Title: Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm Author: Megan McDonald Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds Publisher: Candlewick Press Copyright: August 6th, 2013 Age Level: 6 - 9 years Lexile: 470L Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud Words to describe this book: goofy, energetic, Summary: Ever since Judy Moody's grandmother gave her a crushed penny, Judy has been full of luck! After winning prizes on the claw machine, getting extra marshmallows in her cereal, and having her spelling test cancelled it seems like her luck won't ever run out. However, one unlucky incident leaves Judy questioning her penny. Will Judy's luck come to an end? Key Vocabulary:
Definitions found at http://merriam-webster.com Before Reading Activity:
During Reading Activity:
Electronic Resources: http://www.judymoody.com/ Students can explore the collection of Judy Moody books that have been published by Megan McDonald. There's activities students can participate in, as well as the summaries of all the other books. http://www.scholasticatravel.com/2014/02/24/washington-dc-virtual-tour/ In Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm, Judy travels to Washington D.C. and visits different historical monuments and museums. This website provides students with a virtual tour of Washington D.C. Writing Activity: Judy describes her lucky charm and the different things that occurred to make her believe her penny was lucky. What is your good luck charm? Provide reasons of why your object/person is lucky to you. Remind students that it doesn't necessarily have to be an object. Maybe when their grandmother, sister, or cousin attends their baseball games they always win. |
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Title: Boys without Names Author: Kashmira Sheth Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Copyright: 2010 Age Level: 8 - 12 years Lexile Score: 670L Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud of Small Group Words to describe this book: unforgettable, courageous, suspenseful, engaging, clever Summary: After fleeing from their village, Gopal and his family head to Mumbai where they hope to have a new beginning. In their old home, times got tough, and Gopal's father, Baba, had to sell their farm to provide for the family. After borrowing money from the moneylender and going into debt, Baba decides the best thing for his family to do is run. However, Baba falls short for money again when trying to get his family to their uncle Jama's house, Baba has to venture on his own. Gopal hopes Baba returns with his uncle Jama, but after countless days with no sign of him, Gopal knows he has to fend for his family and make the right decisions for them. They fend a way to get money to take the bus to Jama's house. However, they find out that Baba has not made it there yet. Gopal realizes he has to make income for his family. Therefore when a man offers him a factory job, Gopal decides to take it to help his struggling family. However, this job is not what Gopal thought it was. He ends up being trapped in the factory, where he is not allowed to speak and only tend to the work that needs to get done. Gopal fears he won't be reunited with his family again. Key Vocabulary:
Definitions found at http://merriam-webster.com Before Reading Activity:
During Reading Activity:
After Reading Activity:
Electronic Resources: http://www.indiavrtours.com/ This provides students with a virtual tour of India. Students can explore the different countries through photos, videos, and short paragraphs about each country. This can relate to Boys without Names because students can visualize where Gopal and his family are traveling while reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvgRDdEqzoE An interview with a family who has worked in a sweatshop. Students can understand the working conditions and the thoughts/feelings of families who had to experienced these circumstances. Writing Activity:
Title: The Matchbox Diary Author: Paul Fleischman Illustrator: Bagram Ibatouline Publisher: Candlewick Press Copyright: March 12th, 2013 Age Level: 6 - 10 years old Lexile: AD420L Suggested Delivery: Read aloud or Small Group Words to describe this book: thoughtful, pictorial, fascinating, detailed, moving Summary: The story of a young girl who visits her grandfathers home one day. While she's exploring the room, he tells her to "Pick whatever you like the most. Then I'll tell you its story." After picking up the cigar box, the granddaughter opens it to find a bunch of matchboxes. In each matchbox, there is a different object that resembles something from her grandfather's journey from Italy to America. A quick and enjoyable read! Key Vocabulary:
Definitions found on http://merriam-webster.com Before Reading Activity:
Electronic Resources: http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/tour/ One of the matchbox's that the granddaughter and grandfather looked at was a medallion. The grandfather explains he got the medallion while on the boat heading for Ellis Island. This website provides students with a quick tour of Ellis Island and about peoples experiences coming to America. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_UvhKtwedI This is a read aloud of The Matchbox Diary for students who may have difficulty reading this book because of the structure of the book. There is strictly dialogue, which may be different for students to see and understand. However, students can listen and follow along with the teacher who records herself reading this book. Writing Activity:
Activities found on http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763646016.btg.1.pdf Title: Brown Girl Dreaming Author: Jacqueline Woodson Publisher: Penguin Group Copyright: 2014 Grade Level Equivalent: 8.4 Age Level: 10 - 14 years Lexile: 990L Suggested Delivery: Small Group Words to describe this book: moving, inspirational, touching, powerful, memorable Summary: A moving story about a family who moves between the North and the South during the 1960's. Written in free verse, readers experience the lives of four young children and their family during the Civil Rights Movement era. The story is written through the perspective of Jacqueline, who has strong recollections of her family beginning from birth. She writes about her grandfathers garden, her grandmothers cooking, the touch of her mother's kisses on her forehead, and her adventures with her friends and siblings. Most importantly, she remembers the historical events that she saw and heard about while living in this changing time period. Key Vocabulary:
Definitions can be found at http://www.merriam-webster.com/ Before Reading Activity:
Electronic Resources: http://www.pebblego.com/login/ This is an awesome website that gives students the opportunity to explore the lives of African American people who have made a significant impact on society. The website provides students with details of the person, their accomplishment, videos, and more. It's an extremely interactive website with great details and awesome resources! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2YJPGea94E An interview with Jacqueline Woodson about the creation of her inspiration book Brown Girl Dreaming. In the discussion, she talks about the reasoning behind the structure of the story and the meaning of the message. This encourages students to be able to relate to the author and understand her perspective on the story. Writing Activity:
Title: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing Author: Judy Blume Publisher: Dutton Children's Books Copyright: 1972 Age Level: 8 - 11 years Grade Level: 4.9 Lexile: 470L Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud Words to describe this book: hilarious, enthusiastic, troublesome, catastrophic, enjoyable Summary: Peter Hatcher is a fourth grade boy with one troublesome brother. His brother, who everyone calls Fudge, is a mischievous two year old. Whether it's throwing temper tantrums or smearing mashed potatoes on the restaurant wall, Fudge is always up to no good. Fudge seems to take up all the attention of his parents, as well as everyone else who is around Fudge. Peter can't help but wonder if he'll ever get the same attentiveness as Fudge receives. Key Vocabulary:
Definitions found at http://www.merriam-webster.com/ Before Reading Activity:
Electronic Resources: http://www.judyblume.com/books/fudge/tales.php Judy Blume's website where she shares a brief summary of her books, how she came up with her idea for the novel, who she dedicated the book to, and the creation of the title. Also, if students enjoyed Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, they can explore the other books in the Fudge series. http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/sibrivalry/index.html This is a website where children can read and share their stories of what gets under their skin. Students share ideas about their sibling rivalries, their pets, etc. Also, the website provides a list of fiction and non-fiction books students can read regarding the topic they choose to write about. Writing Activity:
Activity found http://pocket2012.weebly.com/uploads/7/0/1/2/7012666/tales_of_a_fourth_grade_nothing_teachers_guide.pdf Title: Schooled Author: Gordon Korman Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children Copyright: 2007 Age Level: 9 - 12 years Grade Level Equivalent: 4.7 Lexile: 740L Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud Words to describe this book: funny, full of heart, told in multiple perspectives, fun, adventurous Summary: The story of an eighth grade boy named Capricorn Anderson, also known as Cap. Cap has never watched television, attended school, or made friends with anyone except his grandmother, Rain. However, when Rain gets hurt, Cap is forced to leave his farm life and move in with a more modern family. The biggest change in Caps life is that he has to attend public school! Cap is unfamiliar with the norms of society, especially when it comes to understanding his peers. Will Cap be able to adjust to his new school setting? Key Vocabulary:
Before Reading Activity:
During Reading Activity:
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Electronic Resources: http://gordonkorman.com/ The official website of Gordon Korman. It includes a list of books he's written, as well as Korman's blog. Also, there is an option for a reader's forum, where students can write to Korman and see posts from others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gVC14-hcw4 A short one minute clip of a librarian discussing Schooled. She provides a brief introduction of what the book will be about. At the beginning, she asks students to close their eyes and imagine they are on a farm land. She helps students visualize to help relate with Cap. Writing Activity:
Title: Smile Author: Raina Telgemeler Publisher: Graphix Copyright: 2010 Reading Level: 8 - 12 years Lexile: GN410L Suggested Delivery: Independent read Words to describe this book: coming-of-age, silly, dental drama, friendship, Summary: The coming-of-age story about a sixth grader named Raina. One night, after Girl Scouts, Raina falls while racing her friends to her doorstep and loses her front teeth! She can't imagine her middle school life with a huge gap in her mouth. After seeing many dentists, Raina's teeth seem to be on the road to recovery. Although she has a frustrating journey, she learns about friendship, boys, and how to smile. Key Vocabulary:
*Definitions found at http://www.merriam-webster.com/ Before Reading Activity:
Before/During/ After Activities found at: http://www.scholastic.com/graphix_teacher/pdf/scholastic_grphxwebcast_rtelgemeier.pdf Electronic Resources: http://www.scholastic.com/raina/smile/index.htm A website about the book Smile. Students can create their own comic strip using the characters from the novel. Also, there is a Smile video that gives students a preview of what the book will be about. You can also see inside the book before either purchasing it or reading it. http://goraina.com/ The official website of Raina Telgemeier! Students can explore her illustrations, current books, her upcoming events/books, and blogposts. Writing Activity: Prior to reading, students wrote about an embarrassing, frustrating, or uncomfortable situation they experienced. After reading Smile, have students compare their experience to Raina's. What was similar? What was different? What would you want to happen differently? Title: Recess at 20 Below Author: Cindy Lou Aillaud Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books Copyright: 2005 Age Level: 5- 10 years Lexile: AD900L Suggested Delivery: Read aloud or independent read Words to describe this book: bizarre, exciting, fascinating, intriguing, enjoyable Summary: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play outside in negative 20 degree weather? Well if you have, this is a fabulous read. This is a story about students who live in Alaska that play outside in freezing cold temperatures. Between snowball fights, football and soccer in the snow, and sledding, the fun never stops despite the freezing weather. Key Vocabulary:
Definitions found at http://merriam-webster.com Before Reading Activity:
Electronic Resources: http://alaska.gov/kids/ This website includes facts about Alaska, their culture, geography, outdoor information, and more! It's a great way for students to become familiar with the state of Alaska. Also, it provides students with misconceptions about Alaska and about their wildlife. http://www.recessat20below.com/book.html A website about the book Recess at 20 Below. The students can learn about the author and her background information. She explains why she created her book, Recess at 20 Below and describes her life living in Alaska. http://www.weatherwizkids.com/ An interactive website for students to explore the different kinds of climates and weathers. For example, students can learn about the topic "winter storms". The website informs students with how and why storms happen, the different kinds of storms, and pictures to provide visuals. Writing Activity: Many students favorite part of the day is when they get to go outside and play with their friends during recess. Have students write about their favorite recess experience. How was the temperature? How would your experience relate to the students in Alaska? What made it such a great recess? Title: Liar & Spy Author: Rebecca Stead Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books Copyright: 2012 Reading Level: 9 - 12 years Lexile: 670L Suggested Delivery: Read aloud or independent read Words to describe this book: engaging, goofy, enjoyable, mysterious, bittersweet Summary: The story of a boy named Georges (the S is silent) who moves to a new apartment in Brooklyn, New York. When Georges and his father walk to the basement in their new complex, they note a sign on the door that says "Spy Club Meeting". Georges decides to attend, where he meets the "president" of the club, Safer, who's a spy. Together, the boys act as undercover spies to figure out a suspicious person they call Mr. X in their building. However, through their investigation, they end up revealing more secrets about themselves rather than Mr. X. Key Vocabulary:
*definitions found at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/ * Before Reading Activity:
Ideas can be found at https://d2wzqffx6hjwip.cloudfront.net/text-publishing/assets/48/461d60490b11e48d5d2590c1fb4755/LiarandSpy_TeachersResource.pdf Electronic Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqUBVDl-6wc A book trailer of Liar & Spy that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. It provides a great preview of how enjoyable and exciting the book is through the music, visuals, and words. http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/liarandspy.html This website includes all of Rebecca Stead's books she's written. There are reviews, a link to her blog, ways to order her books, and ways to contact her for school visits. https://www.cia.gov/kids-page/games/index.html Students have the chance to be undercover spies through a variety of different games. They can break the code, do puzzles, word searches, and explore their world. An interactive way for students to relate to Georges and Safer! Writing Activity:
Title: Inside Out & Back Again Author: Thanhha Lai Copyright: January 2nd, 2013 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Reading Level: 9-12 years Lexile Score: 800L Suggested Delivery: Small group read or read aloud Words to describe the book: optimistic, enlightening, hopeful, encouraging, inspirational Summary: A story of a young girl named Ha who lives in her country, Saigon, during the Vietnam War. Once the war reaches her country, Ha's family is forced to leave her home and board a ship to America. Ha, her mother, and brother's begin a new journey in Alabama. Although it isn't easy, Ha and her family slowly adjust to live in America. They hope their move brings success and happiness for their family. Key Vocabulary:
Definitions found at http://www.merriam-webster.com/ Before Reading Activity:
Electronic Resources: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/vietnam/ A great website for student's to learn about the culture of Vietnam and the background information of the country. It provides students with the geography, fast facts, nature, government and economy, etc. http://tinyurl.com/b2jnj An interactive website where student's can explore and understand the immigration process. There is a virtual field trip to Ellis Island and a collection of stories about children's journeys to the United States. Writing Activity:
Activity found on http://teacher.scholastic.com/clubs/pdfs/guides/inside_out_guide.pdf |
AuthorMy name is Michelle Terry. I'm currently a student at Eastern Connecticut State University. I enjoy taking scenic walks with my dog Lily and traveling. Archives
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