The Other Side

Title: The Other Side
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by: E.B. Lewis
Ages: 6-8
Grade Level: K-3
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About the book:
The Other Side is a wonderful and motivational book that portrays the "dividing line" that separated the blacks and whites in our country. Clover, a young black girl, spent her days wondering why there was a fence that divided the black side of town from the white side. She was unaware why it was there, all she knew was "that's the way things are." However, over the summer a white girl named Annie who lived on the white side, began coming closer to the fence. The two girls would study eachother from far away, until one day Annie, sat on the fence. Although neither of them were allowed to climb the fence, they begin to form a wonderful relationship from sitting on top of the fence together, as their two "worlds" join. The fence is a very subtle way to show children that friendship is able to overcome any barriers.

Element 5: Raising Awareness:
After reading this book, it became apparent that this book is a perfect book to read to children when discussing Element 5. This book very clearly raises awareness to the children about all of the struggles the blacks and whites used to be faced with. It shows the passion that these two girls had, and how they did not want to let a fence stand in the way of their friendship. It teaches children that they need to stand up for what is right and what they believe in. By sitting on the fence, the two girls share hopes that someday soon the fence will be knocked down, and the two "worlds" of people will be able to freely come together and enjoy eachother. It shows the beautiful innocence of children, and how they are able to look right past the color of one another, and try to make a difference for something that they believe so strongly in. They are raising awareness of the whole neighborhood, which is very motivational.
After reading this book, the class will be able to raise awareness to others about something they feel strongly about. Whether it be their religion, race, or something currently going on in the world, and they will discuss it with the class. Hopefully at this point, the book will have encouraged them to stand up for what they believe in, and try to raise awareness to others, like the young girls did, to make a change in our world. The class will also be able to pick a topic that they want to raise awareness in as a whole, and they will be able to come up with ways to try and help raise awareness, or even raise money to donate to a community or foundation to raise awareness.

Some Resources for the teacher:
http://www.hilton.k12.ny.us/making-a-difference.htm

http://www.gazette.net/stories/11042010/clinnew181438_32543.php

http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/44091

http://www.berksmontnews.com/articles/2010/11/05/boyertown_area_times

Click here for another great review of the book!

Riding to Washington

"Riding to Washington"
Written by Gwenyth Swain
Illustrated by David Geister


Suggested Grade Level: 2nd-6th grade


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Summary:

This is a wonderful story about a troublemaker named Janie. She is constantly being told to do what is right, but it always seems to come after she does something wrong. Her father is about to leave on a bus trip to Washington, D.C. to see Martin Luther King, Jr. speak. Janie’s mother asks him to bring her along for the trip because she cannot handle her alone. On the bus, Janie and her father are some of the few white people among the large groups of black people. They attempt to stop at restaurants along the way, but none of them will serve mixed crowds so they continue on. When they come to a gas station, Mrs. Taylor, Janie’s dad’s friend, wants to use the bathroom, but there is a “no coloreds” sign above the door. Janie accompanies her to the gas station attendant and ask for the bathroom key. When their request is denied, Janie tells the young white attendant what her parents always tell her: do what you know is the right thing. She proceeds to confront him about the situation and he ends up giving them the bathroom key. When they finally arrive in Washington, D.C. and see Martin Luther King, Jr. speak. During his “I have a dream” speech, Janie wonders what he is really talking about. She feels Mrs. Taylor’s hand on her shoulder and realizes that his dream for equality is everyone’s dream.

This book represents element 4 because it shows how one child can change someone’s mind about a huge topic like racism. Janie stood up for something that she believed in and fought for Mrs. Taylor’s right to use a bathroom. This shows children that if they stand up for what they believe in and prove their point, they can change the way things work. They can make a difference in their world. It can be something small or large, but they’ll have a part in it as long as they know that they can start a social movement. At young ages, they may not do something like Janie did, but they can do something small like getting their grade rights to a part of the playground that is specifically for a different grade.

Lesson Plan! (The book listed in this lesson plan can be replaced with the one above.)

Another idea would be to have students come up with their own "Classroom Rights." This could be completed by the class as a whole and hung in the room on a large poster, or completed individually and have everyone's separate signs hung on a bulletin board.

My Brother Charlie

“My Brother Charlie”
~ Written by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete
~ Illustrations by Shane W. Evans.

This book raising awareness about the struggles and challenges of coping with autism can be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Charlie-Holly-Robinson-Peete/dp/0545094666/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289172343&sr=1-1

Book Review and Video: http://www.jollymom.com/2010/05/my-brother-charlie-story-about-autism.html

Summary:
“My Brother Charlie” is an inspiring and touching children’s book about a little girl named Callie and her twin brother Charlie, who is diagnosed with autism. It is based off of a true story about fraternal twins, Ryan and Rodney, Rodney having autism and Ryan not. The goal of this book is to help and to encourage others to become aware of the challenges of individuals who live with autism. Also, it helps family members living with an individual who has autism to become aware of how unique and special that individual really is. This book explains what autism is and how people with autism are very good at some things, and struggle with other things, just the same as everybody does. It starts by discussing the similarities that Callie and Charlie share and then brings up how the two are very different from one another. Charlie does not talk much and their mother starts to realize that he is not developing the way a child his age should be. This is the point where the family realizes that Charlie has autism. There are a number of things that Charlie is very good at, and many things that Charlie has difficulty with, like making friends. Charlie teaches his family so much about tolerance and love. Charlie is sweet, caring, and has an enormous heart that his family only wishes other people could see. Just because Charlie has autism does not mean there is anything wrong with him. Charlie is viewed as a blessing on their family and a teacher of love, compassion, and kindness for his family.

How “My Brother Charlie” represents the SJE of Raising Awareness:
“My Brother Charlie” addresses the Social Justice Element of Raising Awareness. Due to the fact that I am going to school to one day become a teacher, learning about children with disabilities could be very beneficial to me. This book shows readers what it is like living with a family member who struggles with autism. This book raises awareness about the strengths and challenges of having a close friend or family member living with autism. It gives children an opportunity to really learn about what autism is and how it affects individuals. This book covers the subjects of tolerance, prejudice, family and social structures, challenges, and different abilities. It discusses the importance of acceptance and the inclusion of people who have autism. Just because an autistic individual’s mind acts different than others may and they have a hard time making friends and striving socially, they are still incredible individuals. The objective of “My Brother Charlie” is to help society understand how amazing autistic people really are and learn about what it is like for a person to live with autism. Five percent of the authors’ earnings for this book have been given to the HollyRod4Kids Foundation to help autistic children afford and have access to therapies and treatments they may need. This book can truly help society to become aware of those with autism and how to cope with it.

Activities and Lesson Plans:
“My Brother Charlie” is at the reading level of ages four through eight years old. In my classroom, I would use this book as an interactive read-aloud for a second or third grade classroom. Although I was unable to find any lesson plans for this book, I would hope to do an activity after reading the book with my students that specifically focuses on their family members. I would begin by having each child draw a picture of each of the members in their family doing something they are good at. Next, I would have my students get into pairs of two and share their drawings with another student. After every child has shared their family pictures, I would have them present their partner’s family members to the entire class. I believe that this would help my students learn about and appreciate other families and their uniqueness. It would also encourage children to think about and reflect on what makes their families special and how every member of their family differs from one another. This activity would raise awareness that every family is different, but every family is unique and this uniqueness should be recognized.

The Great Kapok Tree

Title: The Great Kapok Tree
Author: Lynne Cherry
Age Level: 5-8
Purchase: The Great Kapok Tree
Try Activities! The Great Kapok Tree Activity Packet
About the Author: Lynne Cherry

The Great Kapok Tree is a story about the Amazon rain forest. In this story, two men venture into the Amazon rain forest to chop down an enormous Kapok tree. The older man told the younger man to take his ax and start cutting down the Kapok tree. The man became tired after striking the tree so many times. When he stops to rest, he ends up falling asleep at the base of the giant Kapok tree. As he sleeps, all the different animals living in the great Kapok tree travel down to where the man lays. One of the creatures, a frog, whispered, "Senhor, a ruined rain forest means ruined lives...You will leave many of use homeless if you chop down this great Kapok Tree." Throughout the story, a toucan, monkey, jaguar, porcupines each whispered in the man's ear as they pleaded with him not to destroy their home and the Amazon rain forest.

This story supports Element #5, Raising Awareness, and introduces the topic of deforestation. It can teach children that trees are being torn down and animals are losing their homes and natural habitats. This story is valuable as it creates awareness about preserving trees and saving animals at the same time. The beautiful illustrations of animals such as toucans, monkeys, jaguars, and frogs allow children to "hear the animals defend their home" and make connections with each animal's fear of losing their home. I think this book is great for children in the K-5 setting because connections can be made to Reading, Writing, Science, Social Studies, and Math as the Curriculum packet below provides many ideas to use in the classroom.

In my own classroom, I would use this book to introduce students to the Amazon rain forest and saving the animals that live there. After a read aloud, we would discuss the climate of the rain forest compared to where we live. I would teach students about the four layers of the rain forest and have them create booklets, label each layer, and draw an animal that lives in that layer. For a writing exercise, students will choose their favorite animal from the story and write a short descriptive story in which they share information about the animal such as what they eat, what it looks like, and why they chose this animal.

Children's Literature Across the Curriculum The Great Kapok Tree - Unit
Try this Lesson Plan! The Greak Kapok Tree - Lesson

Don't Laugh At Me

Element 5: Raising Awareness

Title: Don't Laugh At Me

Author: Steve Seski & Allen Shamblin

Illustrations: Glin Dibley

Ages: 4 to 8

Links:

Purchase- http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Laugh-Reading-Rainbow-Book/dp/1582460582

Lesson Plan- http://www.tristateunity.org/presentations/tolerance-through-music.pdf
Song lyrics- http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/don't-laugh-at-me-lyrics-mark-wills/0c3a4b178727cadca482569570012bdcd

Summary: This book is acknowledged by Reading Rainbow. It focuses on how children are made fun of because of their physical and learning disabilities. It brings out the fact that the laughing and name calling hurts. It ends with a moving song stating, "We are all the Same in God's eye." The link above includes the lyrics to the song.

SJE: The book Don't Laugh At Me addresses the element "Raising Awareness" by recognizing children who are bullying and being bullied. The author uses exaggerated illustrations of children's differences and repetition of the words "Don't laugh at me". The children in the class can actually see the hurt and disappointment on the character's faces. The book can lead to discussion by acknowledging the character's differences. Pivotal questions can be used such as, How do you think the characters are feeling? How would you feel if you were made fun of for what you look like or what you couldn't do? Did you ever feel like the characters in the story? Did you ever hurt someone's feelings? The children should empathize with the characters in the book and think about these real life situations.

Activity: Have the children write a short story about a person bullying or being bullied. Discuss ways to handle the situation without fighting. Have the children role play to act out the scenario and discuss how the characters are feeling and let them brainstorm different ways that this can be avoided.

Planting the Trees of Kenya

Title: Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai

Author: Claire A. Nivola

Ages: 4-10

Grade Level: Pre-K-3rd

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Activites and Ideas

Book Review

Synopsis: Planting the Trees of Kenya tells the true story of Wangari Maathai who grew up in the hills of Kenya. Trees and plants filled the lands of Kenya. Wangari leaves to attend a school in America and when she returns she realizes that life in Kenya has changed. The farms were now growing crops to sell and families were buying food from stores. Together Wangari and the women of the town plant seeds and grow new trees. Eventually the men see how hard the women are working and join in. Wangari went around to schools, prisons, and soldiers giving them seedlings to continue the planting movement.

How this book represents element #4: This book represents element 4 of social justice because it discusses Wangari Maathai and her Green Belt Movement to re-plant trees in Kenya. Wangari shows how one person can start a movement for change and see a difference in his or her community. This book takes a true story and makes it kid friendly. There was an effort toward a social change. In the author's notes at the end of the book, it explains the life of Wangari and her efforts to make changes. Along with others, she protested the government's plans and landed herself in the hospital with injuries. This represents element 4 because she did not care what could happen. All that mattered to her was fighting for what she believed in and making a change for everyone.

Activities: I would use this book to teach children about environmental issues in the world and also to teach about social change and how one person can make a difference. An activity I would have my class complete is to pick their favorite scene from the book and recreate it. The book is decorated with beautiful water colors and having them recreate a scene would tie in an art lesson as well. Something else I would have them do is to put themselves in the place of Wangari and retell the story. I would want to see what they would do differently and it would be a good way for me to assess their writing skills.

Click here for another great review of the book!

A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman

Title: A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman

Author: David A. Adler
Illustrator: Samuel Byrd

Age Range: 7-9

Purchase this book here:
Barnes and Nobles
Amazon




Summary:
A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman describes the journey Harriet Tubman went through to later be known as a "Moses" to her people. Along with her parents, Harriet Tubman was a slave owned by Edward Brodas. She repeatedly suffered from harsh punishments and was afraid one day she would be sold to a plantation further south. Harriet knew she had the right to liberty or death and decided to escape one night. With the help of a white woman who had previously offered her help, Harriet was able to hide out in several homes farther north. Harriet's journey to escape was known as the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman became a free woman and started earning money to lead hundreds of slaves to freedom. She led them as far away from the south as she could and became a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad. In 1911, Harriet established a home in Auburn for sick and homeless black people. Harriet Tubman died on March 10, 1913 as a brave and admired woman.

Social Justice Element:
A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman is an excellent book for teachers to teach their students about social justice. Harriet Tubman was a slave that fought for her freedom. She knew she had the same rights as every individual whether they were black or white. Harriet Tubman helped many slaves escape from slavery and became one of the bravest people in America. She survived slavery because of her strong-will to make a change. Harriet Tubman is an excellent role model for students to learn about because she sends a message out through her struggles and journey that everyone has the ability to fight for what they believe is right. People can make a difference in society by uniting and working together.

Activities:
As a future teacher, I could use this book to introduce the discussion on slavery to my students. Introducing ordinary people, such as Harriet Tubman, will enable my students to recognize the changes an individual can make. Students can explore other individuals that contributed to the Civil Rights Movement. In groups, students can pick a person that fought for the rights of African Americans and each week one group can lead a discussion on that person. This book serves as an excellent introduction to how the Civil Rights Movement started.

Below are websites that provide lesson plan ideas incorporating Harriet Tubman:

Lesson Plans

2 Day Lesson Plan

More Lesson Plans