As a teacher, you’re always on the lookout for great literature to inspire and engage your students. One book that fits the bill is One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia. This Newbery award-winning novel follows three sisters who travel from New York City to Oakland, California in the summer of 1968 to spend time with their mother, who abandoned them years earlier.
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Benefits of Using One Crazy Summer in Your Classroom:
Provides Diversity and Representation: One Crazy Summer tells the story of three sisters who travel from New York City to Oakland, California to spend the summer with their estranged mother, who is a poet and activist in the Black Panther Party in 1968. This book provides a rare and powerful representation of Black girls in literature. The novel also introduces students to the history of the Black Panther Party and the Civil Rights Movement, which is essential for understanding our country’s past and present.
Provides a Historical Context: The novel takes place during the summer of 1968, a tumultuous time in American history. The Black Panther Party was gaining traction, and the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing. By using One Crazy Summer in your classroom, you can help your students understand the historical context of the time and the social issues that were at the forefront.
Encourages Critical Thinking:One Crazy Summer offers plenty of opportunities for critical thinking and discussion. The novel tackles themes such as family, identity, activism, and resilience. Students can explore these themes through group discussions, writing assignments, and class debates. The novel also touches on more complex issues such as police brutality and the criminal justice system, providing a chance for deeper analysis.
Has an Engaging Storyline: At its core, One Crazy Summeris an engaging and well-written story that will captivate your students. The novel has won numerous awards and has been praised for its compelling characters and vivid imagery. Your students will be eager to read and discuss the book, making it an excellent addition to your classroom curriculum.
Encourages Empathy and Understanding: Reading One Crazy Summerwill help your students develop empathy and understanding toward others. The book’s characters face real-world issues such as poverty, racism, and family conflict, which will resonate with many students. Through reading and discussing the book, students will learn to see the world through someone else’s eyes and to appreciate the diverse experiences of others.
Has a Connection to Real-Life Issues: One Crazy Summer deals with real-life issues that are still relevant today. This book will allow your students to connect their reading to current events and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through reading and discussing the book, students can explore the history of social justice movements and how they continue to shape our society today.
One Crazy Summeris a must-read for any classroom. This novel is an excellent tool for teaching critical thinking, writing skills, empathy, and understanding towards others. Its representation of Black girls in literature and introduction to social justice issues make it a valuable addition to any curriculum. By using One Crazy Summer in your classroom, you will not only enhance your student’s learning experience, but you will also empower them to make a positive impact on the world.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany One Crazy Summer, which includes an informational WebQuest to learn more about the Black Panther Party’s Free Breakfast Program, 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 One Crazy Summer
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!
In the world of literature, there are a few timeless classics that have captured the hearts and minds of students and teachers alike. One such novel is Holes by Louis Sachar. This remarkable novel, filled with mystery, humor, and life lessons, is an ideal choice for educators looking to engage and inspire their students.
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Benefits of Using Holes in Your Classroom:
Promotes Critical Thinking: One of the key benefits of using Holes in the classroom is its ability to promote critical thinking skills. The novel’s intricate plot and complex characters encourage students to analyze, make connections, and draw conclusions. This can be especially beneficial in developing higher-order thinking skills that are essential for success in any field.
Teaches Resilience and Perseverance: Through the trials and tribulations faced by the protagonist, Stanley Yelnats, Holes teaches students about resilience and perseverance. The characters’ struggles in the face of adversity provide valuable life lessons that can inspire and motivate students to overcome their own challenges.
Fosters a Love for Reading: Louis Sachar’s storytelling prowess shines in Holes. The book’s intriguing narrative, witty dialogue, and unexpected twists make it an enjoyable read for students of all ages. By introducing students to such an engaging novel, teachers can help foster a lifelong love for reading.
ContainsDiverse Themes for Discussion: Holes is rich in themes that can spark meaningful classroom discussions. From justice and friendship to family dynamics and social inequality, the novel provides ample opportunities for teachers to explore these topics with their students, fostering both empathy and critical thinking.
Aligned with Curriculum Standards: Holes aligns seamlessly with curriculum standards in language arts, making it an excellent choice for classroom use. The novel can be integrated into various lesson plans, including those related to character development, plot structure, and literary analysis.
Accessible to Diverse Readers: Holes appeals to a wide range of readers, making it suitable for diverse classrooms. Its accessible language and compelling story ensure that students of varying reading levels can engage with the material, promoting inclusivity.
Incorporating Louis Sachar’s Holes into your classroom can be a transformative experience for you and your students. Its ability to promote critical thinking, teach life lessons, foster a love for reading, and align with curriculum standards make it a valuable addition to any teacher’s toolbox. So, dive into the world of Holes and watch your students’ imaginations and love for reading take off.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Holes 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!
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s novel, Shiloh, is a captivating and impactful novel that engages readers and fosters a love for reading. Shiloh offers a rich tapestry of themes, character development, and ethical dilemmas that make it a fantastic choice for the classroom. Shiloh is a must-read and can benefit both their students’ academic growth and moral development.
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The Benefits of Using Shiloh in Your Classroom:
Contains Relatable Themes: Shiloh addresses timeless themes that resonate with young readers. The story revolves around the bond between a young boy named Marty and a mistreated dog named Shiloh. Themes of friendship, empathy, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what is right are woven into the narrative. These themes provide students with opportunities to explore their own values and ethics, making Shiloh an ideal text for fostering discussions about moral dilemmas.
Explores Character Development: Naylor’s novel offers well-crafted characters, each with their own flaws and virtues. Students can easily relate to Marty’s journey of self-discovery and his determination to protect Shiloh. The characters’ development throughout the story allows for in-depth character analysis, helping students understand how experiences can shape a person’s beliefs and actions.
Builds Vocabulary: Shiloh introduces students to a rich vocabulary that can expand their language skills. Naylor’s writing is both accessible and eloquent, making it a valuable resource for building students’ vocabulary and improving their reading comprehension. Teachers can incorporate vocabulary-building exercises and discussions related to the book’s language throughout the reading process.
Encourages Ethical Discussions: The moral dilemmas presented in Shiloh offer an excellent opportunity for ethical discussions in the classroom. Students can engage in thoughtful debates about topics such as animal rights, honesty, and the consequences of one’s actions. These discussions encourage critical thinking and help students develop their own moral compass.
Enhances Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Reading Shiloh can enhance students’ empathy and emotional intelligence. They will empathize with Shiloh’s plight and Marty’s internal struggle to do what’s right. This emotional connection to the characters promotes empathy and a deeper understanding of the emotions and perspectives of others, a crucial skill for building positive relationships.
Provides Real-World Relevance: Shiloh also offers a bridge to real-world issues. Students can explore topics like animal welfare, kindness, and the power of advocacy, connecting the fictional story to current events and global concerns. This real-world relevance can make literature more meaningful and engaging for students.
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s Shiloh is more than just a heartwarming tale of a boy and his dog, it’s a powerful tool to inspire young minds. By bringing this novel into the classroom, you can explore relatable themes, promote character development, enhance vocabulary, and engage students in ethical discussions. Shiloh also nurtures empathy, emotional intelligence, and real-world relevance while providing valuable assessment opportunities. Introduce your students to Marty and Shiloh’s world—a journey that will leave a lasting impact on their academic and moral growth.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Shiloh 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!
In the world of literature, certain books possess a unique power to inspire, enlighten, and transform the lives of readers. R.J. Palacio’s novel, Wonder, is one such literary gem that has captured the hearts of both young and old since its publication. Of all the curriculum materials I create, novel studies are my favorite, but creating my Wonder Novel Study has been my all-time favorite! The opportunities for building a community and empathy among students are so rich in this novel.
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Auggie’s struggles are written on his face. You go into the book knowing you are reading about a kid facing challenges. The surprising thing with this book is you realize that the other “normal” characters who seem to have it all on the outside, are beautiful, rich, smart, etc, all are struggling as well. This book really takes to heart the quote, “Be Kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
As teachers, we constantly seek innovative ways to engage our students and instill important life lessons. Using Wonder in the classroom can create an unforgettable and enriching learning experience for both educators and students.
Benefits of Using Wonder in Your Classroom:
Builds Empathy and Understanding: At the core of Wonderlies the story of Auggie Pullman, a young boy with facial differences who navigates his way through the challenges of attending a mainstream school for the first time. By following Auggie’s journey, students are immersed in a world that encourages empathy and understanding toward those who may appear different. The novel ignites meaningful discussions about acceptance, kindness, and the importance of looking beyond external appearances to see the true essence of a person. These discussions promote a compassionate and inclusive classroom environment, fostering a stronger sense of community among students.
Explore Character Development: Wonder introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique perspective and background. As students explore the lives of Auggie, Via, Jack Will, and others, they witness profound character development and growth throughout the story. These well-rounded and relatable characters offer valuable life lessons, encouraging students to reflect on their own actions, emotions, and personal growth. By analyzing the characters’ choices and transformations, students can gain insights into their own values and aspirations.
Addresses Bullying and Social Issues: Bullying is an unfortunate reality that many students face, making it a critical topic to address in the classroom. Wonder sensitively portrays the impact of bullying, not just on the victim but also on those who perpetrate it. Teachers can use this novel as a springboard for discussing bullying, its consequences, and strategies to create a bully-free environment. By fostering open conversations, educators can empower students to stand up against bullying and promote a culture of respect and empathy.
Encourages Literary Exploration: R.J. Palacio’s writing style in Wonder is accessible and engaging, making it an ideal choice for students of varying reading levels. Teachers can use the novel to explore literary devices, such as point of view, character development, and symbolism, further enhancing students’ analytical skills. Additionally, Wonder provides an excellent opportunity for cross-curricular connections, integrating English language arts with art, social studies, and even science, enabling a more holistic learning experience.
Promotes Critical Thinking: The narrative structure of Wonder is divided into multiple perspectives, allowing readers to witness the same events from different viewpoints. This unique storytelling technique encourages critical thinking as students analyze the characters’ thoughts, motives, and actions. By examining the various perspectives, students develop a more nuanced understanding of complex situations and are motivated to think critically about the world around them.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a captivating novel that not only captivates the hearts of readers but also serves as a powerful educational tool in the classroom. Through its portrayal of empathy, character development, social issues, and literary exploration, this novel offers numerous benefits for teachers and students alike. By using Wonder as part of the curriculum, educators can foster a positive and empathetic classroom environment while nurturing the intellectual and emotional growth of their students.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Wonder 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.
I loved how R.J. Palacio subtly adds the character of Daisy, the dog, as the only soul who does not “see” Auggie’s facial abnormalities. Through Daisy’s interactions, Ms. Palacio shows the unconditional love that animals provide. This prompted me to add a non-fiction activity to the unit involving therapy dogs and animal-assisted therapy. This activity is included in the complete novel study, but you can also download it for free here:
As you can tell, I loved this book. It is one of the best books I have read, and I feel it would serve well in any 4-6th-grade classroom. However, I do have one minor complaint. In the book, Auggie also deals with hearing loss, and one chapter describes his experience in getting fitted for a hearing aid for the first time. I live with hearing loss and have worn hearing aids for several years, and now have a cochlear implant in one ear. In some ways, Ms. Palacio was spot on describing Auggie’s feelings about wearing hearing aids around his friends and how he may be perceived. However, Ms. Palacio was quite a ways off the mark when she described the experience of getting hearing aids and how they work. A common misperception is that wearing hearing aids is like wearing glasses, which is how Ms.Palacio describes the experience. In reality, it is nothing like that. After reading this chapter, I felt so strongly about the misinformation that I had to add my own supplement to the unit explaining what it is REALLY like to wear hearing aids and have hearing loss in our modern world. I hope this supplement is helpful to your students. This resource is included in the Wonder Novel Study and is also offered as a stand-alone item here:
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!
In today’s diverse and ever-changing world, fostering empathy, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating differences are more important than ever. Literature is a powerful tool that can help achieve these goals, and one book that stands out in this regard is El Deafo by Cece Bell. This graphic novel has the potential to be a valuable addition to any classroom curriculum, offering a unique perspective on disability, friendship, and acceptance.
A while back, I partook in a discussion on Facebook about the factuality of the novel Wonder. I love the book Wonder and feel it has a solid place in the classroom, but how the author addresses hearing loss is concerning. I addressed this in my novel study by adding a non-fiction article to help portray the real side of hearing loss so that students reading the novel understand the mistakes made by the author.
While discussing my feelings on Facebook, another person asked if I had read the novel El Deafo by Cece Bell. She was curious about how real and factual it is to a person who walks in the shoes of hearing loss, such as me. She said her students overwhelmingly love the Newbery Honor-winning graphic novel. I immediately ordered the novel to read and am so happy I did!
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I have been living with hearing loss for over 25 years. It is a daily struggle to communicate with my family and the world. I have lost many things due to my hearing loss, including my teaching career. El Deafo is the autobiographical story of Cece Bell’s struggles with hearing loss told in a graphic novel format that is a perfect way to get the true feelings across. The book highlights how Cece embraces these struggles and turns them into a superpower! Even though Cece is in elementary school in the book, and I am well beyond that age, I found myself shaking my head in agreement and relating to Cece like I never have before in any other story I have read. It’s like so many of the things she was saying I have said or felt so many times!
The message that volume does not equal better hearing was strong in this book, and it is a message that the hearing world really fails to understand yet really needs to! Talking louder, talking slower, talking more pronounced DOES NOT HELP! It makes it much more difficult for those like Cece and myself who rely on lip-reading to understand. If the only message that you take away from this story is NOT to turn up the volume for those with hearing loss, the world will be a better place! That’s not the only message, as there were so many I could relate to, including isolation, feelings of shame, embarrassment, avoidance of situations, putting up with things and people only due to fear, and on and on. Cece embraces her differences and turns them into a superpower that draws people to her. I just loved everything about this book. You don’t have to have hearing loss to relate to and love this book, in fact, it is better for those with no hearing loss to read so they can better understand.
Benefits of Using El Deafo in Your Classroom:
Promotes Disability Awareness and Understanding: El Deafo is a heartfelt and engaging memoir that chronicles the author’s own experiences growing up with a hearing impairment. By introducing students to Cece Bell’s personal journey, teachers can help them gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with a disability. This can lead to more compassionate and empathetic students who are better equipped to interact with people of all abilities.
Encourages Empathy: One of the most powerful aspects of El Deafo is its ability to evoke empathy in readers. Cece’s struggles and triumphs are relatable to many, regardless of their own experiences. By exploring the challenges faced by the protagonist, students can develop a greater sense of empathy towards those who may have different life experiences, fostering a more inclusive and understanding classroom environment.
Celebrates Differences: In El Deafo, Cece Bell uses her superhero alter ego, “El Deafo,” to navigate the complexities of her hearing impairment. This unique perspective not only celebrates diversity but also highlights the importance of embracing one’s differences. By discussing the book in class, teachers can promote self-acceptance and encourage students to appreciate the qualities that make each individual unique.
Enhances Literacy Skills:El Deafo is a graphic novel, which makes it an excellent choice for promoting literacy skills, especially for reluctant readers. The combination of text and illustrations helps students engage with the story on multiple levels, improving their comprehension and critical thinking skills. Teachers can use the book to teach literary devices, character development, and narrative structure.
Fosters Classroom Discussions: Using El Deafo as a classroom resource can spark meaningful discussions about a wide range of topics, including friendship, communication, resilience, and bullying. These discussions can encourage students to express their thoughts and opinions, promoting a more open and inclusive learning environment.
Supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Social and emotional learning is a crucial aspect of education, and El Deafo can be a valuable tool for addressing SEL competencies. Through the story, students can explore themes such as self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills. Teachers can create activities and discussions that align with SEL goals, helping students develop essential life skills.
El Deafo is a powerful and impactful novel that offers a unique perspective on the experiences of the hearing-loss community. Its accessible format, relevant themes, and emotional connection make it an ideal choice for a novel study in the classroom.
El Deafo by Cece Bell is a powerful and engaging graphic novel that has the potential to enrich the classroom experience in numerous ways. By using this book as part of their curriculum, teachers can promote disability awareness, encourage empathy, celebrate differences, enhance literacy skills, foster meaningful discussions, and support social and emotional learning. Ultimately, El Deafo can help create a more inclusive, empathetic, and understanding classroom environment, preparing students to be compassionate and open-minded individuals in an increasingly diverse world.
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!
