Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick was first published in 1993. The tale is timeless. Max is an outcast. He feels stupid, too large, hated for the crimes of his father, basically unloved and all alone in the world. Kevin is smart and adventurous, but has a disease that prevents him from doing all he wants to do. When Max and Kevin form an unlikely friendship, they fill each other’s weaknesses with their own strengths to create Freak the Mighty. Freak the Mighty is a must-read. Philbrick combines heart, adventure, suspense, drama, and heartbreak to make this an instant classic that all your students will love.
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Benefits of Using Freak the Mighty in Your Classroom:
Provides Compelling Themes and Messages: Freak the Mighty tackles essential themes such as friendship, overcoming adversity, acceptance, and the power of imagination. Through the unlikely friendship between the physically disadvantaged Kevin (Freak) and the intellectually challenged Max (Mighty), students are introduced to the transformative power of companionship and empathy. The novel prompts discussions on diversity, resilience, and the importance of looking beyond superficial differences—a message that resonates deeply with young learners navigating their own social landscapes.
Offers Academic Rigor and Multidisciplinary Connections: Beyond its thematic richness, Freak the Mighty offers ample opportunities for academic exploration across various disciplines. From literary analysis and character development to historical contexts and ethical dilemmas, the novel serves as a springboard for critical thinking and interdisciplinary connections. Teachers can seamlessly integrate discussions on literary devices, such as symbolism and foreshadowing, while also addressing broader topics like bullying, disability rights, and social justice.
Cultivates Empathy and Social-Emotional Learning: In today’s interconnected world, cultivating empathy and social-emotional skills is as crucial as academic achievement. Freak the Mighty provides a safe space for students to explore complex emotions, confront prejudices, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. By empathizing with the characters’ struggles and triumphs, students foster compassion, resilience, and a sense of community—skills that extend far beyond the classroom walls and into their everyday interactions.
Opportunities for Engaging Classroom Activities and Projects: Bringing Freak the Mighty into the classroom opens the door to a myriad of engaging activities and projects. From creative writing assignments and character dioramas to multimedia presentations and Socratic seminars, teachers can tailor activities to suit diverse learning styles and interests. Additionally, incorporating technology-enhanced projects, such as digital storytelling or virtual book clubs, can further enrich the learning experience and foster collaboration among students.
Promotes Literacy and a Lifelong Love for Reading: At its core, Freak the Mighty celebrates the transformative power of storytelling and the profound impact literature can have on young minds. By immersing students in the compelling narrative of Kevin and Max, teachers ignite a passion for reading and encourage active participation in literary discourse. Whether read aloud as a class or explored independently, the novel inspires curiosity, sparks imagination, and instills a lifelong love for reading.
Incorporating Freak the Mighty into the classroom curriculum is more than just teaching a novel; it’s an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations, foster empathy, and empower students to embrace their uniqueness. By embracing the power of literature and leveraging the timeless lessons of Freak the Mighty, we can create an inclusive and empowering learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Freak the Mighty for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Freak the Mighty
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Out of My Mind Novel Study: Safe Lessons & Activities for Grades 4–6
In today’s classroom climate, many teachers are cautious about which novels to teach. Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper is a powerful, age-appropriate story that is fully safe to teach, even in schools concerned about book challenges. With structured lesson plans, comprehension and vocabulary activities, assessments, discussion prompts, and parent/administrator letters, this novel study allows teachers to confidently explore empathy, inclusion, and resilience — while meeting literacy standards and fostering meaningful classroom discussions.
Why Out of My Mind is a Must-Read for Upper Elementary Students
“We all have disabilities. What’s yours?” This is one of the most profound quotes from Out of My Mind. The novel follows Melody, a fifth-grader with cerebral palsy, as she navigates the challenges of being unable to speak or communicate her genius, photographic mind.
This story encourages students to reflect on how they treat others, especially those who are different from themselves. It’s emotionally powerful, inspiring, and teaches empathy, social responsibility, and self-awareness — all critical skills for upper elementary students
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Why Out of My Mind is a great book to use in a novel study.
Contains an Engaging Plot: The plot is engaging and will keep readers interested from start to finish. The story is not only emotionally compelling, but it also highlights the importance of inclusivity and empathy. As a result, it is an excellent book to study in the classroom as it can generate meaningful discussions.
Strong Character Development: The main character, Melody, is a complex character with depth and dimension. As readers follow her journey, they will witness her growth and development as she navigates the challenges of living with a disability. Her story is relatable, and readers will find themselves rooting for her.
Use of Literary Devices: Out of My Mind is rich with literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and imagery. The author also uses repetition and alliteration to create a rhythmic flow to the story. The use of these devices makes the book an excellent teaching tool for literary analysis and creative writing.
Social Issues/Inclusivity: The novel addresses social issues such as inclusivity and empathy towards people with disabilities. The story challenges readers to think about how society treats individuals with disabilities and how we can make the world more inclusive for everyone. The book also touches on themes of perseverance, acceptance, and self-discovery.
Accessibility to All Readers: The language used in the book is straightforward and easy to understand. It is accessible to readers of all levels, making it an excellent choice for younger readers or readers who are new to English.
Out of My Mindshould be a must-read for every fifth-grader to help enhance empathy and understanding for those who are different from us. The engaging plot, complex characters, literary devices, social issues, and accessibility make it perfect for a whole-class novel study, small book groups, or individual studies — all while being safe and supported in today’s book-banning climate.
Safe and Classroom-Ready Novel Study Resources
In a book-banning climate, teachers need resources they can trust. The Out of My Mind novel study includes:
Printable PDFs and Google Slides™ for flexible classroom or digital use
Comprehension, vocabulary, and discussion prompts designed to foster empathy and inclusion
Non-fiction activities to dig deeper into learning and understanding.
Parent and administrator letters to proactively communicate the educational value of the novel
Assessments to monitor student learning.
These materials make it easy for teachers to teach confidently, while providing a safe and supportive environment for students.
I offer a complete novel studyto accompany Out of My Mind for use in the classroom or homeschool.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Out of My Mind
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Teaching Empathy and Inclusion Through Out of My Mind
Out of My Mind is more than a novel; it’s a tool for social-emotional learning (SEL). Students explore:
Respect for diversity and inclusion
Challenges faced by individuals with disabilities
How to communicate, empathize, and problem-solve in difficult situations
These lessons help students develop empathy and critical thinking, while staying fully aligned with literacy and SEL standards.
Parent and Administrator Letters for a Book-Banning Climate
One of the unique features of this novel study is the parent/administrator communication letter. These letters explain:
Why Out of My Mind is age-appropriate and safe
The educational value of the novel for literacy and social-emotional learning
How sensitive topics are addressed responsibly in class
This ensures teachers are fully prepared to answer questions or concerns proactively.
Printable PDFs and Google Slides for Flexible Classroom Use
The novel study includes:
Full PDF worksheets for easy printing
Google Slides™ for paperless classrooms and digital instruction
Materials designed to save teacher prep time while providing rich, engaging activities
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days by Stephen Manes captivates young minds through the power of literature. It is a great novel for teachers seeking to infuse creativity, critical thinking, and moral lessons into their classrooms.
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Benefits of Using Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days in Your Classroom:
Offers Captivating Storytelling: At the heart of Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days lies a captivating narrative that follows the misadventures of Milo Crinkley, a young boy on a quest to become perfect in a mere three days. Manes’ storytelling prowess shines through his vivid descriptions, witty dialogue, and relatable characters, making the journey both entertaining and thought-provoking for readers of all ages. By immersing students in this whimsical tale, teachers can ignite their imagination and instill a passion for reading that transcends the confines of the classroom.
Contains Themes of Self-Discovery and Acceptance:Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days explores the timeless themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the pursuit of perfection. As Milo embarks on his quest, he encounters a series of challenges that force him to confront his flaws and embrace his true self. This narrative arc provides teachers with a powerful springboard for discussing topics such as identity, self-esteem, and the importance of embracing one’s imperfections. By exploring these themes through the lens of literature, educators can empower their students to navigate the complexities of adolescence with confidence and resilience.
Promotes Critical Thinking and Empathy: In addition to its thematic richness, Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days offers ample opportunities for critical thinking and empathetic engagement. As students unravel Milo’s journey, they are prompted to analyze his motivations, actions, and the consequences of his choices. Through lively classroom discussions and interactive activities, teachers can encourage students to empathize with Milo’s struggles, reflect on their own values, and consider the broader implications of societal pressures to conform. By fostering empathy and critical thinking skills, educators equip their students with the tools they need to navigate moral dilemmas and contribute positively to their communities.
Cultivates a Love for Learning: Ultimately, the integration of Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days into the classroom cultivates a love for learning that extends far beyond the pages of the novel. By fostering a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to explore, question, and create, teachers lay the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of literature and the arts. Whether through creative writing assignments, theatrical adaptations, or multimedia projects, educators can harness the transformative power of storytelling to inspire their students and nurture their intellectual curiosity.
In an age of standardized testing and data-driven instruction, it is easy to overlook the profound impact that literature can have on the hearts and minds of young learners. However, by embracing novels such as Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days by Stephen Manes, teachers can encourage their students to become compassionate, critical thinkers who are unafraid to embrace their imperfections.
I offer a complete novel studyto accompany Be a Perfect in Just Three Days for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
March 1st is Statehood Day in the state of Nebraska. We will be celebrating 159 years since officially becoming the 37th state on March 1, 1867!
I moved to Omaha, NE, for my first teaching job back in 1995. My assignment was 4th grade. The largest part of the 4th-grade Social Studies curriculum is teaching Nebraska History. I had just moved to Nebraska, living here for only 2 months. Omaha was the only part of Nebraska I had ever been in! If you are familiar with a Nebraska map, you will see that Omaha is on the extreme east side of the state; you don’t even need to drive through other areas of Nebraska to arrive in Omaha. You head over the Missouri River (Iowa border) on I-80 or I-29 and go directly into Omaha. So, needless to say, I had no background knowledge of the state of Nebraska or its history!
In addition to a lack of personal experience, the district gave me ZERO resources to use to teach this curriculum, no textbooks, no informational books, no teacher’s manuals, nothing, zero, zip! So to say I really was not qualified or prepared to teach this required Social Studies curriculum is an understatement!
I made it through that first year, how I’m not quite sure? I learned about Nebraska right along with my students. The second year, I was able to start to refine the resources that I created, and by the third year, it was looking even better. The silver lining of the experience is that by being given nothing, I was able to refine my creating skills and have been able to utilize those skills with my The Teaching Bankadventures!
When my son was in 4th grade, his teacher contacted me asking if I had any resources to help with her Nebraska Unit. I enjoy sharing my resources with my children’s teachers, and her email sparked an idea to create a product line using the materials I had created for my own classroom. I would have been in heaven to have something like this available in my first year of teaching! So with that, my Complete Nebraska State Study Interactive Notebook Unit was born!
I do understand that this product doesn’t have the widest audience, mainly Nebraska teachers! I created it with 11 distinct sections that can be used in isolation or as a full-year curriculum so that teachers can pick and choose to fit their needs. This also allowed me to offer the Lewis & Clark section and The Oregon Trail section as separate, stand-alone items to market to the wider US audience. You don’t have to be a Nebraska teacher to use either of those!
Section 1: Nebraska Maps, covers Nebraska’s location within the United States, surrounding states, populous cities, regions, waterways/aquifers, and weather.
Section 2: Nebraska State Symbols & Government, covers Nebraska’s flag, seal, state symbols (bird, tree, etc), federal government representatives, state representatives, introduction to the Unicameral Legislature, and the steps of how a bill becomes a law.
Section 4: Prehistoric Nebraska, covers Nebraska during Prehistoric times. Activities include vocabulary, Ashfall Fossil Beds, animals in Nebraska during the Ice Age, and the first humans in Nebraska.
Section 5: Indigenous Peoples of Nebraska, covers the tribes of Nebraska, the study of an Earthlodge, Earthlodge vs. Tipi comparison, and investigates the many uses of the bison.
Section 6: Lewis and Clark, covers the location and exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, maps the journey of Lewis & Clark, investigates supplies needed for the journey, a timeline of the journey, journals the journey, and examines the impact of the exploration. *This section is not Nebraska-specific and can be used nationwide!
Section 7: The Oregon Trail, covers the first pioneer settlers, mapping the Oregon Trail, investigating reasons for traveling the Oregon Trail, researching supplies needed for the journey, hardships endured, journaling the journey, and the Mormon Trail. *This section is not Nebraska-specific and can be used nationwide!
Section 8: Nebraska’s Road to Statehood,covers Nebraska’s road to statehood, including activities for the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Homestead Act, housing on the prairie, life of a pioneer child, the impact of the railroad on NE, and NE becomes a state.
Section 9: The Age of Progress in Nebraksa 1870-20th Century, covers how the issues (suffrage, prohibition, race relations, Native Americans, child labor, workers’ rights, election reforms, political reforms, and anti-monopoly reforms) during this time period affected the people of Nebraska.
Section 10: WWII and the Cold War, includes 2 informational articles along with activities touching on Nebraska’s role in World War II, the Cold War, and the role of SAC and STRATCOM.
All of these sections are available on their own, so you can tailor them to your own classroom needs. You can also buy the entire unit together as one bundle at a reduced cost.
This can save you money, and it includes everything you need to teach your entire state study for Nebraska. The alignment to the newly adopted 2019 Nebraska 4th Grade Social Studies State Standards is included with every section to make planning even easier!
In creating my resources, I made a conscious effort to use only historical images and clip art. I know there are a lot of resources out there that utilize cutesy type clip art in their history products with a goal to entice children into thinking it is “fun”. I don’t subscribe to that line of thinking, especially when dealing with topics such as war, slavery, genocide, or in the depiction of indigenous people, enslaved people, or immigrants. I feel very strongly that using cartoonish imagery sends the wrong message to students, preventing them from seeing the people and events as real and serious in nature.
You don’t have to make these topics “fun”, but you can very easily make these topics interesting through deep discussions. Children are naturally empathetic and tolerant. It is a perfect time to tap into that empathy and tolerance as they learn of the atrocities of the past. This doesn’t need to be sensationalized or cutesy; these discussions of the events of the past taught in an honest and real depiction will engage the student’s interest. The deep discussions you have as you learn together will spark an understanding and appreciation for what has come before and hopefully will lead to the goal of learning this uncomfortable history, which is not to repeat it.
I hope this product can be the lifesaver for you that it would have been for me back in that first year of teaching! This covers everything that you need for the Nebraska study in an interactive way. Your students will be motivated, involved, and at the end have their very own Nebraska State Guide!
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr is a book that has been widely used in classrooms around the world. It is a story that teaches children about the horrors of war and the importance of peace.
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There are also many reasons you should use Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes in your classroom.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is a classic: Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes was first published in 1977 and has since become a classic children’s book. It has been translated into many languages and has been read by children all over the world. By using this book in your classroom, you are exposing your students to a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes help teach important life lessons: Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes teach children about the importance of perseverance, determination, and hope. It also shows the devastating effects of war and the importance of peace. These are important life lessons that will stay with your students long after they leave your classroom.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes promotes creativity: The book is centered around the Japanese tradition of folding paper cranes. By using this book in your classroom, you can encourage your students to be creative and explore different art forms. You can also use it as an opportunity to teach them about Japanese culture.
Using Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is a great way to teach about history: Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes takes place in Japan in the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. By using this book in your classroom, you can teach your students about this important event in history and the impact it had on the world.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes can be used to teach language skills: The book is written in English, but it also includes Japanese words and phrases. This can be a great opportunity to introduce your students to other languages and cultures. You can also use the book to teach them new vocabulary words and grammar concepts.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is an inspiring story of friendship, empathy, and perseverance despite facing the greatest odds, and is a great tie to History. Using this novel in your classroom can provide many benefits to your students.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
