Wonder

Title: Wonder

Author: R.J. Palacio

Target Age Range: 9-12

Genre: Realistic Fiction

"My name is August. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever your thinking, it's probably worse." -August

August, also called Auggie, is not your average 10 year old. He eats ice cream, plays video games, and is a huge Star Wars fan, however he was born with a facial abnormality. Home-school for his educational career, he will now get to go to a regular school. His life has never been normal and he dreads going to school. He wonders if he will make any friends and if the people who see him will get to know him past his appearance.

About the author: 

Raquel Jaramillio, or R.J. Palacio, is an art director and book jacket designer in both fiction and nonfiction. She has designed for over 20 years. Wonder was her first novel.

What inspired R.J. Palacio to write Wonder?

"About five years ago I took my son's for ice cream, and while my older son went inside to buy us our milk shakes, my younger son and I waited on the bench outside. My younger son was only about 3 years old at the time, and he was in his stroller facing me while I sat on the bench. At a certain point I realized that sitting right next to me was a little girl with a severe craniofacial difference, her friend (or sister), and her mother. When my younger son looked up and saw her, he reacted exactly the way you might think a three-year old would react when seeing something that scared him: he started to cry—pretty loudly, too. I hurriedly tried to push him away in the stroller, not for his sake but to avoid hurting the girl's feelings, and in my haste I caused my older son to spill the shakes, and, well, it was quite a scene—the opposite of what I had hoped for. But as I pushed my younger son’s stroller away I heard the little girls’ mom say, in as sweet and calm a voice as you can imagine: “Okay, guys, I think it’s time to go.” And that just got to me.

    For the rest of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about how that scene had played out. It occurred to me that they probably went through something like that dozens of times a day. Hundreds of times. What would that be like? What could I be teaching my children so they could understand how to respond better next time? Is “don’t stare” even the right thing to teach, or is there something deeper? All this stuff was flying through my head, and I realized that I was disappointed in myself because I had missed a good teaching moment for my kids. What I should have done, instead of trying to get my kids away and avoid the situation, was engage the girl and her mother in conversation. If my son cried, so be it: kids cry. But I should have set a better example for him, and shown him there was nothing to fear. Instead I panicked. I simply didn't have the wherewithall to know what to do in that situation."

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the definition of normal?
2. How does the character August view himself?
3. Why does the book have the quote, "Don't judge a boy by his face" on the back cover?
4. How do people react to seeing Auggie for the first time?
5. What mental picture do you have of Auggie's face based on the description in the book?
6. How does Auggie change over the course of the book?
7. What is the main theme of this book?
8. After reading Wonder, how do you feel about seeing people that are different?

Motivational Activity

• Students make an I Wonder... statement before reading the book as a predictive writing assignment.
• Read aloud as a Literature Unit with daily classroom discussion on structural elements and themes, especially character development and conflict.
• Students can keep a reflective daily journal on the emotions felt throughout the book.
• At the end of the novel unit, students can think back to a time they saw someone different than they were and write a narrative on their experience and how they would've acted differently since they read the novel.
• Students complete a "kindness matters" service project where they can have the opportunity to read to students with disabilities. 

Other books by R.J. Palacio:

365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne's Book of Precepts

The Julian Chapter: A Wonder Story

Other books about disabilities:

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Special People Special Ways by Arlene Maguire and Sheila Bailey

A Friend Like Simon by Kate Gaynot

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Palacia, R.J. (2013). Wonder. London, England: Corgis Childrens,Randomhouse

I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters

Title: I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters

Author: Lauren Tarshis

Target Age Range: 7-10

Genre: Nonfiction

The New York Times bestselling I SURVIVED historical fictional series expands to include this thrilling nonfiction exploration of five true stories in a narrative nonfiction companion that explores the real names behind history's greatest disasters: Tsunami, Blizzard, Tornado, Flood, and the Titanic. Each book features a real kid who has lived through

some of history's most intense and terrifying events. 

Including:

Into the Black Water: The Titanic, 1912

The Wave: The Japanese Tsunami, 2011

Out of the Tornado: Henryville, Indiana, 2013

The Great Molasses Flood of 1919

In the Path of the Avalanche! 

About the Author Lauren Tarshis:

Lauren Tarshis is the author of the I Survived  historical fiction series. She is also the author of critically acclaimed Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree and Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love. She is the editor of Scholastic's STORYWORKS magazine and group editorial director for language arts for Scholastic classroom magazines.

Discussion Questions:

1. What makes this book nonfiction?
2. How does this I Survived  book different from the historical fiction series?
3. What is a primary source?
4. What point of view is a primary source given?
5. How does the point of view change from a primary source to a secondary source?
6. In your opinion, which disaster would be the most terrifying? Use text evidence to support your answer.
7. What type of characteristics does it take to survive a disaster?
8. How do the conflicts build suspense in the book?

Motivational Activities:

• Conduct a character study with emphasis on overcoming challenges faced during the disasters.
• In small groups students choose another historical fiction book from the I Survived series and conduct research on primary sources of that event.
• Students collaborate on words and use the dictionary to determine unfamiliar words based on the context used in the sentence. Create a student-made dictionary.
• Students can present a PowerPoint presentation on a disaster in history that is interesting to them including media from discovery education (i.e. pictures, video clips).

Other Books by Lauren Tarshis

The Great Chicago Fire, 1871

True Stories: Five Epic Disasters

The Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79

The Nazi Invasion, 1944

The Japanese Tsunami, 2011

The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863

The Attacks of September 11, 2001

The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

The Shark Attacks of 1916

Hurricane Katrina, 2005

The Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941

The San Francisco Earthquake, 1906

Tarshis, Lauren. (2014). I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.

Baloney, Henry P.

Title: Baloney, Henry P.

Author: Jon Sciezka

Illustrator: Lane Smith

Target Age Range: 2-5 years

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Picture Book

Baloney, Henry P. is a picture book for young audiences that will have them laughing by the use of language to explain away his excuses for being late to class. When Henry is threatened with permanent, lifelong detention, he needs to come up with one very good excuse. This alien schoolkid gives the reader an unbelievable trip into a wild, creative universe of deep space excuses for late attendance to class.

About the Author Jon Sciezka

Jon is the author of several bestselling children's books including The Skinky Cheese Man and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. "I read everything — comic books, newspapers, cereal boxes, poems — anything with writing on it. My favorite things to read are fairy tales, myths, and legends. When I'm not reading, I listen to music, watch cartoons, and sit in my chair and just think about stuff. I've always thought about being an author. One of the first books I read was Green Eggs and Ham, by Dr. Seuss. It made me realize that books could be goofy. It's the book that made The Stinky Cheese Man possible!

My motto in writing is: “Never underestimate the intelligence of your audience.” Kids can be silly and smart!

About the Illustrator Lane Smith

Lane Smith is an American illustrator and author. He is most noted for his work on children's books. Smith has illustrated works by Florence Parry Heide, Judith Viorst, Bob Shea, Dr. Seuss, Jack Prelutsky, Eve Merriam, Roald Dahl and George Saunders.  He is also known for several children's picture books created with the writer Jon Scieszka. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What inference can you make with the illustration on the cover?
2. Why is Henry in trouble?
3. How does his explain his lateness to class?
4. Does the language make sense to the reader?
5. How do context clues help us understand the alien words like zimulus and torraku?
6. How do the illustration help us understand the alien language?
7. What is the main theme in the text?
8. Does the title suit the story?

Motivational Activities

• Students list each word that is in the alien language and with collaborative groups discuss what they mean.
• As a class, create your own language by substituting words for pencil, desk, chalkboard, homework, and book. Think of other words that you want to use. Students will use creativity to explain why they have no homework for class.
• Individually, students write a paragraph that informs the reader about the characters and summary of the book. Create an illustration.

 

Other books by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

Knights of the Kitchen Table

Math Curse

Science Verse

Squids Will Be Squids

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Scieszka, Jon. (2005) Baloney, Henry P. New York, NY: Puffin Books.

Coraline

Title: Coraline

Author: Neil Gaiman

Illustrations: Dave McKean

Target Audience: 8-12

Genre: Fantasy, Horror

Coraline is a creepy fantasy about a bored little girl who finds an opening in a brick wall through a locked door of her brand new house. When she goes through the wall, she finds her mother and father referenced as her "other mother" and "other father." Things at first seem better in this world, she gets everything she wants, gets more attention from her mother, until when Coraline wants to leave and her other parents try to keep her there starting with sewing buttons in her eyes. She also must rescue her real parents and free the souls of other children taken by the "others" in this alternate reality.

About the Author Neil Gaiman:

Neil Richard MacKinnon Gaiman is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre and films. His notable works include the comic book series The Sandman and novels Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book. He has won numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker awards, as well as the Newbery and Carnegie medals. 

About the Illustrator Dave McKean:

David McKean is an English illustrator, photographer, comic book artist, graphic designer, filmmaker and musician. His work incorporates drawing, painting, photography, collage, found objects, digital art and sculpture.

             

Discussion Questions:

1. What type of character is Coraline? Name her character traits.
2. How was Coraline treated by her parents?
3. How was Coraline treated by her "other" parents?
4. Have you ever done something you know you were not supposed to do? How did you feel?
5. What special powers does Miss Spink and Miss Forcible's stone have?
6. What is the purpose of the cat in the story?
7. Why is the challenge Coraline makes with the "other mother" risky?
8. What does Coraline learn from her experience in the other world?

Motivational Activity

• Students create a journal entry for each chapter as if they were Coraline. Focus should be on character development and emotions felt throughout the book.
• Based on the illustrations in the text, students create their own text from the point of view of Coraline.
• In small groups, students create a reader's theater of a chapter in Coraline and present it to the class.
• Create a persuasive essay on how to get the "other" mother to let you go back to your world.

If you liked Coraline try these:

Clockwork: or All Wound Up by Philip Pullman

Curses, Inc by Vivian Vande Velde

Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright

The Folk Keeper by Franny Billingsley

Skellig by David Almond

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

Other books by Neil Gaiman:

Stardust

The Graveyard Book

The Wolves in the Walls

Gaiman, Neil. (2002). Coraline. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China

Title: Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China

Author/Illustrator: Ed Young

Target Age Range: 4-8

Genre: Picture Book, Folklore, Fable, Myth, Multicultural

Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China presents three girls, Shang, Tao, and Paotze who are left alone by their mother who has gone to visit their grandmother. When wolf-grandmother comes to their door is was quite a surprise. Once they realize that it is the neighborhood wolf, they attempt to lure the wolf away and together they vanquish the wolf villain who was very smart, but not as clever as three little girls.

Ed Young made this dedication in the book: 

To all the wolves of the world

for lending their good name

as a tangible symbol 

for our darkness

About the Author/Illustrator: Ed Young

Ed Young, winner of the 1990 Caldecott Medal, has illustrated over 40 books for children, four of which he has also written. He cites the philosophy of Chinese painting as his inspiration. 

“A Chinese painting is often accompanied by words,” explains Young. “They are complementary. There are things that words do that pictures never can, and likewise, there are images that words can never describe.”

“I feel the story has to be an exciting and moving experience for a child,” Young explains. “Before I am involved with a project, I must be moved, and as I grow, I try to create something exciting. It is my purpose to stimulate growth in the reader as an active participant.”

Ed Young was born in Tienstin, China. He grew up in Shanghai and later moved to Hong Kong. He came to the United States as a young man on a student visa. A graduate of the Los Angeles Art Center, Young has since taught at the Pratt Institute, Yale University, Naropa Institute, and the University of California at Santa Cruz. 

His watercolors and pastels are the real star of this story, evoking dark danger in their richness and honoring ancient Chinese panel art at the same time. He presents a gather-around-the-campfire good ghost story, with a live-to-see-the-light-of-day ending.

Discussion Questions

1. Where is China located on the map?
2. How is the location of China different from the United States?
3. Why does the title mention Red-Riding Hood?
4. How is this folktale similar and different from the more traditional version of Little Red-Riding Hood?
5. What feelings do the illustrations add to the text?
6. Do you think this story would be as entertaining without the illustrations?
7. What is the theme of this book?
8. How do the sisters work together to rid themselves of the wolf?

Motivational Activity

• Before reading have students use watercolors to paint their vision of the Red-Riding Hood Story. Compare their illustrations with Ed Young's.
• Pair students together and have them create a different version of Red-Riding Hood.
• List together words in the text that are from another culture (i.e. ginko, hemp) and discuss their significance in multicultural literature. Why does the author use words the reader may be unfamiliar with?
• Compare and contrast Lon Po Po with Little Red Riding Hood using a graphic organizer.

Other books by Ed Young:

Seven Blind Mice

Cat and Rat: The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

The Lost Horse: A Chinese Folktale

Young, Ed. (1989) Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China. New York, NY: Philomel Books

Esperanza Rising

Title: Esperanza Rising

Author: Pam Munoz Ryan

Target Age: 10-13

Genre: Historical Fiction; Multicultural Fiction

Esperanza Rising is a multicultural, historical fiction book for pre-teen readers. Esperanza lives on a ranch in Mexico with her rich family. She thought that her life would always be surrounded by big family gatherings and fancy dresses, servants, and her beautiful home. Her father's lessons on respect for the earth and respect for others aids her when tragedy strikes her family. Esperanza and her Mama have to flee to California during the Great Depression and settle in a camp for Mexican migrant workers. Financial difficulties, horrible working conditions, and rejection from others aids her in yielding the strength that is needed to survive in America as a young inexperienced immigrant. She must remain hopeful in her journey.

About the Author: Pam Munoz Ryan

Pam Munoz Ryan is a Mexican American writer. She was born in Bakersfield, California in the San Joaquin Valley of California. She began writing when she was encouraged by a professor during graduate school. "It took me a number of years to make that leap of faith," she states when commenting on becoming a full time writer. She published her first picture book in 1994.

Discussion Questions: 

1. How does the character Esperanza develop throughout the book?
2. What does the statement (pg 14) "There is no rose without thorns" mean?
3. What does the Spanish word "esperanza" mean in English?
4. Why does Esperanza have to leave Mexico?
5. Compare and contrast life in Mexico to life in California.
6. What lessons of respect* does Esperanza's father teach her before he died?
7. What is the theme of Esperanza Rising
8. Does the title suit the book?

Motivational Activities:

• *Respect- Have students list lessons they have learned about respecting others and the earth. Help them organize their thoughts and present for class discussion. Use a rose petal for each lesson and create a classroom rose to resemble Esperanza's father's rose and lessons of respect.
• Create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting her life in Mexico and her life in California.
• Discuss immigration and the challenges that immigrants face in their new home. Use paired passages to stimulate learning. Ask students to create an informative essay to explain the hardships that immigrants have to overcome and the challenges they face upon moving to a different place.

Other books by Pam Munoz Ryan:

Riding Freedom

Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride

Becoming Naomi León

Paint the Wind

Other books about Survival and Hope:

Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan

Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

*Respect: Animated in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we value all individuals' unique talents, respect their dignity and strive to foster their commitment to excellence in our work. Our community's strength depends on the unity and diversity of our people, on the free exchange of ideas and on learning, living and working harmoniously. http://saintleolions.com/about/corevalues/index

Ryan, Pam Munoz (2000). Esperanza Rising. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Journey

Title: Journey

Author/Illustrator: Aaron Becker

Target Audience: 4-9

Genre: Picture book, Fantasy

Journey takes a lonely, bored girl on a drawing adventure when she draws a magic door on the wall of her bedroom and enters a world of wonder, adventure, and even danger. With her red marker, she creates a boat, a balloon, and a flying carpet that takes her on a fantastical journey. It is when she is captured that she is faced with her destiny. Themes of courage, kindness, and friendship are explored.

Follow a girl on an elaborate flight of fancy in a wondrously illustrated, wordless picture book about self-determination — and unexpected friendship.

About the Author/Illustrator:

Aaron Becker has worked as an artist for such film studios as Lucasfilm, Disney, and Pixar, where he helped define the look and feel of characters, stories, and the movies they become a part of. With Journey, he has created characters and worlds of his very own, using traditional materials and techniques. Aaron Becker lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, with his wife, daughter, and cat. This is his first book.

"I’ve made several memorable journeys in my lifetime. I’ve lived in rural Japan and East Africa and backpacked through the South Pacific and Sweden. But to this day, my favorite destination remains my imagination, where you can often find me drawing secret doorways and magic lanterns." — Aaron Becker

Discussion Questions:

1. Why did the girl feel bored and lonely at the beginning of the book?
2. How do you know the feeling that the girl experiences?
3. What colors are used for what, and when?
4. When are the pictures tinted grey?
5. When are the pictures tinted purple?
6. What effect does the red have?
7. What effect does the purple have?
8. How does the character feel at the end of the book? How do you know?

Motivational Activities:

• Teachers will promote discussion and reaction during the page to page journey.
• Students can make predictions as the story progresses in a journal style text.
• Students will have a 2 page spread on their desk and will create text based on the pictures. The focus will be feelings and dialogue.
• Small groups can create a wordless book to share with the class focusing on color and feelings.
• Classes can incorporate a composition with words and/or instruments to accompany the pictures presented in the book.

More books in the Journey Series

Quest

If you like wordless picture books, try one of these:

Bill Thompson's Chalk
Barbara Lehmen's The Red Book
Barbara Lehmen's Rainstorm

Becker, Aaron. Journey. Somerville: Candlewick, 2013. Print.