Week 7: Children's Fantasy

 Jumanji 

By Chris Van Allsburg

    The 1995 movie of Jumanji is always a classic to watch! The newer movies of Jumanji are hilarious and entertaining if you've never watched them. Jumanji written by Chris Van Allsburg is a captivating children's book about two siblings Judy and Peter who discover an intriguing board game called "Jumanji." When they start to play, they quickly realize that the game's events come to life, bringing wild animals and chaotic scenarios into their home. As they progress through the game they encounter monkeys, a lion, a stampede of rhinos, and a monsoon, all causing havoc. The only way to restore normalcy is to finish the board game. After an adventurous and nerve-wracking journey, they finally complete the game, and everything returns to its original state. The story concludes with Judy and Peter deciding to return the game to the park where they found it, warning other children about its magical powers. Through stunning illustrations and a gripping narrative, Van Allsburg delivers a tale of adventure, suspense, and the unforeseen consequences of tampering with the unknown. 

In the Classroom: 

    Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg is an excellent addition to a classroom library because it combines an engaging narrative with stunning illustrations, capturing students' imaginations and encouraging a love for reading. The story's blend of adventure and suspense keeps young readers intrigued, while its themes of responsibility and problem-solving provide valuable lessons. The magical realism in the book sparks curiosity and creative thinking, making it a versatile tool for various classroom activities.

    Teachers can use Jumanji to inspire creative writing assignments, asking students to imagine their own magical board games and the adventures that might come from it. Art projects could involve drawing scenes from the book or creating their own game boards. Group discussions can delve into the themes of the story, such as the importance of following rules and the consequences of our actions. Additionally, role-playing activities can help students develop empathy and teamwork skills as they navigate the challenges presented in the game. Overall, Jumanji offers a rich resource for engaging and educational activities in the classroom.

Week 7: YA Fantasy Novel

 Bridge to Terabithia

By Katherine Patterson

    This was one of my favorite movies growing up, but the book is always better than the movie! Bridge to Terabithia, is a touching novel that explores the themes of friendship, imagination, and loss. The story centers around a fifth-grade boy named Jesse Aarons, who lives in a rural area who feels overshadowed by his four sisters and yearns to be the fastest runner in his school. His life changes when he becomes close friends with Leslie Burke, a new girl in town who is imaginative, adventurous, and not afraid to be different. Together, they create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia in the woods, where they reign as king and queen in order to escape from the pressures of the real world they live in. Their friendship deepens as they share their dreams and support one another through various hardships. However, one day tragedy strikes when Leslie dies in an accident while visiting Terabithia alone, leaving Jesse devastated. Through grief, Jesse learns to cope with loss and finds comfort in the strength of the bond they shared with each other. Ultimately, he honors Leslie's memory by passing on the legacy of Terabithia to his younger sister, May Belle, ensuring that the magic and friendship they once created together lives on. 

 

In the Classroom: 

    Bridge to Terabithia is a great book to have in an upper to middle school classroom library due to its rich exploration of complex themes such as friendship, imagination, grief, and resilience. Its relatable characters and emotional depth can help students to develop empathy and understand different perspectives. Using this book in the classroom, educators can foster discussion about coping with loss, the importance of friendships, and the power of imagination. Activities could include creative writing assignments where students create their own imaginary worlds explaining them in detail, group projects to build a model of Terabithia, or art projects that express their interpretations of the story's themes. Additionally, guided discussions and reflective journaling can help students process their own feelings about the book's events and relate them to their own lives. You may even allow the students to watch the movie and compare the text with the film. This multifaceted approach can not only enhance literacy skills but can also support emotional and social learning as well, making Bridge to Terabithia an enriching and impactful educational tool. 

Week 6: Latino YA Literature

Furia 

By Yamile Saied Méndez 

    Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez is a powerful coming-of-age story set in Rosario, Argentina, centered around a young girl named Camila Hassen, a talented soccer player with dreams of making it big. As she navigates her double life, playing soccer in secret due to her family's conservative values and societal expectations, Camila also deals with the complexities of her personal relationships, including a tumultuous connection with her first love, Diego, who is also a rising soccer star. This novel explores themes of gender inequality, personal ambition, and cultural identity, providing a rich depiction of Latin American life. Méndez's vivid portrayal of Rosario and its vibrant culture, combined with Camila's struggle against the constraints placed on her as a young Latina woman, makes Furia a significant contribution to Latino literature. It celebrates the resiliences and determination of its protagonist, offering an inspiring narrative about fighting for one's dreams amidst challenging circumstances. 

In the Classroom: 

Furia would be an excellent addition to a classroom library for its ability to resonate with students grappling with identity, ambition, and societal expectations. I would suggest this novel for middle or high school students. This novel provides a compelling perspective on gender roles and cultural dynamics within Latin American communities, offering a subtle exploration of the challenges faced by young women trying to pursue their passions. In the classroom, Furia can be paired with discussion on gender equality, cultural heritage, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams and passions despite difficult obstacles. Activities that students could participate in include researching famous Latino soccer platers and their impact on the sport, analyzing the representation of Latin American culture in literature, or even organizing a soccer tournament to promote teamwork and understanding of the sport's cultural significance. By integrating these activities, educators can foster critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for diverse perspective among their students.  

Week 6: Children's Book Historical Fiction

 Number the Stars

By Lois Lowry

    Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a historical fiction children's novel set in Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II. This was one of my favorite books in elementary school, I can remember reading it for the first time like it was yesterday! This story follows a ten-year-old girl named Annemarie Johansen, whose life is suddenly changed by the Nazi occupation. Annemarie's best friend, Ellen Rosen, is Jewish and when the Nazis begin to relocate the Jews, Ellen's family is in great danger. The Johansens decide to help by hiding Ellen and passing her off as part of their own family. As the situation becomes increasingly dangerous, Annemarie is called upon to show great courage. She undertakes a dangerous mission to assist the Danish Resistance in smuggling Ellen and her family to safety in neutral Sweden. Throughout this journey, Annemarie learns about bravery, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression. This novel is a moving tale of friendship and heroism, highlighting the resilience of ordinary people during unspeakable extraordinary times. 

In the Classroom: 

    Number the Stars is an excellent addition to any classroom library because it provides a compelling and accessible way for young students to learn about World War II, the Holocaust, as well as the Danish Resistance. I would suggest this book for grades fourth through sixth. The novel's narrative, told from a young girls perspective, makes these complex historical events relatable and engaging for children. It not only fosters empathy and understanding but also encourages critical thinking about morality, bravery, and the impact of the war it had on individuals and communities. In the classroom, this book can be paired with a history lesson on World War II and the Holocaust, providing a human context to historical facts. Activities could include researching real events that inspired this novel, such as the rescue of Danish Jews, and comparing them to the book's depiction. Students can also participate in creating a map tracing the journey of Annemarie and Ellen, identifying key locations in Denmark and Sweden to better understand the geographical context of their escape and the region's role during World War II. Students could also engage in discussions, role-playing, or writing assignments that explore the themes of courage and resistance. This integration of literature and history can help students to develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the past, while also honing their analytical and empathetic skills. 

Week 5: Children's Native American Literature

 Fry Bread

By Kevin Noble Maillard 

  

    Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard is a heartwarming children's book that celebrates the rich cultural  tradition of fry bread within the Native American communities. This poetic book describes the ingredients, preparation, and the communal sharing of fry bread with the help of vibrant illustrations created by Juana Martinez-Neal. Each page highlights how fry bread is more than just food; it represents Native American history, culture, and resilience showing how fry bread serves as a symbol of family, heritage, and survival. The authors narrative draws a deep connection between food, identity, and cultural heritage, celebrating the diversity and richness of Native American cultures. I love how the author notes the recipe at the end of the book providing deeper insights that invite readers to experience making the fry bread themselves. 

In the Classroom:

    Fry Bread, is an excellent addition to a classroom library because of it's rich and engaging way to introduce students to Native American culture and history. Having this book in a classroom library encourages inclusivity and diversity, promoting a deeper understanding as well as appreciation of different cultures among students. Some activities that can enhance its educational value can include organizing a cooking activity where students can make their own fry bread, providing a hands-on experience that will connect students directly with the cultural content of the book. Additionally, you can hold a class discussion of students own family food traditions, drawing the connections that's depicted in the story. The classroom discussion can also be turned into a writing activity. By integrating some of these activities, I can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that will help support and celebrate diversity and foster a sense of community. 

YouTube Read-Aloud:  

Week 5: YA African American Novel

A Long Walk To Water

By Linda Sue Park 

     A Long Walk to Water, intertwines the true stories of two young people from Sudan, set decades apart. The first narrative follows Nya, an eleven-year-old girl in 2008 who makes the daily trips to fetch water for her family, highlighting the harsh realities of scarcity and survival in her village. Her daily trips, consist of two dangerous journeys per day. The second story, is set in 1985, following the journey of an eleven-year-old Sudanese "Lost Boy," named Salva Dut from the Dinka tribe is displaced by the civil war. Forced to flee his village, he embraces a grueling journey facing threats from rebels, wild animals, and harsh environments, all while suffering from starvation and thirst. He also faces extreme loss, this includes being forced into dangerous waters by rebels, witnessing first hand a crocodile attack and a young boy being shot while he was on Salva's back. Salva's resilience and determination first lead him to a refugee camp in Ethiopia, but the camp was later disbanded, forcing him to move again. Where he travels to Kenya, where he spends several years in the Kakuma and Ifo refugee camps. Later, he resettles in the United States in 1996, where he then gets adopted. Years later, as an adult, he returns back to Sedan, advocating to help build wells, bringing clean water to villages, which includes Nya's story. Her life is transformed when Salva's organization drills a well in her village, providing not only clean water, but also hope for a better future. Because of Salva's efforts, Nya no longer has to make the daily life threatening journeys to access water. Through these parallel stories, the author, highlights the themes of survival, perseverance, and life-changing power of access to clean water, showcases the profound impact of how important humanitarian efforts are on communities in need. 

  

Related Text: 

In the Classroom: 

    A Long Walk to Water is an excellent addition to the classroom library as it offer students an engaging way to understand global issues such as the impact of war, the struggles of refugees, and the importance of access to clean water. I would advise older students read this text, as it deals with tough and grueling loss. This book also provides a relatable entry point for discussing the broader humanitarian issues as well as developing empathy. Since this book is based on true events, it may be more interesting to students. An effective activity that can be done in the classroom can include having students research and present on water scarcity in different parts of the world, comparing their findings to the abundance of clean water in America. This can then lead to a rich discussion on how Americans often can take access to clean water for granted, fostering a deep appreciation for this essential resource we need to survive, and encouraging students to think about how they can contribute to global solutions, such as supporting clean water initiatives or conserving water in their daily lives.  

Week 4: Children's Book (Graphic Novel)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 

by Jeff Kinney

    Diary of a Wimpy Kid, is an all time classic! Don't you remember the "cheese touch?" I can remember this graphic novel series being a hit throughout elementary and middle school. This humorous novel written by Jeff Kinney is presented as the illustrated journal of main character, Greg Heffley, a middle school student whose navigating through the trials of adolescence. Through Greg's own perspective, this graphic novel captures his daily life struggles with family and friends, and sometimes the embarrassing situations he encounters. Greg's reflections provide a relatable and entertaining look into the challenges of growing up, followed by his humorous misadventures of a typical "wimpy kid" trying to fit in and find his place in the world. 

In the Classroom: 

    Diary of a Wimpy Kid, is an excellent addition to a elementary or middle school classroom library because of it's relatable characters and humorous storytelling, making it engaging for students. The diary format and illustrations make it accessible and appealing to reluctant readers, which could foster and encourage a love for reading. The book's themes of friendship, family dynamics, and trials of growing up provide opportunities for discussion on personal development and social skills, making it a valuable tool for literacy and social-emotional learning. 

    This graphic novel can be utilized in various ways to enhance student's learning. One activity could involve a character analysis where students select a character from the book and create a character profile that details their traits, motivation, relationships, and growth. This will not only help improve comprehension but will also encourage critical thinking about character development. Another activity that could be utilized is focusing on diary writing, where students can emulate Greg's style by writing their own diary entries about a memorable event or challenge they've faced. This specific exercise can foster creative expression and help students in practicing to write in a personal narrative format. Overall, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, will provide an enriching classroom environment by promoting literacy, empathy, and creativity among students.