Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village

by Laura Amy Schlitz

Schlitz, L.A. (2007). Good masters! Sweet ladies! Voices from a medieval village. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

Set in 1255, this collection of short monologues and dialogues by Laura Schlitz were written to be read aloud and give young readers a glimpse into what life was like in medieval times.  From the lowest classes of runaways and beggars, to the upper echelons of lords and knights, each tale is told from a different point of view, sometimes interweaving, giving us a glimpse into the trials and tribulations of life on a manor.  From Taggot, the blacksmith’s daughter, who fears she is to “big, ugly, and shy” to marry, to Otho, the miller’s son, who is taught by his father to cheat the customers, to Jacob and Petronella, a Jewish boy and a Christian girl who discover they are not really any different form each other, this book is filled with a wide variety of voices and personalities that readers will easily relate to despite the difference of centuries.  Through the reading we learn that while a few young people were born into lives of fortune, most others faced extreme poverty and hardships.  This often poetically written story, exposes readers to the lifestyles, caste systems, professions and vocabulary typical of the time period.  Sidebar notes and a few pages of informational background are sprinkled in throughout, where Schlitz adds clarification to new and unfamiliar concepts.  Far from a boring history book, young readers will be not only informed, but entertained as they experience life in the middle ages through the eyes of young people just like them.

Lessons for use with Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963

by Christopher Paul Curtis

Curtis, C. P. (1995). The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963. NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers.  

The year is 1963, and ten-year-old Kenny Watson and his family are doing their best to make it through another bitterly cold Flint, Michigan winter.  A middle child, Kenny has an older brother Byron, who is nothing short of a bully and juvenile delinquent, and a little sister Joetta, who is torn between worshipping her brothers and tattling on them.  With a southern raised mom, and a goofball of a dad, Kenny says it’s no wonder people refer to them as “The Weird Watsons.”  At the beginning of the story, Curtis focuses on detailing the dynamics of the Watson family and Kenny’s desire to fit in with his schoolmates.  Children will find it easy to relate to Kenny as they will likely see a reflection of their own feelings and concerns through his eyes.  As the story progresses, and older brother Byron’s delinquent behavior escalates, the parents decide it’s time to load up the Brown Bomber (their car), and take a trip down to Mrs. Watson’s home state of Alabama where he can spend the summer with Grandma Sands and get a dose of reality.  Life in the deep south is very different from what the young Watsons have experienced in their life growing up in Michigan.  Mrs. Watson, however, is well aware of the racial intolerance and hate that may be encountered on the trip during the height of the civil rights movement.  In these times, an African-American family would not be welcome to just stop anywhere to dine, use the restroom or spend the night so she carefully plans a trip that will get her family to their destination safely.  Upon their arrival in Birmingham, Curtis brilliantly weaves in the true and tragic event of the bombing of the Sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church on September 15, 1963, where four young girls lost their lives.  As the Watson family learns what has happened, they are faced with the realization that their youngest child was attending Sunday school at the church that very morning and rush to the scene.  Kenney’s world is shattered from the experience and as the family returns home they rally around him to help him understand and deal with his feelings of guilt and frustration with what can sometimes be a very cruel world.  While some of the topics addressed in this book are quite serious and sensitive, they are addressed in such a way that is approachable and appealing to young audiences.

Lesson Plans and Activities for use with The Watsons Go to Birmingham

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Schmidt, G. (2015). Orbiting Jupiter. New York, NY: Clarion.

When the Hurd's agree to foster 14-year-old Joseph Brook, the social worker shares three important things they need to know about him: he almost killed a teacher, he's been incarcerated at Stone Mountain for the last two months, and he has a 3 month-old daughter whom he has never met.  Ever the caring and patient family, the Hurd's are not dissuaded and bring Joseph into their home, teaching him about working on their dairy farm and encouraging him to do well in school.  Twelve-year-old Jack is excited to have a foster brother, even though he is a bit different and a lot of the teachers and kids at school give him a hard time.  They may not be brothers, but as Jack says, he "has his back."  As Joseph slowly starts to trust the Hurd's, he begins to come out of his shell and shares the story of his daughter, Jupiter, and her young mother who passed away during child birth.  Even though everyone tells him that he is too young, and he can not give Jupiter all the things she needs, Joseph insists that he can give her love and he will do whatever it takes to find her.  

Evaluation Criteria: Characters and Plot

14-year-old Joseph has had it rough.  He was raised by an abusive father, almost killed a teacher, and had to spend time at Stone Mountain.  He even has a three-month old daughter whom he has never seen.  It’s no wonder he has difficulty talking to and trusting people, or letting anyone touch him.  After coming to live with the Hurd family on their farm and finding a few trusted teachers at his new school we begin to see a miraculous change in Joseph.  He laughs, he smiles, he works hard and even has plans to go to college.  The one thing Joseph can’t get out of his mind though is getting to see his daughter, Jupiter.  When his new foster family agrees to help him search for her, Joseph is ecstatic.  The plot takes an unfortunate twist when Joseph’s real father reemerges with plans of his own.

Orbiting Jupiter: A Conversation with Author Gary Schmidt

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Alexander, K. (2014). The crossover. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Twelve-year-old Josh Bell, aka Filthy McNasty, is a basketball phenom.  He aims to be the next Kevin Durant or LeBron James.  His twin brother Jordan is just as good and idolizes another great, Michael Jordan.  The boys inherited their love of the game from the father, a former professional basketball player, Chuck “Da Man” Bell.  Everything is going great, the team is on their way to the championship and it seems that these boys just cannot be stopped.  Then a new girl in school catches Jordan’s attention and leaves Josh feeling more alone than ever.  As if that wasn’t enough, mom seems very concerned about their father’s health and the boys are starting to wonder if maybe they should be worried.  This story of family relationships, sibling dynamics and middle school drama is brilliantly told in a poetic form that middle schoolers will not want to put down.

Evaluation Criteria: Theme and Style

In addition to family relationships the overriding theme of this story is basketball.  It’s what the men in this family live for.  If they’re not out on the court destroying other middle school teams, they’re shooting free throws in the driveway or hanging out at the rec center organizing games.  Alexander even uses the structure of basketball to divide the story into “quarters” rather than chapters and delivers life lessons in the form of “basketball rules.”  Novel-in-verse is the style of this book and Alexander does an amazing job of weaving in all the excitement of game play-by-plays to Josh’s inner struggles with his life and family in a form that is pure poetry in motion.

Lesson Plans for use with The Crossover

Time for Kids Interview with Kwame Alexander

 Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

Cleary, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books. 

Leigh is such a huge fan of Mr. Henshaw’s book, Ways to Amuse a Dog, so when his class is given an assignment to write to a famous author, naturally he chooses him.  What he doesn’t expect is that not only does Mr. Henshaw write back, but he sends Leigh a few questions of his own.  After his initial reluctance to answer the questions, he finally does and begins his journey to becoming a great writer.  Through his letters to Mr. Henshaw, and later his diary entries, we learn that Leigh is dealing with the divorce of this parents, including his mother’s struggle to provide enough for them to just get by and the fact that his father is never around and doesn’t even call when he says he will.  We also witness his struggles with being the new kid in school, the loneliness he feels with no friends and the fact that someone keeps stealing his lunch.  Through all the ups and downs we watch as Leigh grows as both a person and a writer.

Evaluation Criteria: Characters and Plot

Leigh is a 10-year-old aspiring writer who is struggling with his parent’s divorce and life at a new school.  Why did his mom divorce his dad?  Why won’t his dad visit or call when he says he will.  And who keeps taking all the good food out of his lunch?!   Young readers will find this plot realistic as it explores conflicts that many young children face.  As we read through both Leigh’s letters to Mr. Henshaw and his journal entries, we can see that he evolves not only as a writer, but from a lonely and angry young boy to an understanding and more self-assured young man who comes to terms with the fact that his parents will not be getting back together.

Lesson Plan Ideas for use with Dear Mr. Henshaw

Interview with Beverly Cleary

Bridge to Terabithia 

by Katherine Paterson

Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge to Terabithia. New York, NY: Harper Collins. 

When not doing chores around his family's farm, Jesse Aarons has been doing one thing this summer, running.  He just knows that this year HE will be the fastest kid in the whole fifth grade.  Imagine his shock, and everyone else's, when his new neighbor Leslie (a girl!) easily beats him on the first day of school.  Despite the heartbreak Jesse soon discovers that Leslie is unlike any girl he has ever met.  She's smart, funny and has one incredible imagination.  Together they create Terabithia, a magical and sacred land where they are the rulers and the adventures never end.  Until one fateful day when Jesse is away and a terrible tragedy occurs costing Jesse his best friend and threatening the future of the kingdom they created.

Evaluation Criteria: Setting and Gender and Culture

Bridge to Terabithia is set in the small rural town of Lark Creek, VA, which Jesse describes as behind the times, where the people are slow to accept change and look down on those who are different.  When Leslie, a girl his age, and her parents move from the city into the house next door, it becomes apparent that they don’t exactly fit in with the townsfolk.  In fact Leslie defies the standard not only for females in town by having short hair, wearing cutoffs and tennis shoes all the time and referring to her parents by name, but females everywhere by exemplifying bravery, and being knowledgeable and worldly.  Guided by Leslie’s big imagination, she and Jesse create the magical world of Terabithia set just beyond the creek in the wooded area behind their homes.  Further challenging gender stereotypes, upon Leslie’s death we see Jesse’s outward struggle with his emotions.

Study Guide for Bridge to Terabithia

Book Trailer for Bridge to Terabithia

Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Biruté Galdikas

by Jim Ottaviani and Maris Wicks

 Ottaviani, J. & Wicks, M. (2013). Primates: The fearless science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas. New York, NY: First Second. 

A lively and interesting read, Primates follows the lives of three of the most prominent primatologists in the world, Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas, as they cross paths in their quest to observe, study and protect chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans in their natural habitat.  These bright women, with no prior academic training, were recruited by the great anthropologist Louis Leakey and became responsible for some of the greatest breakthroughs in the study of primates and understanding what separates them from humans.  

Evaluation Criteria: Design

Primates is an informational text in graphic novel form.  What better way to get children hooked on the scientific exploits of famous female scientists Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Biruté Galdikas?  Though the information is factual in nature, it’s presented in such a way with speech bubbles and cartoon illustrations that children will be completely engaged and convinced they are reading a comic book.

Teachers Guide for Primates

Book Trailer for Primates

Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow

by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Bartoletti, S. (2005). Hitler youth: Growing up in Hitler's shadow. New York, NY: Scholastic. 

While almost everyone may know the name Adolf Hitler, and the atrocities committed under his rule, many are unfamiliar with the millions of children who where brainwashed by his propaganda and blindly followed their leader with the belief that they were building a better Germany.  These were known as the Hitler Youth.  From first hand accounts, Bartoletti shares stories of those who excitedly signed up early on when participation was optional and it was very scout like in nature as well as those who were forced into the organization when membership became compulsory and involved more militaristic training.  Some were die-hard believers who were ready to fight and give their lives for their country, while others began to question what exactly they stood for and secretly worked in opposition to right the wrongs.  Hitler Youth is a very engaging and informative read.

Evaluation Criteria: Organization

Hitler Youth is organized chronologically beginning in 1932 when Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth) was approaching the 100,000 member mark and Adolf Hitler was rising to power, and ending in 1945 with Hitler’s suicide and the surrender of Germany.  Just following the table of contents, we find two pages of photos and descriptions of real children we will read about in the story.  Each chapter is given a title, along with a subtitle which clarifies the information to be found in that chapter.  All images included are actual photographs taken during the time period.  The epilogue at the end of the book gives us an account of what eventually became of the young people in the story.  Included at the end are also a timeline, quote source, bibliography and index to allow for a quick search for specific information.

Interview with Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Book Trailer for Hitler Youth

Balloons Over Broadway

by Melissa Sweet

Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy's parade. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Books For Children. 

When Tony Sarg was a child, he loved to figure out how to make things move.  Once he grew up, he moved to London and began designing marionette puppets that moved so lifelike it was as if they were alive.  When Tony moved to New York, his amazing puppets even performed on Broadway.  When Mr. Macy, a department store owner, heard about Tony's amazing talent, he asked him to design his holiday storefront windows.  The windows were so popular with shoppers that Mr. Macy came up with an even bigger project for Tony, designing what was to become the very first Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.  With a lot of hard work and determination, Tony made each years "puppets" bigger and better until they evolved into the large balloons flying through the skies that we are familiar with today.

Evaluation Criteria: Design

Balloons Over Broadway is filled with bright and beautiful colorful illustrations that young readers will find very attractive and inviting. Sweet’s use of a variety of font types and mixed media images give this book a unique design.  Readers will feel as though they are immersed in Sarg’s magical world of puppetry and cheer with the crowds in the story when the first “upside down marionette” soars.

Balloons Over Broadway Discussion Guide by the author

Balloons Over Broadway Activity Kit

Balloons Over Broadway Read Aloud

We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball

by Kadir Nelson

Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship: The story of negro league baseball. New York, NY: Hyperion. 

We are the Ship tells the story of Negro League Baseball starting with the formation of the league by Andrew "Rube" Foster in the early 1900's after the white owners of major league ball teams made a "gentleman's agreement" to do away with black players in the majors.  In this story, Nelson presents the narrator as "we" a collective voice representing all players of the time period. It follows their emotional journey which is full of  humor, but also sadly a lot of heartache as we learn of their struggles with segregation, hate and unfairness in this time long before civil rights. It ends with the signing of Jackie Robinson to the majors and the eventual demise of the league as integration became the standard and these fine athletes were finally allowed to participate in the game that they loved.

Evaluation Criteria: Organization

Just like the game itself, this book is organized by “innings,” where each inning represents a chapter in the story of the progression of Negro League Baseball.  It begins with the formation of the league in the early 1900’s and ends with the decimation of the league once Negros are allowed to sign with major league teams.  Each new chapter labeled as an Inning, begins with a subtitle indicating what information will be covered and a powerful quote from a Negro League legend pertaining to that particular chapter of history.  An extra “inning” is also included listing noteworthy players, as well as a note from the author, bibliography and extensive index.

Interview with Kadir Nelson

My Teacher is a Monster! 

by Peter Brown

Brown, P. (2014). My Teacher is a Monster! New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. 

She roars, she stomps, she keeps children in from recess; Bobby's teacher is a real monster.  One Saturday as Bobby is happily going along to his favorite spot in the park, he finds a terrible surprise... Ms. Kirby is at the park!  He feels trapped, what should he do?  He can't run away.  As Bobby forces himself to sit down and make small talk with his teacher, a gust of wind carries off Ms. Kirby's hat and he comes to the rescue.  What happens next is beautiful as teacher and student spend a bit of time together, and Bobby comes to see his teacher as a real person and not necessarily the monster he thought she was.  But honestly, don't we all have a little monster in us?

Evaluation Criteria: Theme

A student thinking their teacher is a monster is not exactly a new idea.  Teachers have to raise their voices and correct misbehavior and sometimes to children that can come across as “monstrous.”  However, when Bobby accidentally runs into his teacher, Ms. Kirby, in the park and they spend some real time together outside of class, he begins to see her more than just a disciplinarian and “monster”.  The theme of getting to know a person before passing judgment on them is strong and Brown does a terrific job of illustrating how Bobby’s perception of his teacher changes when she goes from an actual green monster to a real person.  


Visual Element: Shape

In My Teacher is a Monster, Brown creatively uses shapes to illustrate Bobby’s view of his teacher.  As the story begins Ms. Kirby is depicted as the monster Bobby sees her as, with a large awkwardly shaped green head, big circular nostrils, and sharp, pointy triangular shaped teeth and claws.  As the story progresses and Bobby comes to know his teacher on a more personal level, we see her features begin to soften and round out until eventually she takes on the same shapes and coloring as the children in the story.

Lesson Plans for use with My Teacher is a Monster!

My Teacher is a Monster! Read Aloud

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

by Carmen Agra Deedy

Deedy, C. A., & Austin, M. (2007). Martina, The Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.

At the ripe old age of 21 days old, Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha is ready to "give her leg" in marriage.  Because Martina is so beautiful, she will not have any trouble finding suitors.  Her abuela, grandmother, warns her however that picking the RIGHT one will be very tricky.  The grandmother explains that Martina needs to perform the "coffee test" which involves her spilling coffee on each of her suitors shoes to see how they will react when angry, giving her a glimpse of their true character.  After many suitors, and lots of spilled coffee, Martina gets the tables turned on her and finds that true love has been there all along right under her nose.

Evaluation Criteria: Cultural Markers

This masterful retelling of a Cuban folktale is an excellent example of cultural markers.  The bright colors, lush scenery and scattering of Spanish words and phrases all lend authenticity to Deedy’s work.  The large full page illustrations are vibrant with color and include realistic details exemplifying the island’s culture.  Far from suggesting stereotypes, the variety of characters from the pompous rooster, to the disgusting pig, to the kind mouse show that we all have personalities and characteristics that make us unique, regardless of where we come from.

Visual Element: Texture

Deedy’s use of texture in the story enhances the illustrations from the cockroaches’ wings, to the bird’s feathers, to the hair on the pig to the close up of the plants and flowers in the “garden.”   The reader can feel fully immersed in the Cuban culture and setting through these realistic images.

Read Aloud of Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

SPIDERS by Nic Bishop

Bishop, N. (2007). Spiders. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Did you know there are more than 38,000 types of spiders living almost everywhere on the planet and that they have been around for over 350 million years?  In Spiders, Dr. Nic Bishop gives us an up close and personal view into their world.  Learn about what they eat, how they see, how they use their webs and more.  With stunning up close, detailed photographs and factual information presented for 17 different spiders, young and older students alike will be hooked.

Evaluation Criteria: Accuracy

Bishop, who has a doctorate degree in biological sciences, uses his knowledge gained through his studies and worldwide travels to introduce children to the amazing life and world of spiders.  The information, while factual, is written in a way that young readers will easily comprehend the processes of molting, silk production and egg-laying, with important information highlighted in larger, more colorful text.  Distinctive features of the spiders featured in this book, that would not be noticeable to the naked eye, are clearly visible in the amazing up-close photographs taken by Nic himself.  A glossary included at the end defines a few of the more technical terms.

Book Trailer and Interview with Nic Bishop

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell

McDonnell, P. (2011). Me...Jane. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. 

Jane and her cherished stuffed toy chimpanzee, Jubilee, spend their days outdoors exploring and observing the wonders of nature.  Jane learns everything she can by watching the animals and studying the plants in her own backyard, and reading lots of books.  One of Jane's favorite books is about Tarzan of the Apes and as she reads and rereads it she imagines herself living in the jungles of Africa, helping all animals.  Young Jane is tucked into bed one night and awakens years later to her dream that has come true.  The end of the book includes a page of information about Jane Goodall's life and her accomplishments, as well as a message from Jane herself.

Evaluation Criteria: Design

This book with its simplistic style and colorful images is attractive, inviting and readable and would make a wonderful text to introduce young children to the genre of biographies.  The text on each page is minimal and non-threatening to even the earliest stage of reader.  The childlike cartoon illustrations allow children to relate to Jane and imagine what her life as a child was like.  The etchings throughout the book pay homage to her passion for science and nature, plus there are even a few drawings and notes done by Jane as a child.  The photograph of the real Jane with a tiny chimp in the forest of Africa and the closing line “to awake one day to her dream come true” is truly powerful.

Lesson Plans for use with Me...Jane

Read Aloud of Me...Jane

How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg

Bragg, G. (2001). How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous. New York, NY: Walker & Company. 

Not for the squeamish or faint of heart, How They Croaked provides gruesome details in a factual and often humorous way about the deaths of 19 historical figures suxh as Cleopatra, Galileo Galilei, Edgar Allan Poe and many others.  In the days before modern medical advances many people, including the famous, died truly bizarre and horrific deaths and this book does not skimp on the details!  From the mosquito that killed King Tut to the dreadful mouth infection, not to mention the awful medical treatment, that killed George Washington - you are sure to learn something new and interesting about these figures that you may have thought you knew everything about.

Evaluation Criteria: Organization

Organized chronically by the year of their death, readers can enjoy reading the book as a whole or easily skim through to find specific parts or people they are interested in.  The table of contents lists every famous person that is represented in the book and what page they can be found on.  The beginning of each section shows a tombstone with a description of the person, dates and age of death.  The end of the chapter contains unique and interesting facts that relate to the subject of the chapter.  At the end there is even a graphic organizer to show how these famous figures were connected.

Lesson Plans for use with How They Croaked

Interview with Georgia Bragg

Book Trailer for How They Croaked

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. New York, NY: Holt.

When Rosa Parks left work a little early that day in 1955, she had no idea that she would start a revolution and become a civil rights icon.  The supreme court had already ruled that "separate was not equal" but Montgomery, AL was a bit behind the times.  When Mrs. Parks boarded the bus that day she she did as she was "supposed" to.  She entered the back of the bus and sat in the middle section which was the designated section for white or black people.  Upon being told to move by the bus driver, Rosa, fed up with the injustices she had witnessed all her life and knowing she was within her rights, bravely refused to move.  Her arrest lead to a movement by her friends at the Women's Political Council and thousands across the country, including Martin Luther King Jr., as they organized and supported the Montgomery bus boycott and demanded equal rights for all.

Evaluation Criteria: Style

Style is what makes an informational book a work of literature and not just a book of facts. Giovanni has done an impressive job of taking this tough episode in history and presenting it in a simplistic way that children can relate to and understand.  We don’t just see Rosa as a civil rights activist, for that’s not what she set out to be.  She was a seamstress, a daughter, a wife who was tired from a long day’s work and just wanted to get home and make her husband a good dinner and take care of her ill mother.  But she was also a tough lady who was tired of the injustices she saw day after day and had the courage to stand up, or stay seated, against them.  We can feel the author’s passion for Mrs. Parks and the thousands who came together to support her and equal rights for all.

Book Trailer for Rosa

The Legend of the Bluebonnet 

by Tomie dePaola

DePaola, T. (1983). The Legend of the Bluebonnet. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

The people of the Comanche tribe are dying and so is the land.  A drought has fallen upon them and famine is taking its toll.  The shaman declares that the Great Spirits are tired of the selfishness of the people who continue to take from the Earth and not give anything back.  The members of the tribe must make a burnt offering of their most prized possession to the spirits in order to restore life to the people.  While the adults of the tribe continue to maintain their selfish ways, one little girl, She-Who-Is-Alone, knows what she must do.  In an act of true selflessness she offers the Great Spirits her most valued possession, a warrior doll which is the only thing she has left from her family who are no longer with her.  The pleased spirits express their forgiveness with rain and the beautiful bluebonnets who continue to bloom every spring.

Visual Element: Color

DePaola's use of color does a magnificent job of illustrating the setting and emphasizing the feel of  Legend of the Bluebonnet.  As the setting changes progressively from day to night, so too do the colors of the sky.  During the times of drought, the colors of the land are very drab and dull, but after the forgiveness of the Great Spirits the land comes alive with bright greens and blues symbolizing the joy of the people.  The blue feathers on She-Who-Is-Alone's doll are significant in that they are reflected in the beauty of the bluebonnets.

Evaluation Criteria: Cultural Markers

It is apparent that dePaola took great care in his research of this legend based on Comanche Indian lore.  Not simply relying on generalizations and stereotypes, the story sheds light on this ancient cultures’ belief in rituals, spirits and sacrifice.  Through the illustrations that depict traditional Comanche dress, housing, possessions and surroundings we can get a real feel for life as a part of this tribe of people.

Lesson Plans for use with The Legend of the Bluebonnet

Olivia by Ian Falconer

Falconer, I. (2000). Olivia. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 

Olivia is a little pig with a big personality and lots of energy, which can sometimes be a little overwhelming as she seems to have a talent for wearing people out.  The first book in the Olivia series introduces us to her family and takes us through a day in the life of Olivia.  From the moment she gets out of bed she is on the move...getting ready for the day, trying on every outfit she owns, building an incredible sand castle at the beach, taking a trip with her mother to the museum and then trying to recreate a painting she saw on her bedroom walls!  This book is full of fun and just as Olivia begs her mother for bedtime stories at the end, young children will beg for this book.

Visual Element: Color

Color is used to convey emotion and symbolism, and Falconer has done that brilliantly in Olivia.  Just as splashes of red are used throughout the story to stand out from the black, white and grays, Olivia is a young pig full of personality who stands out from the crowd.

Evaluation Criteria: Characters

Olivia is the epitome of “an individual with a strong sense of self, and a unique way of seeing the world and expressing themselves.” She can’t sit still, wants to try everything and strives to be great at everything she does.  Young children will relate to her inquisitive nature, big dreams, and no doubt her hatred of naps.  

Lesson Plans for use with Olivia

Interview with Ian Falconer

Where the Wild Things Are 
by Maurice Sendak

Sendak, M. (1963). Where the Wild Things Are. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

Clad in his wolf suit, Max is enjoying causing mischief until his mother has had enough and sends him to his room without supper.  As Max sits alone in his room, we begin to see into his imagination as his room begins to transform first into a forest, then an open ocean and finally into the land of the terrible wild things.  Rather than being afraid, Max tames the wild beast, is made their king and leads them on a wild rumpus through the forest.  As the fun comes to an end and the sun begins to set, loneliness sets in and Max realizes that even wild things need love.  He decides to journey back across the ocean to his home where his supper is waiting for him, still hot.

Evaluation Criteria: Setting

Through his illustrations, Sendak establishes the settings, most notably the land of the wild things, which are essential to the story.  From Max’s bedroom, into the boat sailing across the seas, to a magical world filled with terrible wild things and back home again, the images transport us from the outside directly into Max’s vivid imagination.

Visual Element: Composition

Sendak uses line, color, shape and texture to bring this story to life and reflect Max’s plethora of emotions as he goes from feeling anger, to excitement, to sadness and finally happiness.  These elements working together make us feel as if we are there traveling along with Max on his journey through the forest, across the ocean and enjoying a wild rumpus with the wild things. The features of the wild things such as their feathers, scales, fur and claws give each one a distinctive look and personality all their own.

Book Trailer for Where the Wild Things Are

Lesson Plans for Where the Wild Things Are