The Secret Chicken Society

Realistic, Action Filled, Witty, Entrancing and Captivating

The Secret Chicken Society by Judy Cox and illustrated by Amanda Haley

Published by Holiday House

Copyright 2012

           

“A light tone, clear writing, action, vivid descriptions, and realistic school and family scenarios earn this book a place on library shelves.” –School Library Journal

            The Secret Chicken Society written by Judy Cox is a fun and creative story that young readers will relate too. Daniels teacher Mrs. Lopez was teaching a unit on life cycles and decided that the class was going to hatch eggs for a science project. The class had to set up an incubator and turn the eggs daily three times a day for twenty-one days. When Mrs. Lopez told the class with their parent’s permission the students could take a chick home, Daniel who loved animals was ecstatic. When the chicks finally hatched Daniel who thought he was only taking one chick home ended up with all five and when he finally brought them home no one knew how much trouble chickens good get into.

Description: Realistic Fiction                                              

Suggested Delivery: Read aloud for 3-4^th Grade

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- N/A 3-4^th grade

Electronic Resources:

Author's Website

This link is Judy Cox’s personal website. The website includes a biography of the author, a discussion board, books written by the author, and also a parent teachers section.

How to Raise Chickens

This is a great website for teachers who are thinking about also raising chicks in their classroom. The website provides a section for getting started, hatching and raising the chicks, and also how to house and feed the chickens.

Key Vocabulary: Albumen, Embryo, Membrane, Candle, Incubator, Pip, and Brooder

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to for a science lesson when doing a unit on life cycles.

2. Use this text to show students the responsibilities of owning and taking care of a pet.

3. Use this text for a hands on science lesson and hatch your own chicks in the classroom.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- Before reading the story, as a whole class complete a chart of the pets each student has. This will help introduce the book because Daniel gets a new pet.

During Reading- Have the students make predictions about what they think will happen next in the book. Here are some questions you might ask,

1.      What is going to happen? 

2.      What makes you think that?

3.      What clues helped you make that choice?

4.      Why do you think that is going to happen?

Post- Reading- Have the children participate in a popcorn discussion. Ask them the following questions.

-What kind of challenges did the main character Daniel have to deal with?

- Did you like how Daniel and his siblings created The Secret Chicken Society to protect Peepers.

-Do you think that taking care of your own pet is challenging?

Writing Activity- Have the students create their own journal like Daniel’s Egg Journal but with a pet they have at home. Have them write what jobs they do to take care of their pet and other important information they do with their pets. If a student does not have a pet have them create a journal about a pet that they would want to have and what steps they would do to take care of their new pet.

Cox, Judy, and Amanda Haley. The Secret Chicken Society. New York: Holiday House, 2012. Print.

January's Sparrow

Enthralled, Empowering, Heart Warming, Intriguing and Mesmerizing

January’s Sparrow by Patricia Polacco

Published by Philomel Books

Copyright 2009

           

            In this captivating story readers will follow the Crosswhites, a family who must flee their Kentucky plantation they work on. They feared for their lives and their plantation master. January, a close friend of the family had been badly beaten and possibly killed by him. When the family fled their plantation they had to leave behind their most valuable possession a wooden sparrow that was carved by January. The family had to travel through the river all piled up in a boat where they headed for Indiana. Indiana was a free state and when they arrived they were told by a guy holding a lantern to walk up a bank. They continued on until they met a woman named Aunt Della who took them in and fed the family. They stayed happily in Indiana until one day their sparrow ended up on their doorstep with a note that read, “I found you”. How the family deals with this news and stand up against the slave catchers will engage readers to want to read what happens next.

Description: Fiction                                              

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Read

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 760L

Electronic Resources:

The Underground Railroad

This website provides information on The Underground Railroad such as a timeline, faces of people who escaped to freedom and more information for students to learn about The Underground Railroad.

Reading Rockets

An interview with the author Patricia Polacco on the website Reading Rockets.

Author's Website

This is the official website for the author Patricia Polacco. Her site includes videos, books she wrote, a section for teachers, a section about the author and also a fun section for children that includes puzzles and other interactive activities.

Key Vocabulary: Smote, Thundered, Overseers, Commenced, Windalight, Whittled, and Paddy Rollers

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to for a social studies lesson to explain the various groups and movements and social conflicts leading to the Civil War.

2. Use this text to discuss what the Underground Railroad is and how slaves escaped.

3. Use this text for a science lesson to discuss what a sparrow is since it is a major symbol in this book.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- Before reading this book, have the students look up the definitions of the key terms to help set the stage for reading. This book is written in the language of the main characters and if you introduce the vocabulary it will help them understand the text.

During Reading-  Have the students jot down important events that they will add to a timeline after reading the book.

Post- Reading- Have the students complete a timeline after reading this book. This will help the students understand the book in chronological order.

Writing Activity- Ask the students the follow question,

-Even though our nation has made great effort to put an end to discrimination, does it still exist today? Then have the students answer this question and have them include specific examples of discrimination they see today.

Polacco, Patricia. January's sparrow. New York: Philomel Books, 2009. Print.

Vincent van Gogh and the Colors of the Wind

Artistic, Creative, Stimulating, Imaginative and Exquisite

Vincent van Gogh and the Colors of the Wind by Chiara Lossani and Illustrations by Octavia Monaco

Published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Copyright 2011

2012 Children’s Choice Winner

"This literary look at an artistic life, originally published in Italy, follows van Gogh's many challenges and passions from childhood to death. His brother Theo plays a large role; in fact, Lossani says she was inspired by the siblings' letters to write this title. . . Fourteen reproductions of the artist's works are integrated into the surreal, collage illustrations, which place portraits of the painter in color-saturated settings of floating windmills, shifting clouds, giant sunflowers, and splashing paint and are well-matched to the mood and tone of the words. . . the lines are descriptive and informative and may inspire young people to, like van Gogh, connect with nature, listen to their hearts, and ask themselves about their passions: 'What will you do next? What will you become?”- Booklist

This book written Chiara Lossani and Illustrated by Octavia Monaco takes readers into the unique life of Vincent van Gogh. He was born in Holland in 1853 and left his paintings and letters that he wrote to his brother Theo. Vincent followed his passion and taught himself the lessons of lights, shadows, shapes and colors. This book is colorfully illustrated in a style that recalls the paintings of Vincent. The book also includes reproductions of his actual paintings. Readers will learn about the life of one of the world’s most famous artists.

Description: Non-Fiction, Biography                

Suggested Delivery: Independent read

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 730L

Electronic Resources:

Van Gogh Gallery

This link brings you to Van Gogh’s Gallery. The site provides a link to painting, drawings, watercolors, self-portraits and many more links. It also includes a biography and the letters he wrote to his brother that are featured in the book read in class.

Eerdmans

This link will bring you to the publishing company. The site provides a variety of reviews and a description of the book.

Key Vocabulary: Immersed, Desolate, Theological, Murmur, Impressionists, Quench, and Dejectedly

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to help teach children the different career paths you can choose in life.

2. Use this text in a science lesson to teach children about nature and how nature influenced Van Gogh to learn about light, shadows, shapes and colors.

3. Use this text for a social studies lesson to follow Van Gogh from Holland to London and to Paris where he continues his artistic career.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- Have the students fill out the K and W sections of a KWL chart. They should include multiple things they already know about Vincent van Gogh and what things they hope to learn.

During Reading- Have the students view more of Van Gogh paintings from the computer, post cards of his work or a video containing his famous pieces of work. Video of Van Gogh’s Work

Post- Reading- Have the students fill out the last portion of the KWL chart with some facts they’ve learned about Van Gogh. Then have the students break into groups and discuss some of the interesting facts they’ve learned after reading this book silently.

Writing Activity- Have the children choose a famous painting or piece of art done by the artist himself. Have them describe why this is their favorite artwork and what they think about when they see the picture. Make sure they use specific details and describe the artwork.

Lossani, Chiara, Vincent van Gogh, and Octavia Monaco. Vincent van Gogh and the colors of the wind. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2011. Print.

How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference- One Hen

Inventive, Educating, Honorable, Exemplary and Virtuous

One Hen by Katie Smith Milway and Illustrated by Eugene Fernandes

Published by Kids Can Press

Copyright 2008

2009 Children’s Choice Winner 

This book written by Katie Smith Milway and Ilustrated by Eugenie Fernandes takes place in Africa in a Ghana village. The main character Kojo cannot go to school because he cannot afford it after the death of his father. His mom takes out a loan and Kojo buys a chicken with the leftover coins. In this resourceful story readers follow along with Kojo and see how he is able to complete his education and then even creates a business when he gets older. This book will show readers that money is important in life as the economy continues to grow. The most interesting part of the story is that it is based on a true story and will help readers connect to the main character that struggles at first and then prevails.

Description: Non-Fiction, Diversity                   

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 810L

Electronic Resources:

One Hen Lesson Plan

This link provides a very interesting lesson plan activity to use in the classroom. The students will be able to review economic concepts that are featured in this book and they will also be able to identify the main characters and setting of the book by playing BINGO.

Kids Can Press

This link brings you to the publishing companies website. The website includes a brief description of the book, curriculum connections and reading level statistics.

One Hen

This is the official book website where you can learn the story, take a quiz and also play games. This is a fun interacting website that the children can view before or after reading the book.

Key Vocabulary: Scarcity, Entrepreneur, Natural Resources, Capital Resources, Loan, Microcredit, and International

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to help teach economic and financial terms.

2. Use this text to show that teamwork is important when accomplishing goals.

3. Use this text when doing a Social Studies lesson on the different cultures.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- Before reading this book present the vocabulary words to the children on the board. Help define the unknown words as a group. This will help the students understand the words when they read the book.

During Reading- Have a popcorn discussion during reading to help students connect to the text and help them communicate with others what is happening so far in the book.

Post- Reading- Have the students research some different microlending organizations such as ACCION International, Food for Hungry, Habitat for Humanity ETC. This will help them learn about what different things each of these organizations do.

Writing Activity- Have the children write to an organization in North America that donate money to village banks. Have them explain if they had a lot of money what they would do to help and why they chose to help this organization.

Milway, Katie Smith, and Eugenie Fernandes. One hen: how one small loan made a big difference. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2008. Print.

Heart and Soul- The Story of America and African Americans

Hope, Courage, Inspiration, Struggles and Freedom

Heart and Soul The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson

Published by Balzer + Bray

Copyright 2011

Coretta Scott King Book Award 2012

“Nelson effectively captures the roles of ordinary people in landmark events (“We called ourselves the Freedom Riders”) while presenting famous leaders who changed the world, from Frederick Douglass and Rosa Parks to Langston Hughes, Louis Armstrong, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and, finally, President Barack Obama” – BookList

This book written by Kadir Nelson provides a great overview of American and African-American history from the Revolutionary War era to the present. The story is told from the viewpoint of an elderly lady who shares her life story along with other major historical events. This is an excellent book for children because of the historical content they cover such as slavery, black innovation and the revolution. The book also provides unique paintings of African Americans known and unknown, whenever you turn the page. When children read this book they will learn about all of the African Americans who struggled and those who made achievements that helped define our country today.

Description: Non-Fiction, History                      

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Read

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 1050L

Electronic Resources:

Meet the Author

This is the author Kadir Nelson personal website. The website includes a biography about the author, drawings from the author and photos and videos featuring the author.

Lesson Plans

This website is great for teachers to use because it provides a summary of the book and provides classroom activities that go along with the book.

African American History Month

This is an excellent website for teachers that provides ready to use lesson plans, student activities, guides and research aids to use in the classroom.

Key Vocabulary: Martyrs, Hightailed, Battalions, Boll Weevils, Immigrants, Prairies, and Confederacy

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text when discussing important events that lead up to the Civil War.

2. Use this text to teach students the importance of the arts to African Americans in the twentieth century.

3. Use this text when introducing discrimination and the ways people discriminate against others.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- Provide the students with an Anticipation Guide that includes interesting facts that the students will learn when reading the text. Include examples that are presented in the text and also reverse the truth of some statements to make the children use their common sense skills.

During Reading- Have students participate in small group discussions.  Some suggested discussion questions include,

1. Are you familiar with any of these African American figures discussed in the book?

2. How do you feel about the discrimination during those times?

3. What are some historical events you have or haven’t heard of before being introduced to this book?

Post- Reading- Have the students get into groups and have them summarizing the text together. The students will understand more when they discuss with others. This book has a lot of information and facts that might get forgotten by the students if they don’t discuss what they have read.

Writing Activity- Have the students research an African American and write a biography on the person. Have them include details about their life and what types of prejudice they experienced and how they overcame the struggles in their life.

Nelson, Kadir. Heart and soul: the story of America and African Americans. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2011. Print.

Rosa

Determined, Unique, Confident, Sufficient and Loyal

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni and Illustrated by Bryan Collier

Published by Henry Holt and Company

Copyright 2005

2006 Caldecott Honor Book for Illustration

2006 Coretta Scott King Award Winner

“I am steeped in humble appreciation and gratitude to the men and woman, both seen and unseen, involved in the civil rights movement. We are all indebted to Mrs. Rosa Parks and her dear friend Johnnie Carr, as well as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and many others, for their amazing strength and push for change. – B.C.

     In this courageous story about Rosa Parks, a famous woman in American history, readers will learn how this woman stood up for her rights and not just for herself but also for all blacks that were treated so badly. On December 1, 1955, after getting on a bus to go home she refused to give up her seat to a white man because she felt that segregation was wrong. That day she decided that she wanted to change how things were and was determined to change history. So she refused to move and was arrested. Her friends all made signs to boycott buses and to walk. Almost a year later, she succeeded with her dream and the Supreme Court ruled that segregation on the buses was illegal. This is an inspiring story to show students that if you stand up for what you believe in you can make a difference.

Description: Non-Fiction, Biography, and Diversity     

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 900L

Electronic Resources:

Reading Rockets

This link provides a video interview with the author Nikki Giovanni. The site also includes a biography and a list of the children’s books she has written.

Rosa Parks Website

This is the official website for Rosa Parks and includes a full biography and programs you can become involved in. It engages youth to partake in hands-on experiences and daily living skills.

Key Vocabulary: Pleasantries, Bellowed, Righteousness, Inherently, Furtively, Undermine, and Neutral

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text for a social studies lesson during Black History month and have children read biographies on important figures such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.

2. Use this text when teaching students about the Civil Rights Movement.

3. Use this text when doing a lesson on historical woman and men who were courageous.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- 

After telling the students the book you are reading aloud then give them a few minutes for prequestions. This will activate the children’s prior knowledge on Rosa Parks and help the teacher determine how much the students already know.

During Reading- 

While reading the text, pause for a few seconds after showing the illustrations and have the children pick out three pictures and jot down what comes to their mind when they first saw the picture.

Post- Reading- Have the students participate in a class discussion. Have a few topics already brainstormed. Such as,

-       Why do you think Rosa decided to make a difference that day?

-       Name something you could do today to stand up for what you believe in?

-       If you had the chance would you voice your opinion like Martin Luther King Jr. did?

Writing Activity- 

Have each student write a story about a time when they stood up for themselves or another person. Make sure they include many details and what they particular did and how it made them feel. 

Giovanni, Nikki, and Bryan Collier. Rosa. New York: Henry Holt, 2005. Print.

Amelia Lost

Enlightening, Revealing, Daring, Willful and Inspirational

Amelia Lost- The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming

Published by Schwartz & Wade Books

Copyright 2011

“There are many fascinating tidbits here… Enlightening through and through.” –The Washington Post

     In this inspirational, nonfiction novel about Amelia Earhart written by Candace Fleming, readers are introduced to Amelia’s extraordinary life. The book features her childhood life and up until her last flight. The story is filled with exciting pictures, maps, and notes written by Amelia herself. The story lets readers learn about the most famous female pilot of all time. She set out to always do the impossible until the day she disappeared. Readers will continue to be interested all the way throughout this novel, as they follow the coast guards in the Pacific Ocean, and their search for Amelia.

Description: Non-Fiction, Biography                

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Read Aloud

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 930L, Ages 8-12

Electronic Resources:

 Candace Fleming

This link provides the Authors website that includes reviews, awards and a summary of this book. You can also learn about the author Candace Fleming. It also provides a whole curriculum guide when teaching this book that is very useful. It includes vocabulary words and how to connect this book to each subject.

Amelia Earhart

This link is the official website for Amelia Earhart. It provides a biography, quotes, photos and much more information for students and teachers to get to know Amelia Earhart.

Timeline

This link is a full timeline of Amelia’s life up until her disappearance. This is a helpful site if you are using timelines in class.

Key Vocabulary: Peril, Haphazard, Hoopla, Aviatrix, Tarmac, Unwieldy

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text for a Language Arts lesson and have the students choose their favorite quote and write why they find is inspirational and interesting.

2. Use this text for a Science lesson and have children explore the Pacific Ocean where Amelia disappeared.

3. Use this text to help children create their own biographies. This book will be a good example of what type of information to add to a biography. Then have the students create their own using a timeline.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- 

Have students complete the K and W sections of a KWL chart to activate prior knowledge. They will first only fill in the know and what they want to learn more about.

During Reading- 

While reading the text, pause after each chapter and have students write down facts they find most interesting. This will help the students stay connected to the text since this book holds a lot of information and facts.

Post- Reading- Have the students now complete the L section in the KWL. Then as a group go around the room and have students share an important fact they’ve learned about Amelia Earhart.

Writing Activity- 

Have students write their own biographies by using this book to help guide them. They should include facts about their birth, family and they can also bring in pictures to include in their biographies.

Fleming, Candace. Amelia lost: the life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011. Print.