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.