Abraham Lincoln

    Caroline Crosson Gilpin wrote the National Geographic Kids edition of Abraham Lincoln. This book is an extremely useful tool in educating students about the person that Abraham Lincoln was. This is the perfect book for students to refer to when doing research papers or if they just want to learn more about President Lincoln. Throughout the books Gilpin creates pages that would intrigue and reader to continue to read. She incorporates useful facts, pictures and the complete history of Abraham Lincoln. This book is classified as a biography because it entails actual life segments of President Lincoln.

 

     This specific book I would read aloud to my class and watch as the learn new things about President Lincoln. After reading the book I would have an oral quiz and ask questions like:

• What was President Lincoln's wife's name?
• What number president was Abraham Lincoln?
• What happened to President Lincoln at the theater?
• What coin has President Lincoln's face on it?

    

 

     A motivational activity I would do is have my students create a timeline of events that occurred in Lincoln's lifetime. I would want them to include events like when he was elected, the Civil Rights Movement and the Gettysburg Address. Another activity would be to have my class as a whole create a play that tells the life story of one or the greatest presidents.

 

 

     This is another book that I am glad I had the pleasure of reading. This book is and easy and very educational book for readers of all ages. Caroline Crosson is currently a writing coach. She has over twenty-five years experience in writing and teaching. She also is the author of other National Geographic Kids books like:

• George Washington
• Amelia Earhart



References

 

Gilpin, Caroline, C. (2013). Abraham Lincoln. National Geographic Society. 

Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend

 

     Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend, was written by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Bettye Stroud and illustrated by John Holyfield. The genre this book would be classified in is historical fiction. Historical fiction is the best fit, because it depicts life and actual events from the past. The characters and setting are also characteristics of historical fiction. This book is based in a small town in Alabama called Gee's Bend. A young boy and his mother travel to Gee's Bend for shopping; however, Alex is not thrilled about it at all. He makes his way to a porch and finds himself watching an old mule eating someone's greens. He couldn't believe that someone would allow an mule to just stand there and eat whatever it wanted. A little old lady (Miz Pettway) walked up and explained to Alex the importance of this very mule. She went on to tell him the story of how when Martin L. King came to visit their small town and explained to them the importance of riding the ferry to vote. Unfortunately, the white people shut the ferries down, but that did not stop them from riding their mules on the sides of the river to cast their vote. Miz Pettway went on to tell him, Belle, that very mule eating the greens was one of the mules that helped. Not to mention, when Martin L. King passed away Belle was there to help carry his casket. Her stories opened Alex's eyes making him realize the importance of Belle, the last mule.

 

 

     Illustrator, John Holyfield uses mostly acrylic in creating his illustrations. He did an amazing job of allowing the reader to easily depict what historical time each portion of the book was in. He used a lot of dark colors which I felt gave it an overall sense of warmth.

 

 Before reading the book to my class I would first read only the tittle and then ask the following questions:

• What do you think this book is going to be about?
• Looking at the cover, where do you think this boy lives?
• Does anyone know what the Civil Rights Movement is?

After reading the book I would ask my class the following questions:

• What were your thoughts when Belle was eating all those collard greens?
• What was your favorite part of the book?
• Do you think at the end of the story Alex changed the way he originally felt about Belle?

     This book would provide a good opportunity for my class to do a group research project on Martin L. King. I would have them discus where he came from, what he is know for and include pictures as well. For another activity, I would have then create an alternate ending to the story. I would encourage them to use their imaginations to make the story theirs.

 

     This is another book that I will incorporate in my classroom. It is an easy read for children and is educational at the same time. The author Calvin Alexander Ramsey also is a photographer, painter and playwright. He also wrote the famous book, Ruth and the Green Book, which is another must read book.

 

References

 

Ramsey, Calvin, A. & Stroud. Bettye. (2011). Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend. Candlewick. 

My Story

 

     My Story, is the biography written by Helen Keller. Originally written and published in 1903 when Helen was in college. This book depicts the actual events that occurred to Helen Keller after a terrible illness "brain fever" struck her. It was like any normal February day when little Helen Keller was struck with a sickness that caused her to go blind and deaf. Helen's parents struggle with how to handle her so they bring in outside help. A specialist by the name of Anne Sullivan. Miss. Sullivan helps Helen find her way back to her family by treating her as if she was a normal child. Helen was not allowed to misbehave just because of her disability. Miss. Sullivan assured Helen's parents that she was somewhat aware of her surroundings and could be taught to communicate. Through multiple sessions with Helen, Miss. Sullivan finally made a breakthrough and was able to communicate with Helen. This biography is a perfect example of not giving up, and to always push harder. The story of Helen Keller's struggles and triumphs is motivating to any reader.

 

     The biography of Helen Keller is an exceptional story to allow students to read. After reading this book I would ask my students the following:

 

• What do you think motivated Miss. Sullivan to keep pushing Helen?
• How do you think it made Helen feel to be pushed?
• Does anyone have any suggestions on what they would have done to help Helen?

     One activity that I would have my students do is to put their feet in Helen's shoes for one afternoon. With permission from parents I would have my students pair up with a partner and for half of the afternoon I would place a blindfold on one of them. The partner with sight would have help their "blind" partner navigate around the room. This activity would teach them the some of the struggle that Helen went through before she met Miss. Sullivan. Another activity I would do, is have my students draw a picture of their favorite part of the book.

 

     I actually had the pleasure of visiting Helen Keller's home in Tuscumbia, Alabama a little over a year ago. They hold plays there that tells the story of her life. The atmosphere there was overwhelming, it brought tears to my eyes. Miss. Sullivan taught Helen that she could do whatever she wanted and encouraged her to do so. Helen Keller graduated from college 1904. During her lifetime she made many accomplishments and is a positive role model for anyone.

 

References

Keller, Helen. (2011). My Story. A. J. Cornell Publications.

Facing the Lion: Growing Up on Maasai on the African Savanna

 

     Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna, was written by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton. This nonfiction chapter book is about the real life story of a young boy that grew up Kenya. Lekuton automatically draws the reader in by discussing his first encounter with a lion. As a young boy becoming man the responsibilities he carries are far more than your average American student. Throughout the story Lekuton carries you through his typical calendar year. He is responsible for herding the cows and maintaining their safety; as well, as attending school and play soccer. Lekuton was one of the first men to thrive outside of Kenya and obtain a college degree, which is a very difficult thing to do coming from his heritage. This book is an eye opener to new culture, responsibilities and the overall strength a young boy has to better himself. The cover of the book depicts the exact images of a young boy in Kenya.

     After reading  Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna, with my class I would reverse the response questions and have them ask me questions regarding certain things they may not have understood. However, I would still ask them questions like:

• What were your thoughts when Lekuton was encountered by a lion?
• What are some differences and similarities with his schooling and yours?
• What do you think motivated Lekuton to got to college?

     A motivational activity I would have my class do is to create a collage of their favorite parts of the book and present reasons why they chose those events. I would also divide my students up in to groups and have them write a letter to a child living in Kenya asking to learn more about their culture. These activities would broaden my students understating of different cultures and help develop respect for difference.
    
     Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton was born and raised in the African Savanna. Through struggles and life's blessings he was able to obtain his Masters Degree in Educational Policy from Harvard University. He is a great example of an individual that doesn't give up and keeps his culture close to heart.

References

Lekuton, Joseph, L. (2009). Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna. National Geographic Children's Books.

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .

I Like Being Me

 

     I Like Being Me, written by Judy Lalli and photography by Douglas L. Mason-Fry is an enchanting book of poems for children of all ages. Lalli collaborated a book that is filled with poems that could help build confidence and awareness to young readers. The poems in her book are an excellent tool for educating students on getting along, appreciation of others, helping one another, sharing, positive attitude, and just being happy with yourself. She collaborated with photographer Douglas L. Mason-Fry to include photographs of actual students that attend the school she works at, which makes it more realistic.

 

     I Like Being Me, would be classified in the poetry/verse genre because it is clearly full of a variety of different poems. This poetry book could be used in all different types of classrooms. Prior to reading this book to my class I would discuss different types of poetry, sonnets and verses to ensure my students understand what makes something a poem. As a class I would have students read aloud different poems and we would discuss them in class. Questions I would ask would include:

• What was your favorite poem and why?
• What did you learn fro your favorite poem?
• What type of poem is your favorite and why?

     A great motivational activity I would include with the lesson is having my students create two poems. For their first poem I would have my students create a poem that discussed respect and what it means to them. For their second poem I would let them write about whatever they wanted. Another activity I would have my students do is pick their favorite poem and draw a picture that would associate with it.

 

     I Like Being Me, is a great book to have in any classroom. There are so many poems that students could relate to making them more interested in reading them. Judy Lalli is not only an author of children's poetry, but is also a  teacher as well. She gets her inspiration; as well as, critique from her students. Similar works include:

• Poetry All Kids Should Know by Emily Dickenson
• The Hope Flower by A.J Cosmo

References

 

Lalli, Judy. (2007). I Like Being Me. Free Spirit Publishing.

 

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .

School Days Around the World

           School Days Around the World, was written by Catherine Chambers and contains realistic photographs throughout. This book is about seven children from different cultures all around the world coming together to celebrate Earth Day.

    Catherine Chambers starts the adventure with Solomon in Australia and ends with Frida in Peru. Throughout the many adventures the story takes its readers on it also educates them on the similarities and differences between students from one country to the next. I would classify this book as a multicultural nonfiction children's book; for the reason, that it is incorporating true facts about the real world. The photographs that are captured in this book along with the storyline are captivating. This book creates endless opportunities for educators to discuss respect and diversity among different nations. Sample questions could include:

•  What similarities could you find between Solomon in Australia and Frida in Peru?
• What was your favorite country to visit and why?
• What are were some of the activities that the students in other countries did to celebrate Earth Day?

 

        One motivational activity I would have my class do is, a research project on a different country not listed in the book to learn more about their culture. Another activity I would incorporate is the use of the soroban. In Japan, students use the beads on the soroban for math problems. Students would learn to be respectful of difference while learning new cultures.

 

       School Days Around the World, has become one of my favorite books. Students benefit tremendously from reading the book alone. Catherine Chambers had a way of keeping the reader entertained while educating them at the same time. Similar books by other authors include:

• Welcome to China by Caryn Jenner
• First Flight: The Story of the Wright Brother by Leslie Garrett

References

 

Chambers, Catherine. (2013). School Days Around the World. DK Publishing.

 



Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .

Jumanji

 

 



     The Jumanji, was written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. Tis story is about two siblings, Judy and Peter, that find themselves extremely bored one afternoon. They stumble upon a mysterious game that brings the events of the game to life. Judy and Peter had no idea of the "can of worms" they would open by playing the game. Throughout the story, Judy and Peter are challenged with many creatures and adventures.  The only way to end the game is to completely finish it.

 

     Jumanji, would be classified as a children's fantasy picture book. It includes events that could not happen in real life; for instance, animals coming to life out of the game; as well as, the mysterious jungle that appears. The author created a book that intrigues the readers imagination. Chris Van Allsburg also incorporated illustrations that were very simple, yet showed beautiful texture and balance.

 

    After reading the book I would have my class create their own "Jumanji" style game. I would encourage them to explore their imaginations and come up with some new ideas on how to play. Another activity I would have my class do is have them draw a picture of their favorite part of the story. Questions I would ask my students include:

• Could animals come to life through a board game?
• Would you have started the game?
• Would you have been able to finish the game?

    This book was originally written in 1981, which happens to be the year I was born. Nonetheless, I still have a great appreciation for this book because of what it can do for one's imagination. Chris Van Allsburg is also known for the popular books such as: The Polar Express and The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. It was Van Allsburg's wife that encouraged him to pursue a career in children's illustrations.

 

References

 

Van Allsburg, Chris. (1981). Jumanji. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

 

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .