The Help - just saw the movie

Well, I just saw the movie after having read the book in a book club last year.  See a previous post . . .

http://teachingreaderstothink.blogspot.com/2010/02/help-by-kathryn-stockett.html

While I liked the movie and will be anxious to see what happens at the Oscars tonight,  I must say I liked the book MUCH better!   What did you think?  Add a note in the comments section . . .

Eating The Plates : A Pilgrim Book Of Food And Manners by Lucille Recht Penner

Great book to share history with children. Eating the Plates, invites you to learn what it was like to come across the Atlantic on the Mayflower and settling in the New World. The book shares the experiences that the Pilgrims had to endure from ship travel on an open vessel to struggle of survival - choice of food, housing, disease, and bugs. Pilgrims had a hard time finding food that they liked to eat. With the help of the Indians, they were introduced to corn, deer and turkey. Trade brought them spices, molasses and sugar.
The ten recipes at the end of the book are tasty and fun!

You Wouldn't Want to Work on the Brooklyn Bridge by Thomas Ratliff

Very clever and interesting, part of a whole series of non-fiction books, check out the author's page as well - http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=69391
- Humorous "Handy Hints" that relate directly to the text are provided on each spread
- High interest topic for children of all ages
- Draws in even the most reluctant reader with a lighthearted tone and hilarious illustrations
- The cultures and traditions from ancient civilizations through modern times throughout the history of the world spring to life in the pages of this series
- Includes glossary and index - Perfect for struggling readers

If You Were There in 1492: Everyday Life in the Time of Columbus

An interesting book to share this day in history - Life in Spain just before Columbus's voyage to the Americas -- when tomatoes, pumpkins and Aztec gold were still unknown in Europe. This clever illustrated history gives the facts of life in the cities and countryside from a child's point of view. Middle schoolers will like it. 

 Here are coloring pages, foods and activities for your little ones as well - http://holidays.kaboose.com/columbus-day/

The Lottery Rose by Irene Hunt

I happened to stop by a classroom of 7th graders today. 

Here is what they were reading -

"Georgie Burgess has known only neglect and abuse during his seven and a half years of life. His alcoholic mother does little to prevent the bruises and scars inflicted on Georgie by her brutal boyfriend. With each blow, the little boy withdraws further into his dreams. When he winds a small rose bush in a lottery, it seems as if one of his dreams has finally come true. But after a particularly savage beating, he is taken from his mother and placed in a home for boys. Surrounded by strangers and with the rosebush as his only link to the world, both the boy and his treasured plant must learn how to grow and thrive."  Most said they liked it, but it was sad.  It is important to evoke emotion from our children when they read.  Makes the experience meaningful.  Check it out .........................from families.com   http://media.families.com/blog/the-lottery-rose-irene-hunt  Here is the trailer from the movie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhCQHzcw7gQ

Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall, illustrated by Babara Cooney

A beautiful old story that lends itself to many activities including economics, history and storyline.  Wonderful picutres ehnance this reading.  Check out the many activities - http://blog.richmond.edu/openwidelookinside/archives/2405, http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=454, www.liveoakmedia.com/client/guides/27971.pdf

Patricia Palacco - Where does one start?

http://www.patriciapolacco.com/
The many titles, give me a sense to say - which one to select to share with you --------- so here are a few -

Thank You, Mr. Falker - an inspiring story about a teacher and a young girl and how she learns to read

Pink and Say - a study in two characters and friendship during the Civil War

Thundercake - a must read for anyone that has some angst about thunderstorms.  You must try to bake the cake.

 Interviews with the author, as well as an author study, will give you many ideas on sharing these wonderful stories with your children of any ages.

Memorial Day - The Wall by Eve Bunting

A young boy and his dad have traveled all the way to Washington, DC to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They have come to find the name of the boy's grandfather, his dad's father. The little boy calls the memorial "my grandfather's wall." From childrens's books.com "I recommend The Wall for six- to nine-year-olds. Even if your child is an independent reader, I suggest that you use it as a read-aloud. By reading it aloud to your children, you will have the opportunity to answer any questions they may have, to reassure them, and to discuss the story and the purpose of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. You might also put this book on your list of books to read around Memorial Day and Veterans Day."

Here are some coloring pages for your little artist as well. For some lessons and ideas about putting the "memory" back in Memorial Day, take a look.  Put these ideas aside as well for 4th of July celebrations.

Sojourner Truth by

Sojourner Truth (~1797-November 26, 1883), born into slavery in New York, became a preacher, abolishonist, and women's rights activist once New York State abolished slavery in 1825. Her most famous speech was given in 1851, "Ain't I a Woman", in Ohio, at a Women's Rights Convention. She became known to Harriet Beecher Stowe, William Lloyd Garrison and Lucretia Mott.  Truth became an outspoken campainger for liberty and worked tirelessly throughout the Civil War.
I first came upon this little known woman while attending graduate school in New York State (SUNY @ New Paltz). The Library (of course) just happens to be named The Sojourner Truth Library.
I wasn't very familiar with the name, but soon learned of her quiet accomplishments.

More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradby

This inspiring, fictionalized story, based on the early life of Booker T. Washington, provides experiences in figurative language, cause and effect, as well as distingusing between fact and opinion in the discussions and conversations during and after the read aloud session. The author has a website to check out. Filled with beautiful illustrations, interpretation of things like the meaning of holding on to the frog and where the blue book came from add intrique to the story. Check out the illustrator, Chris Soentpiet's link. Connections to other texts are many.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

Here is an historical fiction that has memorable characters.  Starting with humor, but has some tragedy, it provides thoughtful reflection on events that have shaped our country, not so long ago. There is a substantial reading guide available for this novel in a classroom setting, although it is a great book for young adolescents to read and discuss as a family. There is a blog available as well. An online quiz of facts and events is motivating for kids. There are two YouTube videos that will help to provide background (schema) and motivation for reading.

Another title, Bud, Not Buddy, by the same author, gives readers more experience with historical fiction in another time in the past. Classroom activities are available for this title as well.  An autor study would be a great opportunity for readers to examine style, character, and theme. Check out this author.

February is Black History Month ................

Some ideas for Black History Month in February - read a biography of a different person each day OR simply present a name and have kids find facts about that person.  Have a discussion about the ideas of famous and celebrity.  I recently had an enlightening conversation with a group of Middle School students about those very concepts.  WOW!
There are many activities for all ages surrounding this topic. For older children browse through the Time.com as well as the kidsread site. Check them out.

Some titles to consider -

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Here's a book for teenagers and adults  .  Stockett has woven a wonderful story of women in the early 1960's Mississippi.  A great book club discussion.  Our book club met just recently and we had awesome conversations.  Thanks, ladies!
The author's website has resources for groups to foster discussion. A study in character, history and social questioning provide the cornerstones for this read. Check out the review from the New York Times - The New York Times - "In 'The Help,' Kathryn Stockett's button-pushing, soon to be wildly popular novel...The two principal maid characters...leap off the page in all their warm, three dimensional glory. Book groups armed with hankies will talk and talk...[A] winning novel."  Over 35, 000 reviews on goodbook.com,     http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4667024.The_Help, most gave 4 or 5 stars *. There is an interview with the author on NPR, 8 minutes, check it out. Word has it, there is a film in the works.  I'd love to know who you think should play the four main characters.  Share your ideas..............................

Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold

Set in 1939, this book written and illustrated by Faith Ringgold, give voice to the hopes and dreams of Cassie, the main character. This story inspires hope, courage and freedom. Ask students to share their thoughts about
how "flying" is used as a metaphor for freedom. Discuss the symbolism of the lights on the George Washington Bridge and the meaning of the "tar beach". Another text to text connection might be Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky, also by Ringgold.

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

Set in the 12th century, a young boy in a Korean village dreams of becoming a potter. Challenges and complications confront him at every turn. Courage, determination and loyalty test him in his journeys. Although we do not know much about this time or place, the gift that the author gives us, is placing us there to visualize and imagine. A different and intriguing tale.

Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

A chapter book that is a great way to introduce adolescent children to historical fiction. As a read aloud, it will permit students of all reading levels to access the story content. This book provides an opportunity to integrate a variety of subject areas. Think about a webquest as a way to develop a child's background knowledge or schema of the subject prior to reading. (Since prior knowledge is essential for the comprehension of new information, teachers either need to help students build the prerequisite knowledge, or remind them of what they already know before introducing new material)