited. When the baby is born, her dad tells her that she has a little
baby brother but that he has Down Syndrome. Emma wants to know if she can still do all the
things with her little brother that she had planned? After discussing this with her father, Emma
realizes that her little brother can do everything that everyone else can do, he may just need a
little more help.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Staff at Camp Millhouse
We will go over the similarities and differences between people with and without
disabilities. We will discuss how people who have differences can still play just like
everyone else, but they may just need more help. Then, we will play a kickball game
where some students have disabilities and others do not. The teacher can use bandanas to
demonstrate certain disabilities. We will talk about how the disabilities will affect the
game and how we have to help one another in order to succeed as a team.
Physical Education K.5.3 Show a positive attitude toward self and others during
physical activity. Example: Exercise alone and exercise with other children in which
differences exist (e.g., ability, race, gender, and socioeconomic status).
Physical Education K.5.4 Demonstrate respect for other children in physical education
class
Title of book: The Hard-Times Jar
Author’s name: Ethel Footman Smothers
Copyright year: 2003
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of pages: 30
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Emma Turner is a little girl who loves books. Emma’s parents are migrant workers and
they do not have a lot of money. Emma’s family has a “hard-times” jar where they save their
money for a rainy day when they need it. Emma had always helped her family pick crops, but her
mom decided she needed to start going to school. At Emma’s school, she gets introduced to the
library. At the library, Emma can read all the books she wants, but she is not supposed to take
any home. Emma decided to take two books home, hoping that nobody would notice. Emma’s
mom caught her, and she had to return the books and apologize to her teacher. Since Emma did
the right thing, her mother gave her some money from the hard-times jar so that she could go buy
a book of her very own.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark/Sarah Louvier
I will give each student a “hard-times" jar in the classroom. We will discuss how people
have these types of jars because of scarcity. The students will be able to earn fake money
for good behavior, doing class jobs, etc. Then, every two weeks we will have a little store
that will sell necessary school items such as pencils, rulers, erasers, pens, books, paper,
etc.
Social Studies/Economics K.4 .1 Explain that people work to earn money to buy the
things they want. (Core Standard)
Social Studies/Economics 1.4.5 Explain that people have to make choices about goods
and services because of scarcity.
Title of book: Rondo in C
Author’s name: Paul Fleischman
Copyright year: 1988
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of pages: 26
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Rondo in C is about a young girl who plays Beethoven’s Rondo in C at her piano recital.
This is a beautiful piece that brings about a different emotional response for each person in the
audience, which music often can do. A woman thinks of her old home, while a man thinks of
flying geese. Another person sees sunlight on the water, while a man can envision lightning and
hear the roar of thunder. No matter the memories that the piece brings, all in the end enjoy the
young girl’s performance of Rondo in C.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
After reading the story Rondo in C, I will play the song Rondo in C and have the students
paint what they envision while the music is playing. When the paintings are done and
dry, I will have each student discuss what they envisioned while listening to the song and
what they painted.
Fine Arts: Music. RESPONDING TO MUSIC: Understanding relationships between
music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts. K.8. Students express musical
concepts in non-musical ways. They describe the use of music in various school
activities.
Title of book: The Pain and the Great One
Author’s name: Judy Blume
Copyright year: 1974
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of pages: 29
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
In The Pain and the Great One, there are two viewpoints of the story; the “pain” who is
the little brother, and the “great one” who is the older sister. First, the older sister tells examples
of how her little brother is the pain. For example, she discusses how her parents are unfair when
it comes to him and he gets dessert even when he does not eat his dinner. Next, the little brother
talks about his older sister, giving reasons of why she is the “great one.” For example, he says
she thinks she is so great just because she can play the piano and feed the cat. From both points
of view, the brother and the sister both believe that their parents like one more than the other.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
Students will create a small book telling one story from two points of view. Both points
of view need to be written to the same audience and should include some persuasion. For
example, in the book The Pain and the Great One, the boy and the girl were both trying
to argue why one was better than the other.
English/Language Arts. Writing: Applications 4.5.6 Write for different purposes
(information, persuasion, description) and to a specific audience or person. (Core
Standard)
Title of book: Jingle Dancer
Author’s name: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Copyright year: 2000
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of pages: 27
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Jenna is a little girl who loves jingle dancing. Jingle dancing is a tradition that is
displayed by the many generations of women in her family. Jenna decides that she wants to be a
jingle dancer too. Jenna tells her grandma, and she agrees that Jenna can dance at the next
powwow. Now that Jenna can dance at the next powwow, she has to figure out how to make her
dress jingle since there is not enough time to order them. Through the help of her family, Jenna
borrows some jingles from each of their dresses. In the end, Jenna dances at the powwow in
honor of all her family members who helped her, some of whom can no longer dance for
themselves.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
Each student will do an interpretive dance segment to traditional powwow music which
will have a steady rhythm and beat. Each student will say who they are dancing for
before they dance.
Fine Arts. RESPONDING TO MUSIC: Understanding music in relation to history and
culture. K.9.2 Experience music from various historical eras and cultures through
singing, listening, or moving.
Title of book: Uncle Jed’s Barbershop
Author’s name: Margaree King Mitchell
Copyright year: 1993
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of pages: 28
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Sarah Jean is a little African American girl who loved her uncle Jed. Uncle Jed was Sarah
Jean’s grandpa’s brother, and he had a dream to someday have his very own barber shop. Uncle
Jed had been saving money for a long time, but then Sarah Jean got sick and he gave the money
for her to have an operation. Years later, he almost had enough money but then the Great
Depression began, the bank failed, and Uncle Jed lost all his money and had to start all over
again. Uncle Jed kept saving, and on his seventy-ninth birthday, he finally was able to open his
barber shop.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
Students will do research over the Great Depression and create a mobile with their
information. Their mobile will have to include: when the Great Depression started, when
it ended, and why did it happen. The mobile will also have to have pictures.
Social Studies 4.1.11 Growth and Development: 1900 to 1950. Identify and describe
important events and movements that changed life in Indiana in the early twentieth
century. (Core Standard)
Title of book: America’s White Table
Author’s name: Margot Theis Raven
Copyright year: 2005
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of pages: 30
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
During the time of the Vietnam War, the “white table” served as a symbol of people in
the service who were missing in war or were held as prisoners. Katie, her mom, and her sisters
set a white table on Veteran’s Day as a surprise for her uncle John. As they set the white table,
Katie’s mom tells them the significance of each item that completes the table. After the table is
finished, Katie’s mom shares with them how important the table will be for Uncle John because
he was once a prisoner of war in Vietnam. This story inspired Katie and her sisters, so they made
special gifts of their own for Uncle John and placed them on the white table.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/showthread.php?t=48912
After I read the book, we will discuss the meaning of the story. Then, we will set up a
white table in front of our classroom. Our class will also create a Veteran's Day Wall
listing community figure’s services and their relationship to each child.
English/Language Arts 2.3.7 Identify the meaning or lesson of a story. (Core Standard)
Title of book: Coming On Home Soon
Author’s name: Jacqueline Woodson
Copyright year: 2004
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of pages: 29
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Ada Ruth is a little girl who is growing up during World War II. Since the men are at
war, women have to go to work. Ada Ruth’s mother gets a job in Chicago and leaves, while Ada
is forced to stay behind with her grandmother. Ada and her grandmother miss her mother very
much and they feel lonely without her. Although Ada is lonely, she finds things that help her,
such as a small kitten and writing letters to her mom. Finally, Ada and her grandmother are
happy because they receive a letter from Ada’s mom that had money in it and said she was
coming home soon, and so she did.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea:
http://www.state.lib.la.us/empowerlibrary/COMING%20ON%20HOME%20SOON.pdf
The students will write a short research paper over the role of women during World War
II and their struggles they went through and the hardships of their families.
4.5.3 Research Application: Write or deliver a research report that has been developed
using a systematic research process (defines the topic, gathers information, determines
credibility, reports findings) and that:
• includes information from a variety of sources (books, technology, multimedia) and
documents sources (titles and authors)
• demonstrates that information that has been gathered has been summarized.
• organizes information by categorizing it into multiple categories (such as solid, liquid,
and gas or reduce, reuse, and recycle) or includes information gained through
observation. (Core Standard)
Title of book: Working Cotton
Author’s name: Sherley Anne Williams
Copyright year: 1992
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of pages: 26
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Shelan is a young girl who spends all day picking cotton in the fields with her family. It
is dark in the morning when Shelan and her family begin, and it is dark when they leave at night.
Shelan meets people in the fields, but it is hard to make friends since they move from field to
field. Shelan is not old enough to hold her own cotton sack, so she only helps her other family
members pick and add to their sacks. Shelan is amazed at how fast her dad can pick, and she
hopes to someday pick as fast as him. The more cotton her family picks, the more money they
receive.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: http://www.bringinghistoryhome.org/assets/bringinghistoryhome/3rd-
grade/unit-2/3_seg_lesson_plans.pdf
After reading Working Cotton, we will have a discussion about what happened between
the end of the Civil War to the end of the Civil Rights Movement. Then, students will do
research and create a timeline of important dates and events from the end of the Civil
War to the end of the Civil Rights movement.
Social Studies 4.1.12 Growth and Development: 1900 to 1950. Describe the
transformation of Indiana through immigration and through developments in agriculture,
industry and transportation. (Core Standard)
Social Studies 4.1.13 Contemporary Indiana: 1950 - Present. Identify and describe
important events and movements that changed life in Indiana from the mid- twentieth
century to the present. (Core Standard) Example: The civil rights movement and school
integration in Indiana; Indiana's participation in the Korean War; Asian and Hispanic
immigration; and growth in advanced manufacturing and the life sciences industry.
Title of book: Don’t You Know There’s a War On?
Author’s name: Avi
Copyright year: 2001
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of pages: 201
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
This book is about Howie and his friend Denny during the World War II era. The setting
of this story is in Brooklyn, New York. Howie’s father is a marine fighting against the Nazi’s
ships. Denny’s father is in the army battling Nazi’s in North Africa. Denny and Howie deal with
their fears about the war by going to cheap movies on Saturdays and school during the week. The
boys have a teacher, Miss Gossim, that they like very much and get attached to. Although, later
Miss Gossim is under threat of being fired and the boys and the rest of their class want to make
sure that does not happen. But, in the end, Miss Gossim must leave and one of the boys’ fathers
dies in the war.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
Students will write their own petition about an issue that is important to them. They will
gather as many signatures from people who agree with them as they can. Students will
then present their petition ideas to the class.
Social Studies 4.2.7 Roles of Citizens: Use a variety of information resources to take a
position or recommend a course of action on a public issue relating to Indiana's past or
present.
Trade Books 3: Non-fiction and Choice
Title of book: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
Author’s name: Mordicai Gerstein
Copyright year: 2003
Genre: Non-Fiction
Number of pages: 34
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Phillipe Petit was a French aerialist. Phillipe began as a street performer. He could juggle,
throw fiery torches, walk and dance on a tightrope, and ride a unicycle. Phillipe decided he really
wanted to walk on a tightrope between the two towers in New York, but the police said no.
Therefore, Phillipe secretly dressed as a construction worker and prepared the tight wire between
the two towers. When the sun came up, Phillipe walked the wire between the two towers and
after that, he performed many more times between the two towers.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Half of the idea from
http://www.liveoakmedia.com/client/guides/94258.pdf / The other half from Shaina Clark
Teacher will do a mini-lesson about the World Trade Center and the Twin Towers.
Students will then create memorial posters of the Twin Towers. Students will each
present their posters to the class, discussing why they portrayed the Twin Towers as they
did, and whatever other words, terms, or pictures they may have drawn. Class will then
have discussions over each poster.
Visual Literacy 2.4.2 Respond to art based on personal preference and actively listen to
others, recognizing that people have different preferences.
Title of book: What to Do About Alice
Author’s name: Barbara Kerley
Copyright year: 2008
Genre: Non-Fiction
Number of pages: 42
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Alice Lee Roosevelt was Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter. Alice was what Theodore
called a “Running Riot.” Alice’s mother died two days after she was born, and her father got re-
married and had more children. Alice loved new experiences and traveling, where she could “eat
up the world.” Alice was homeschooled, and while growing up she had to wear braces on her
legs. As Alice grew, the braces came off, she learned to ride a bicycle, and she felt that she was
free. Alice was adventurous and did not behave as a “proper” lady should, causing her problems.
This book is all about Alice, and shows how she charmed many and was beyond her time.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Emily Katona
Students will write a week’s worth of diary entries, once day, pretending to be Alice.
English Language Arts: 3.2.9 Identify text that uses sequence or other logical order
(alphabetical, time, categorical).
Title of book: Just a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln
Author’s name: Jean Fritz
Copyright year: 1993
Genre: Non-Fiction
Number of pages: 48
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Abraham Lincoln is a very famous man in history. Just a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln is a
book that talks about Abraham Lincoln’s busy life. He was president of the United States. He
was a key figure in the Civil War, believing slaves should be free. He was an honest man and
cared for all people. He took time to shake hands and write letters to people who wrote him. Abe
Lincoln even made extra time for his children, especially his son Tad. After the war was finally
over, he wanted to honor all the soldiers who had died. This is how he came to write the
Gettysburg Address.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: www.westonwoods.scholastic.com
Students will write their own speech to present to class about what they would have
written in honor of the soldier.
English Language Arts: 2.7.6 Speak clearly and at an appropriate pace for the type of
communication (such as an informal discussion or a report to class).
Title of book: Sarah Morton’s Day
Author’s name: Kate Waters
Copyright year: 1989
Genre: Non-Fiction
Number of pages: 31
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Sarah Morton is a real girl who grew up in the American Settlement time. Sarah’s day
begins when the sun rises. She does work around the farm, helping cooks, building fires, and
feeding the animals. She has a best friend named Elizabeth, and she is adjusting to a new
stepfather. She gets to learn, even though most other girls do not. Sarah shows how life was
during the time of the pilgrims.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: http://www.edwardscape.com/members/american/pilgrimkids.pdf
Students will fill out a chart putting in order the events of Sarah’s day. Then, students
will fill out the same chart listing typical events of their own day. Then, students will cut
out both charts and paste them side by side in order to help them observe the difference
between the time of the pilgrims and now. Then, have a class discussion with the students
of why roles now are so different then the roles of the early settlers.
Social Studies 3.1.2 Explain why and how the local community was established and
identify its founders and early settlers. (Core Standard)
Title of book: The Journey
Author’s name: Sheila Hamanaka
Copyright year: 1990
Genre: Non-Fiction
Number of pages: 39
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
The Journey shows the difference between America and Japan. The author shows how
Japanese immigrants were treated in America. Racism is a major theme in this book. The author
discusses Pearl Harbor and how Japanese people were imprisoned in America and put into
internment camps. The author talks about how her family was imprisoned and the many Japanese
American lives that were lost.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
Students will write a newspaper article that is set during the World War II time period
about internment camps.
English Language Arts: 4.4.8 Understand the organization of almanacs, newspapers,
and periodicals and how to use those print materials. (Core Standard)
Title of book: Stellaluna
Author’s name: Janell Cannon
Copyright year: 1993
Genre: Fiction
Number of pages: 42
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Stellaluna is a baby silver fruit bat who gets separated from her mother. After she
separates from her mother in mid-air, she falls into a baby bird’s nest. Stellaluna does not want to
be alone, so she behaves as the baby birds do. Stellaluna eats disgusting bugs, she no longer
hangs by her feet, and she is awake during the day and sleeps at night. When Stellaluna and her
bird friends learn to fly, Stellaluna realizes that she can fly at night, but the baby birds cannot.
This is how Stellaluna gets separated from her bird friends and ends up hanging all alone.
Although, Stellaluna is not alone for long when she meets some bats just like her and is finally
reunited with her mother.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: www.readwritethink.org
Students will write their own alternate ending to Stellaluna.
Language Arts: 2.3.3 Create different endings to stories and identify the problem and
the impact of the different ending.
Title of book: Pink and Say
Author’s name: Patricia Palocco
Copyright year: 1994
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of pages: 44
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Sheldon Curtis, also known as Say, is a young boy who is wounded trying to escape from
his unit during the Civil War. Say is saved by a young black man, Pinkus “Pink” Aylee, who
carries him to his mother’s house. Pink’s mother, Moe Moe Bay, nurses the boys back to health.
While biding their time, Pink tells Say about why he is fighting in the war, to end the “sickness
of slavery.” Pink also tells Say that he can read, although it was illegal for his master to teach
him, and he spends some time reading to Say and Moe Moe Bay. Eventually, marauders come to
search the area, and kill Moe Moe Bay. After Moe Moe Bay dies, Pink and Say head back to the
war but are captured by the Confederate army. Say survives to pass on the tale, but Pink does
not.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Barbara Dawes http://users.manchester.edu/Student/BEDawes/index.htm
Students and Teacher will have a discussion about the Civil War. Then students will
color in a blank map, coloring the Confederate states gray and the Union states blue by
using the link on the above website. Describe the differences between the North and the
South.
Geography 3.3.11 Environment and Society: Identify and describe the relationship
between human systems and physical systems and the impact they have on each other.
(Core Standard)
Title of book: Dog Ku
Author’s name: Andrew Clements
Copyright year: 2007
Genre: Poetry/Fiction
Number of pages: 31
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
A stray dog shows up to a house looking for love. The family invites him in. They feed
him, bathe him, and play with him. The family names the dog Mooch. The family leaves, going
to school and work, and Mooch is bored at home all alone. Mooch makes a mess and gets into
trouble. Mooch is scared that he is going to be taken to the pound, but in the end, the family buys
him a bed, bowl, and toys and make him an official part of the family.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Heather Schilling
Students will each create a bookmark for the story DogKu. Students can use both sides of
the bookmark. Bookmark must include the title of the story, the author’s name, and a
picture of a character from the story.
Visual Arts: k.6.4 Demonstrate thoughtfulness and care in creating artwork.
Title of book: Miss Smith’s Incredible Storybook
Author’s name: Michael Garland
Copyright year: 2003
Genre: Fantasy
Number of pages: 25
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Zack is a second grader who is in Miss Smith’s class. Miss Smith is not like all of the
other teachers; she has a special book that when she reads it all the characters come to life. When
Miss Smith finishes the story, the characters return to the book. Zack and his classmates love this
magical book and school is going well, until the day Miss Smith was running late to class. Since
Miss Smith was running late, the principal decided to read out of the book; this goes horribly
wrong when the characters come out and the principal becomes afraid. He leaves the class alone,
and students keep reading out of the book without finishing the story, causing all the characters
to remain out of the book. Thank goodness in the end Miss Smith gets to class just in time to
send all the characters back where they belong.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Heather Schilling
Students will create a book sleeve for the story Miss Smith’s Incredible Storybook. The
book sleeve must have the title of the book, the author’s name, and a picture that relates
with the book.
Visual Arts: 4.7.1 Apply elements (line, shape, form, texture, color, and space) and
principles (repetition, variety, rhythm, proportion, movement, balance, emphasis) in work
that effectively communicate ideas.
Title of book: Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods That Make My Day
Author’s name: Jamie Lee Curtis
Copyright year: 1998
Genre: Fiction
Number of pages: 30
SYNOPSIS OF STORY:
Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods That Make My Day is about a little girl who feels
many different emotions for different reasons. She is silly one day and dresses all up. The next
day she is grumpy when things do not go right. She is angry when her feelings get hurt. She is
happy when she is having fun, and she is confused when things seem wrong. Sometimes she is
quiet and can be excited too. She can also be lonely and bored. This little girl goes through all
her emotions and lets the reader know why she feels that way.
ACTIVITY:
Origin of idea: Shaina Clark
Students will play a game called Emotions Charades. There will be little sheets of paper
in a basket that students will choose the emotions from and then will act it out until a
student guesses it. Then, as a class we will discuss what could have caused that emotion.
Fine Arts: Theatre 1.8.1 Observe and discuss the appearance and characteristics of
people, creatures, and things.