Lisabeth Richter

LIS403

Final Project

November 16, 2004

Picture Book Use in Secondary Classrooms

Introduction

For many years, picture books have been used to enrich the curriculum in elementary classrooms. Educators have long known that using picture books enhances literacy instruction and reinforces the skill sets needed to produce successful readers. Because these programs have worked at younger grade levels, there has been a push for picture book use in upper elementary, middle school, and secondary classrooms. During my recent student teaching semester in an 8^th grade language arts classroom, I incorporated picture books into a unit on literary devices. Those students were so enthralled with seeing their old favorites and reading new works that they were completely engaged in the lessons each day. This experience led to my choosing of this topic for further research and demonstrated to me that whether picture books are used as read aloud selections to supplement curriculum or as components of students’ work, they are a valuable asset in any aged classroom. This final paper for LIS403 will delve into the myriad uses of children’s literature and provide a guide for their future application in a variety of study units at the secondary level. The supportive role of the school media specialist is crucial to the success of incorporating picture books into curriculum and will be discussed. As a future resource, I will also compile an annotated bibliography that connects specific picture books to secondary curriculum.

The History Behind Picture Book Use in the Classroom Environment

Children’s literature has become an enormously successful portion of the publishing business. Thousands of new titles enter the picture book market each year and offer material on a variety of topics. The illustrations, which have developed since the turn of the 20^th century to incorporate a wide variety of mediums, are an essential component to the success of picture books in children’s literature. In the 1960s, the picture book we know today began to develop as artists experimented with different techniques (Matulka xv). Seeing the tremendous potential these artistic endeavors possessed, illustrators and authors worked together to produce books of unprecedented quality. Although these works reflected the lives of white, middle-class families and children, they paved the way for an evolving form of expression. By the beginning of the 1980s, a rising social consciousness for racial and sexual equality became apparent in children’s literature (Matulka xv). Classrooms across the county reflected the growing diversity of the population. Until that time, picture books had been used in elementary level classrooms as read-alouds during ‘story time.’ A growing number of teachers and librarians, however, recognized the potential impact these books could have on curriculum. Elaine Ley, a media specialist in California, states this about the new generation of picture books, “these books are rich with so many levels of meaning and understanding that young children could never respond to them in a way that young adults do” (27).

One author states, “The two oldest forms of storytelling – words and images – meet and merge in picture books (Hoppe 41). It is this marriage of text and pictures that drive the market’s success in the publishing industry as well as their rising use in classrooms of all ages. Zena Sutherland suggests that literature should be, “consciously woven into many parts of the curriculum so that it enriches social studies, science, art, and music as well as reading and language arts” (530). Research suggests that extending picture book use to the upper grade levels garners the same positive impact. A practicing teacher who incorporates picture books into the curriculum emphasizes how instruction is enhanced, “picture books engage adolescents, enrich content knowledge, and stimulate higher order thinking” (Albright 418). Some teachers have found some resistance to picture book use in their high school classrooms. Students initially feel that they are being talked down to and do not understand the need for kid’s books during their class time. That feeling is usually short lived, however, as teachers explain how text and illustrations work together to create meaning and that good literature, no matter in what format, can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages (Giorgis 51). A reading specialist who uses picture books with older students explains, “Some kids pooh-poohed them as baby books, but as we got into the books and discussed adult topics with them in relationship to the pictures, they took on a different tone (Whelan 48).” Authors and illustrators are also seeing the benefits of writing picture books for older audiences. These books provide enjoyment and education for the young adult reader as pictures and text leave a profound and lasting impression on this age group (Osborn 24).

Research into the Impact Picture Books have on Students

Lettie Albright discusses the findings her research garnered for her doctoral dissertation, “Those students who participated in the trial group, in other words, those that were read to from content-related picture books, scored as well or better than the group receiving traditional instruction” (420). Aesthetic and efferent responses were made that demonstrated the students’ engagement with the book and with the discussions (Albright 419 ). Louise Rosenblatt, a researcher in literacy and response, found similar results when using literature as a means of reaching students. “Literature has the capacity to present images of life, to entertain, to deal with human situations and problems, to open up vistas of different personalities, and different milieus.” The images that are presented along with the text in picture books serve to improve student learning, generate aesthetic and efferent responses, and expose the learner to a wide variety of perspectives and situations. Inherent in most picture books is their shorten format that allows educators to use the material in one class period with time for immediate response. This opportunity for students to share their thoughts and feelings is important in acquiring critical thinking and critical listening skills.

Connecting Picture Books to Secondary Curriculum

The term picture book refers to a format and is generally not an indication of reading ability or interest level (Giorgis 51). Secondary curriculum most often encompasses several disciplines. A single picture book could be integrated into several different units of study. The job of the educator is to find material that will best relay the content which is being taught. Picture books used as read alouds can introduce new topics by accessing students’ prior knowledge and experiences. They offer a way to generate discussion in order to formulate further questioning in the students’ mind. As a teacher or librarian, motivating students and creating interest in a new unit of study is the key to successful instruction. There is often a wealth of historical details, factual information, and cultural background that can encourage the students to strengthen literacy skills through the images and the content material (Ley 27).

Secondary students also benefit from the way in which picture books approach topics of a serious nature and issues concerning the condition of society. In his work, Visible and Viable: The Role of Images in Instruction and Communication, Robert Braden makes the point that, “Intriguing illustrations encourage readers to observe their world more closely. As experience with life increases, the complexity of interpretation increases. High school and college students can find inspiration in sophisticated, visual narratives.” When secondary students are exposed to other’s ideas through text and images they are given the opportunity to reflect on their own thoughts. In turn, these thoughts are then used as the impetus for creative writing and further reflective thinking. How does one evaluate a children’s book for its potential use in an older classroom? Sunya Osborn suggests the following guidelines be used in the selection process for fiction as well as non-fiction books (24).

1. Mature themes

2. More complex illustrations

3. More text or difficult text than would be appropriate for younger students

4. Subtle meanings beyond the understanding of younger readers

5. Two levels of meaning

Role of the Media Specialist

I define my role as a school media specialist in terms of the resources I can provide to teachers and students. Being an essential member of school support staff has given me many opportunities to assist in a variety of ways. In helping teachers locate additional resources, I feel it is important to free up the teachers’ time so that they can concentrate on instruction. The teaching staff begins to see the benefits of asking the media specialist for help when time and again, materials are located that augment curriculum. The same level of support applies to finding pictures books that can be integrated into units of study. Who has a better idea of what books are available than the media specialist? The librarian has access to the latest publishing information and the reviews that follow. Pairing picture books with curriculum is an extension of the myriad ways in which the school librarian provides crucial support to the teachers and ultimately the students.

Picture Book/Curriculum Pairs

The growing collection of picture books in print provides an excellent resource for the secondary level educator and media specialist. However, the sheer volume of titles can be overwhelming to search, especially under time constraints and lack of experience with what is available. Several resources exist to aid in the search for just the right title that fits appropriately into the curriculum. (See Additional Resources)

To narrow the breadth of this project, I began with our school district’s high school curriculum guide. I wanted to find titles that could be incorporated into study units that are currently being taught at the secondary level. From my collaboration with staff members, I have a working knowledge of several of the topics covered within the disciplines. I will draw on this experience to compile a bibliography of picture books that could immediately be incorporated into classroom use. Time and space does not allow me to give more than a few suggestions of related picture books for each topic. It is my hope, however, that the resource page will be a valuable asset to anyone who would like to further pursue the pairing of picture books with curriculum. It is also my hope that after compiling a list of books that could be paired with curriculum; I will find instructors willing to try this new form of instructional enhancement.

The most obvious partners with children’s literature are the language arts and fine arts departments. Our school offers courses entitled, English I, II, III, and IV as well as American Lit, English Lit, Advanced Lit, Advanced Comp, Creative Writing, Other Voices, Other Cultures, Mythology, and Favorite Authors. Art courses include Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Printmaking, and Textiles.

Less obvious, but just as viable as picture book connections are courses taught in the science and math departments The science courses include, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Astronomy, Physics, Zoology, and Human A & P. The math department offers coursework in Algebra, Geometry, Applied Math, and Calculus. There are a number of picture books that will offer students a different perspective on these concepts.

Another department that affords a more likely use of picture books is the social sciences. Many books provide a glimpse into other cultures and historical perspectives. The same criteria of authenticity, lack of stereotyping, and whether the material is current that it used in selecting other titles should also be utilized when selecting picture books for social studies pairing. The social sciences taught at our school include, World History I, II, and III, U.S. History I, II, and III, Government, Geography, Psychology I and II, Sociology I and II, Economics, and American Problems.

Our school only offers one foreign language so any children’s book that communicates Spanish culture would be useful in the Spanish I, II, III, and IV classes. There is also a variety of Business, Technology, and Home Economics classes offered that could be enriched with picture books.

Language Arts Pairings

Alphabet Books:

►Base, Graeme. Animalia. Illustrated by author. Abrams, 1986. ISBN: 0-8109-1868-4

Each page of this book is filled with animals and objects that begin with that page’s letter of the alphabet. The book offers an excellent way to demonstrate the use of alliteration through its text. For example the ‘I’ page states, “Ingenious iguanas improvising an intricate impromptu on impossibly impractical instruments.”

►Gerstein, Mordicai. The Absolutely Awful Alphabet. Harcourt, 1999.

ISBN: 0-15-201494-2

The alphabet is depicted as a group of mean and scary monsters. This is a great starter for creative writing and alliteration.

►Heller, Nicholas. Ogres! Ogres! Ogres!. Illustrated by Jos. A. Smith. Greenwillow, 1999. ISBN: 0-688-16987-2

Ogres eat there way through the pages of this book with each meal sharing one of the letters of the alphabet.

►Hepworth, Cathi. Antics! An Alphabetical Anthology. Illustrated by author.

Putnam’s, 1992. ISBN: 0-399-21862-9

Ants are the main character in this story which builds longer words from the root of ‘ant.’ Their lives are exaggerated in a variety of adventures and colorful characters.

Parts of Speech:

Ruth Heller has written and illustrated a series of books that deal with different parts of speech. Each book presents the part of speech in a creative and inventive fashion.

►Behind the Mask: A Book about Prepositions. Grosset & Dunlap, 1995.

ISBN: 0-448-41123-7

►Kites Sail High: A Book about Verbs. 1998. ISBN: 0-448-10480-6

►Many Luscious Lollipops: A Book about Adjectives. 1989. ISBN: 0-448-83151-5

►Merry-Go-Round: A Book about Nouns. 1990. ISBN: 0-448-40085-5

►Up, Up, and Away: A Book about Adverbs. 1991. ISBN: 0-448-40249-1

Literacy:

►Bloom, Becky. Wolf!. Illustrated by Pascal Biet. Orchard, 1999.

ISBN: 0-531-33155-5

No one has time to teach Wolf how to read. When he cannot find anyone to help him, he decides to teach himself.

►Hutchins, Hazel. Nicholas at the Library. Annick, 1990. ISBN: 1-550-37132-0

Nicholas does not want to visit the library with his mother but when a monkey ends up on the loose and the librarian needs his help, he decides that libraries are not so bad after all.

►Lyon, George Ella. Book. Paintings by Peter Catalanotta. DK Ink, 1999.

ISBN: 0-7894-2560-2

Book illustrates the fact that books are different things to different people. It provides a voice to all those who cherish the written word and the impact that reading has on a person’s life.

►Pawagi, Manjusa. The Girl Who Hated Books. Illustrated by Leanne Franson. Beyond

Words, 1999. ISBN: 1-582-7000-0

The main character, Meena, is surrounded by books she has refused to read. When the pile of books and her along with it tumbles, characters from all the stories fall out of the pages and need her help to find their way back. While reading to help the characters, Meena realizes that reading is wonderful.

Poetry:

►Cooper, Floyd. Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes. Illustrated by author. Philomel, 1994. ISBN: 0-399-22682-6

One of the most well-known poets of the African American community, Langston Hughes’s life comes alive in this picture book. This story would make an excellent introductory lesson into his life and work.

►Frost, Robert. Birches. Illustrated by Ed Young. Henry Holt, 1988.

ISBN: 0-8050-0570-6

Beautifully illustrated, this book shows the force and continuity of life through a birch tree. ‘Birches’ is one of Frost’s most popular poems and offers and is an outstanding representation the body of his work.

►Graham, Joan Bransfield. Flicker Flash. Illustrated by Nancy Davis. Houghton, 1999.

ISBN: 0-395-90501-X

Flicker Flash explores our world of light and the sources from which it comes. Using concrete poems and illustrations that combine the text, Graham creates the illusion of light on each page.

►Harley, Avis. Fly With Poetry. Boyds Mills, 2000. ISBN: 1-56397-798-2

This book discusses the different types of poetry forms and gives examples of each.

Creative Writing:

►Greenberg, David T. Whatever Happened to Humpty Dumpty. Illustrated by S. D.

Schindler. Little, 1999. ISBN: 0-316-32767-0

An offering of sequels to Mother Goose Rhymes, Greenberg’s work can be used with students to create alternative endings to known fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

►Grimes, Nikki. A Pocketful of Poems. Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe. Clarion, 2001.

ISBN: 0-395-93868-6

This is a collection of poems created by pulling a word from a pocket. Used as a quick lesson in creative writing, the instructor could have an assortment of words from which the students could draw.

►Lester, Julius. Ackamarackus: Julius Lester’s Sumptuously Silly Fantastically Funny

Fables. Illustrated by Emilie Chollat. Scholastic, 2001. ISBN: 0-590-48913-5

This collection of six fables offers a model for writing that includes both silly and serious morals to each story.

►Lichtenheld, Tom. Everything I Know about Pirates. S & S, 2000.

ISBN: 0-689-82625-7

At the heart of creative writing is going beyond the real and into the realm of imagination. This story is full of made-up facts about the life of pirates.

Mythology

►Rockwell, Anne. The One-eyed Giant and Other Monsters from the Greek Myths.

Greenwillow, 1996. ISBN: 0-688-13809-8

Containing ten stories from Greek Myths that involve Cyclops, Medusa, the Minotaur, and other Greek Monsters, Rockwell weaves each tale with descriptive prose. This could be used as an introductory read aloud to a mythology unit.

►Yolen, Jane. Wings. Illustrated by Dennis Nolan. Harcourt, 1997. ISBN: 0152015671

In this Greek tale of Daedalus and his son Icarus, Yolen retells the story of Daedalus and his dream to fly. The beautifully done illustrations draw the reader into the story and help to set the stage between reality and fantasy.

►Climo, Shirley. Atalanta’s Race: A Greek Myth. Illustrated by Alexander Koshkin.

Clarion, 1995. ISBN: 0-395-67322-4

Spared as a infant by the god’s mercy, Atalanta lives to become a great athlete and hunter. She does not give the gods the credit they deserve in her success and cannot win a race without their help. This story would serve as a prompt for discussion on the role of gods in mythology.

Social Studies Pairings

Revolutionary War I:

►Adler, David. A Picture Book of Paul Revere. Illustrated by John and Alexandra Wallner.

Holiday House, 1995. ISBN: 0-8234-1144-3

This is a biography in picture book format and offers background history into Revere’s life and his place in American Revolutionary War history.

►Stanley, Diane. Joining the Boston Tea Party. Illustrated by Holly Berry.

HarperCollins, 2001. ISBN: 0-06-027067-5

Filled with tidbits of information, Stanley’s Time-Traveling Twins join their grandmother in Boston to hear Sam Adams speak and join the “Indians” who throw the tea into the harbor.

►Winnick, Karen B. Sybil’s Night Ride. Illustrated by author. Boyds Mills, 2000.

ISBN: 1-56397-697-8

Inspired by her military father, Sybil rides out to warn troops of the enemy’s proximity. Beautifully portrayed in text and pictures, this story illustrates the role of citizens during the Revolutionary War.

Native Americans:

►Adler, David. A Picture Book of Sacagawea. Illustrated by Dan Brown. Holiday, 2000.

ISBN: 0-8234-1485-X

This book gives excellent background information on Sacagawea and the role she played in American history.

►Bruchac, Joseph. Crazy Horse’s Vision. Illustrated by S.D. Nelson. Lee & Low, 2000

ISBN: 1-880000-94-6

A young boy must grow into a strong leader to help his people in this story of Crazy Horse. The text and artwork combine to create a compelling tale that demonstrates the Lakota perspective.

►Bruchac, Joseph & Jonathan London. Thirteen Moons on a Turtle’s Back. Illustrated

by Thomas Locker. Putnam, 1997. ISBN: 0698115848

Beautifully written and illustrated, this title delves into Native American’s connection to the natural world. In an introductory lesson it would supply an overview of their beliefs to students.

►Grossman, Virginia. Ten Little Rabbits. Illustrated by Sylvia Long. Chronicle, 1998.

ISBN: 0-811-82132-3

Filled with Native American content, this book gives an excellent overview of the culture of these people. The illustrations along with the lyrical text would be a good starter for a Native American unit.

Westward Expansion:

►Glass, Andrew. Mountain Men: True Grit and Tall Tales. Illustrated by author.

Doubleday, 2001. ISBN: 0-385-32555-X

The first explorers of the American West are the subject of the book and could be used to show the harsh conditions of the Frontier. It also shows how the Wild West storytelling developed and fueled the surge west.

►Harvey, Brett. Cassie’s Journey: Going West in the 1860’s. Illustrated by Deborah

Kogan Ray. Holiday House, 1988. ISBN: 0-8234-0684-9

A young girl tells the story of her families travel from Illinois to the west. It typifies the courage and determination needed to strive for a better way of life.

►Robbins, Ken. Thunder on the Plains: The Story of the American Buffalo. Illustrated

by author. Antheneum, 2001. ISBN: 0-689-83025-4

The American buffalo had a major influence on the expansion of the United States. It exemplified the abundance that could be found west of the Mississippi and help to spur the growth of a nation.

Civil War:

►Everett, Gwen. John Brown: One Man against Slavery. Illustrated by Jacob Lawrence.

Rizzoli, 1993. ISBN: 0-8478-1702-4

The separation between the North and the South most likely began as a result of John Brown’s raid at Harper’s Ferry. Everett’s book demonstrates the black’s growing determination to end the oppression that dictated their lives.

►Lewin, Ted. Red Legs. Illustrated by author. HarperCollins, 2001.

ISBN: 0-688-16024-7

This story illustrates the role that the drummer boy played in the fighting during the Civil War. Students will relate to the age of these children who were in the midst of battle.

► Polacco, Patricia. Pink and Say. Illustrated by author. Philomel, 1994.

ISBN: 0-399-22671-0

One young soldier white, the other black are brought together in this story of life and death during the Civil War. Polacco has created a story that pulls at the heart and epitomizes the struggles of a war-torn nation.

Black History/Slavery:

►Coles, Robert. The Story of Ruby Bridges. Illustrated by George Ford. Scholastic,

1995. ISBN: 0-590-43967-7

One of the first girls allowed into an all-white school after segregation by race was judged to be unconstitutional, Ruby confronted angry crowds of white people each day when she went to school. An armed escort got her safely inside the building even as the white parents pulled their children out of school. This makes an excellent introduction to Brown vs. The Board of Education of 1954.

►Hopkinson, Deborah. Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. Illustrated by James

Ransome. Knopf, 1993. ISBN: 0-679-82311-5

In order to reunite herself with her mother, Sweet Clara designs and sews a quilt that will act as a guide or map for reaching her mother and the eventually the Underground Railroad. An example of the determination to be free that slaves held.

►Miller, William. Fredrick Douglass: The Last Day of Slavery. Illustrated by Cedric

Lucas. Lee & Low, 1995. ISBN: 1-880000-17-2

Learning to read under the tutelage of his master’s wife, Fredrick Douglass escapes into the pages of each book. His ability to read, however, causes the overseer to be especially cruel to him. On his last day of slavery, Fredrick stands up to the overseer’s and their fight fuels hope and courage in the other slaves.

►Miller, William. Night Golf. Illustrated by Cedric Lucas. Lee & Low, 1999.

Because James is African American, he cannot play golf on the white man’s course. He can, however, be a caddy for the men who play there each day. This is an excellent illustration of the black’s role in society before the Civil Rights Act.

►Ringgold, Faith. If a Bus Could Talk. Illustrated by author. Simon & Schuster, 1999.

ISBN: 0-689-81892-0

Rosa Parks made history when she refused to give up her seat on a public bus. This story celebrates Rosa’s courage and the hope she gave to the black community. Another fine example of the changes taking place in America at the time of the Civil Rights movement.

►Ritter, Lawrence S. Leagues Apart: The Men and Times of the Negro Baseball League.

Illustrated by Richard Merkin. Morrow Junior, 1995. ISBN: 0-688-13316-9

Prior to being allowed into the all-white baseball league, African American athletes played in their own Negro League. These young men helped pave the way for change in the late 1940s as the population recognized their abilities and Jackie Robinson became the first black player into the white leagues.

►Turner, Ann. Nettie’s Trip South. Illustrated by Ronald Himler. Macmillan, 1987.

ISBN: 0-02-789240-9

Told from the perspective of a northern girl’s trip south, this story illustrates the horrible treatment and conditions of the slaves’ lives. An excellent book to share when opening a unit on slavery or the feelings that separated the nation.

►Vaughn, Marcia. The Secret to Freedom. Illustrated by Larry Johnson. Lee & Low,

2001. ISBN: 1-58430-021-3

This is the story of how quilts were used as maps for slaves to follow on the Underground Railroad. Beautifully illustrated the story gives a glimpse of the inventiveness and determination of the slaves in their quest to reach freedom.

►Wiles, Deborah. Freedom Summer. Illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue. Athenuem,

2001. ISBN: 0-689-83016-5

This story is about a young white and black boy who strikes up a friendship in a small town. While they see nothing wrong with their relationship, the townspeople think it is outrageous.

►Winter, Jeanette. Follow the Drinking Gourd. Illustrated by author. Knopf, 1988.

ISBN: 0-394-99694-1

Peg Leg Joe is a fictional conductor on the Underground Railroad in this story of slave freedom. During the day he would hire himself out as a handyman to slave owners; at night he would teach the slaves songs that held clues to following the Big Dipper to freedom.

►Woodson, Jacqueline. The Other Side. Illustrated by the author. Putnam, 2001.

ISBN: 0-399-23116-1

A town is divided by a fence with whites on one side and blacks on the other. When two curious girls meet while standing on opposite sides of the fence, a friendship develops.

World War I:

►Granfield, Linda. In Flander’s Field. Illustrated by Janet Wilson. Fitzhenry &

Whiteside, 2000. ISBN: 0-773-75925-5

Used in conjunction with John McCrae’s famous poem, this picture book tells the story of the soldiers’ lives during WWI.

►Granfield, Linda. Where Poppies Grow: A World War I Companion. Fitzhenry &

Whiteside, 2002. ISBN: 0773733191

Compiled in a scrapbook format, this book offers glimpses of World War I through various mediums including photographs, post cards, and cartoons. Used in combination with Granfield’s other World War I work (see above), they introduce students to the horrors, tragedies, and the impact this war had on the world.

World War II:

►Gallaz, Christophe. Rose Blanche. Illustrated by Roberto Innocenti. Creative Education,

1985. ISBN: 0-87191-944-X

As Rose Blanche’s village is invaded by German soldiers she wonders why some people are loaded onto trucks. One day she follows the trucks filled with men, women, and children to a place on the edge of town surrounded by fence and barbed wire. Rose feels terribly bad for the people inside the fence and begins to sneak food to the children. This story offers a realistic portrayal of the horrors of concentrate camps during Hitler’s reign.

►Maruki, Toshi. Hiroshima No Pika. Illustrated by author. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1980.

ISBN: 0-688-01297-3

When the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in August of 1945, the destruction was overwhelming. Told from the memories of a woman who was seven years old at the time, this story illustrates the horror and anguish of the Japanese people.

►Mochizuki, Ken. Baseball Saved Us. Illustrated by Dom Lee. Lee & Low, 1993.

ISBN: 1-880000-01-6

Used as an introduction to the Japanese Internment during World War II, Mochizuki’s story illustrates the unfair treatment of these people.

►Oppenheim, Shulamith Levey. The Lily Cupboard. Illustrated by Ronald Himler.

HarperCollins, 1992. ISBN: 0-06-024670-7

A young Jewish girl tells this story of escaping to the country to avoid the German soldiers and how one day she faces the reality of having to hide or be captured. The Dutch people helped many Jews escape from the German soldiers and this story will help students understand that war affects everyone.

►Polacco, Patricia. The Butterfly. Illustrated by author. Philomel, 2000.

ISBN: 0-399-23170-6

One girl’s family is hiding the Jewish family of another girl. A deep and lasting friendship develops between these two girls of different cultures.

Great Depression:

►Brown, Harriet. Welcome to Kit’s World, 1934: Growing Up During America’s Great

Depression. Illustrated by Jean-Paul Tibbles, Jamie Young, Susan Moore, and

Philip Hood. Pleasant, 2002. ISBN: 1-584-85359-X

This book gives a good introduction to the Depression and includes photos and memories of the time.

►Cohen, Miriam. Mimmy & Sophie. Illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski. Farrar, 1999.

ISBN: 90-374-34988-6

Two sisters tell their story of living through the Depression in Brooklyn, New York. This would make a good introductory book for a unit on the Depression.

Vietnam War:

►Bunting, Eve. The Wall. Illstrated by Ronald Himler. Sagebrush Education, 1992.

ISBN: 0-833-59509-1

A boy and his father travel to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington to search for the boy’s grandfather’s name. This is an excellent book to start a Vietnam War discussion.

►Garland, Sherry. The Lotus Seed. Illustrated by Tatsuro Kiuchi. Harcourt Brace, 1993.

ISBN: 0-15-349465-0

Many families fled the war torn country of Vietnam and this story tells of one family’s immigration to the United States. Told from a young girl’s perspective, this powerful book will help students understand the human side of war.

►Tran, Truong. Dana Goldberg, ed. Going Home, Coming Home. Illustrated by Ann

Phong. Children’s Book Press, 2003. ISBN: 0-892-39179-0

This story is told from the perspective of a young girl whose parents left Vietnam during the war. They are now ready to travel home to see relatives, but the girl wonders how they can call that place she has never been ‘home.’

Psychology:

►Andersen, Hans Christian. The Ugly Duckling. Adapted and illustrated by Jerry

Pinkney. Morrow, 1999. ISBN: 0-688-15933-8

Everyone is familiar with the story of the Ugly Duckling. Pinkney’s illustrations give new life to the classic and will work well in a psychology setting.

►Elffers, Joost and Saxton Freymann. How Are You Peeling. Scholastic, 1999.

ISBN: 0-439-10431-9

Use this book as the impetus for discussing feelings and the importance of expressing yourself.

►Funston, Sylvia. The Book of You. Photos by Gilbert Duclos. Illustrated by Susanna

Denti. HarperCollins, 2000. ISBN: 0-688-17751-4

This book shares the reasons why people look, feel, and act the way they do and makes an excellent discussion starter.

►McKissack, Patricia. The Honest-To-Goodness Truth. Illustrated by Giselle Potter.

Atheneum, 2000. ISBN: 0-689-82668-0

The truth can be a painful thing to hear, but there are ways to make it more palatable. This book would generate a discussion of the value of telling the truth and how the psyche is affected.

Sociology:

►Bunting, Eve. The Memory String. Pictures by Ted Rand. Clarion, 2000.

ISBN: 0-395-86146-2

This book could be used for a discussion of families in a Sociology class. Laura had made a string of buttons that have connections to family members.

►Johnson, Angela. Down the Winding Road. Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. DK, 2000.

ISBN: 0-7894-2596-3

A young girl learns more about her family and her roots when she visits older relatives. This book lends itself to discussions of students’ background and how their history effects their lives.

►Novak, Matt. The Robobots. Illustrated by author. DK, 1999. ISBN: 0-7894-2566-1

The Robobots are strangers in a new neighborhood and are not welcomed. What can they do to join the community and feel a part of the group?

►Taulbert, Clifton L. Little Cliff and the Porch People. Paintings by E.B. Lewis. Dial,

1999. ISBN: 0-8037-2174-9

Another topic in Sociology is the study of groups as communities and neighborhoods. This book would work well as a discussion starter for the impact neighbors have on each other.

American Problems:

►Atkins, Jeannine. A Name on the Quilt. Illustrated by Tad Hills. Atheneum, 1999.

ISBN: 0-689-81592-1

The fight against AIDS has become a leading topic in health and human services departments across the country. This book could be used to start a discussion on the disease and its affect on the nation.

►Maass, Robert. Garbage. Illustrated by author. Holt, 2000. ISBN: 0-8050-5951-2

Our society is one of consumption and disposal. The growing problem of what to do with our garbage has become a major concern. Maass’s book can introduce the topic and generate discussion.

►Morimoto, Junko. The Two Bullies. Illustrated by Isao Morimoto. Crown, 1999.

ISBN: 0-517-80062-4

Every school has students who use bullying to feel better about themselves and to gain power when feeling powerless in other aspects of their lives. In this story, two bullies confront each other until they decide that neither of them can win.

►Polacco, Patricia. Mr. Lincoln’s Way. Illustrated by author. Philomel, 2001.

ISBN: 0-399-23754-2

Road rage is just one of the ways in which anger is demonstrated in our society. In many classrooms, students have anger management issues and need to have forum for discussion. In Polacco’s story, Mr. Lincoln is a principal who tries to help a student overcome and understand his anger problem.

Geography:

►Leedy, Loreen. Mapping Penny’s World. Holt, 2000. ISBN: 0-8050-6178-9

Maps are an essential element of geography. This book introduces the concept of map drawing and their usefulness.

►Singer, Marilyn. On the Same Day in March. Illustrated by Franẽ Lessac.

HarperCollins, 2000. ISBN: 0-06-028188-X

Travel around the world to determine the weather in seventeen different places on the same day. This makes a good illustration of the regions of the world and their characteristics.

►Weiss, Nicki. The World Turns Round and Round. Greenwillow, 2000.

ISBN: 0-688-17214-8

The diversity of the world’s population is illustrated in this book as students trace their cultural heritage.

Economics:

►Collington, Peter. Clever Cat. Illustrated by author. Knopf, 2000. ISBN: 0-375-90477-8

Proper use of credit cards and the added fees that credit brings to the consumer is demonstrated by the clever cat that buys food and has other escapades with his cash card.

►Krull, Kathleen. Supermarket. Illustrated by Melanie Hope Greenberg. Holiday, 2001.

ISBN: 0-8234-1546-5

This book offers an introduction into the workings of supermarkets and would be useful in a business or economics class.

►Maestro, Betsy. The Story of Money. Illustrated by Giulio Maestro. Clarion, 1993.

ISBN: 0-395-56242-2

The history of money is discussed in the book by the Maestros. In a cartoon format they illustrate the international use of currency and how the exchange rate works. Special coverage of the United States’ monetary system is included and would work well as introductory material.

Math Pairings

►Dodds, Dayle Ann. The Great Divide. Illustrated by Tracy Mitchell. Candlewick,

1999. ISBN: 0-7636-0442-9

Choices have to be made during the race that will lead to one winner. This book demonstrates how math concepts are incorporated into many decisions.

►Packard, Edward. Big Numbers. Illustrated by Salvatore Murdocca. Millbrook, 2000.

ISBN: 0-7613-1570-5

A growing pile of peas illustrates the concept of big numbers. An excellent introductory book for a math lesson.

►Scieszka, Jon. Math Curse. Illustrated by Lane Smith. Viking, 1995.

ISBN: 0-670-86194-4

Illustrating how math concepts are a part of our everyday lives, this book would work well to reinforce its importance. Throughout the book problems occur that need to be solved with math.

►Strauss, Stephan. How Big Is Big?. Illustrated by The Fernades Four. Millbrook, 1999.

ISBN: 0-7613-1664-7

Concepts of measurement are illustrated in this book of math facts in verse.

►Wells, Robert E. Can You Count to a Google. Illustrated by author. Whitman, 2000.

ISBN: 0-8075-1060-2

Use this as an introduction to very large numbers. Just how big can numbers get?

Science Pairings

Astronomy:

►Esbensen, Barbara Juster. The Night Rainbow. Illustrated by Helen K. Davie.

Orchard, 2000. ISBN: 0-531-33244-6

The northern lights have long held a mystical quality that is the subject of Esbensen’s poetry. Through her words, the traditions, science, and legends associated with the northern lights are explained.

►Johnstone, Michael. The History News: In Space. Candlewick, 1999.

ISBN: 0-7636-0490-0

Written a newspaper format, this book offers background in how man’s curiosity and stargazing led to space travel. This is a good source of background information and a resource for space research.

►Sis, Peter. Starry Messenger. Illustrated by author. Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, 1996.

ISBN: 0-374-37191-1

Galileo is the subject of this biography of the man who redefined the meaning of our galaxy and the universe. This is an excellent introductory book for the topic of early astronomy and its concepts.

►Tomecek, Steve. Sun. Illustrated by Carla Golembe. National Geographic, 2001.

ISBN: 0-7922-8200-0

This book could be used as introductory text in a unit on the make up of the sun and from where its energy is derived.

Biology/Zoology/Botany:

►Florian, Douglas. Mammalabilia. Illustrated by author. Harcourt, 2000.

ISBN: 0-15-202167-1

This book is filled with fun poems that contain facts about mammals. The format lends itself to an introductory lesson, especially students with low motivation.

►Hirschi, Ron. When Morning Comes. Photos by Thomas D. Mangelsen. Boyd Mills,

2000. ISBN: 1-56397-767-2

The day begins and so does the life of animals that prefer moving and eating in daylight.

►Hirschi, Ron. When Night Comes. Photos by Thomas D. Mangelsen. Boyd Mills,

2001. ISBN: 1-56397-766-4

The life of nocturnal animals is discussed in this companion book to the one above.

►Jenkins, Steve. Slap, Squeak, and Scatter. Illustrated by author. Houghton, 2001.

ISBN: 0-618-03376-9

This provides an overview of animal communication and would serve to introduce the topic.

►Miller, David. Just Like You and Me. Illustrated by author. Dial, 2001.

ISBN: 0-8037-2586-8

People and animals share many behavioral characteristics. This book examines those likenesses and is a good way to place human beings in the realm of all living things.

►Powzyk, Joyce. Animal Camouflage: A Closer Look. Illustrated by author. Bradbury,

1990. ISBN: 0-02-774980-0

As the title suggests, this book gives an overview of the use of camouflage by the animal kingdom and provides a good starting point for a discussion of the concept.

►Thornhill, Jan. The Tree in a Forest. Illustrated by author. Simon & Schuster, 1992.

ISBN: 0-671-75901-9

A 200 year old maple tree supplies food and shelter to many animals. In this story of its life cycle and the impact it has on the environment, the tree takes center stage. A wonderful book to share with botany students.