georgia children’s book award (gr. 4 -...

Georgia Children’sBook Award

(Gr. 4 - 8)

2016 - 2017Finalists

Connecting to Children, Curriculum, and Community

Book Award Selection CommitteeDr. Denise Davila (Chair), Graduate Faculty, Language & Literacy Education, University of Georgia

Traci Blackstock, Media Specialist, P.B. Ritch Middle, Paulding County

Terrie Gribanow, Media Specialist, Dearing Elementary, McDuffie County

Donna Jones (Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Representative), Media Specialist, Avondale Elementary, DeKalb County

Bev Kodak, Sixth Grade Teacher, Ola Middle, Henry County

Leslie Olig, Teacher of the Gifted, Cedar Ridge/North Harlem Elementary, Columbia County

Erin Rehberg, Media Specialist, Thomas County Upper Elementary and Middle, Thomas County

Julie Stokes, Literacy Coordinator Grades 6-8, Dalton Middle School, Whitfield County

Adam Crawley (Graduate Assistant), Doctoral Student, Language & Literacy Education, University of Georgia

Grades 4-8

Summary:

Fans of Big Fish, Peter Pan, and Roald Dahl will fall in love with Circus Mirandus, which celebrates the power of seeing magic in world. Do you believe in magic? Micah Tuttle does.

Even though his awful Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve, Micah believes in the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus: the invisible tiger guarding the gates, the beautiful flying birdwoman, and the magician more powerful than any other—the Man Who Bends Light. Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real. And the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.

The only problem is, the Lightbender doesn't want to keep his promise. And now it's up to Micah to get the miracle he came for. (Goodreads)

Connecting to Children and Curriculum:

● Knot tying- In the book, Grandpa Ephraim teaches Micah to tie knots. Micah then decides to tie knots

as part of his project with Jenny. Research the history of knot tying. Even if you can’t find any great

information, make some up, or re-tell the story of why different knots have names.

● Narrative writing- The ticket taker at the Circus Mirandus accepts many odd items from children,

allowing them to enter the circus for different amounts of time. Ephraim presents a fish which turns

out to be a week-long-ticket. Make a list of items that children might present for entry tickets to the

circus. What would you present to gain entry to the circus? For what amount of time would you be

allowed in? Re-write the chapter from the perspective of Geoffrey, the ticket taker.

● Critical thinking- The circus in this story has wonders to behold: magical potions, a menagerie like no

other, and The Man Who Bends Light. After reading the book, work together as a group to design

your own circus. Each student in your group could design a different section of the circus. For

example, one student might be in charge of writing the opening speech for a circus act; another

student could be in charge of writing a newspaper article about the events; another student might be

in charge of writing to the mayor to ask permission to use a field for the circus. The circus is all about

the imagination, so stretch yours. Be creative and think: what wonders would your circus hold?

Beasley, Cassie. (2015). Circus Mirandus. New York, NY: Dial (Penguin/Random House).

Summary:

After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting. Things don't just happen for any reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory--even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe...and the potential for love and hope right next door. (Amazon)


● Science- Have students read about and create a presentation on poisonous animals and the number of people hurt or killed by their animal a year.

● Careers- Host a classroom career fair. Have student pick a science/animal related career and present information on how to enter that presentation and why it would be fun to have that job.

● Writing- Have the students write journals from the viewpoint of a child who has suffered a tragedy and has retreated into selective mutism.

● Science- Ali Benjamin does an excellent job of teaching about the variety of jellyfish. The students could use the pictures and facts she gives throughout the book to create a picturebook about jellyfish.

● Biographies- Readers learn about Diana Nyad in this book. Students can research Diana and track her long distance swimming quests.Benjamin, Ali. (2015). The Thing about Jellyfish. New

York, NY: Little, Brown Books.

Summary:

To Emily, who has moved eight times in her twelve years, San Francisco seems the ideal place to live. She quickly finds a good friend in her neighbor James, and the city is the headquarters of her beloved Book Scavenger game, which combines reading, puzzle solving, and treasure hunting. After Garrison Griswold, the game’s creator, is mugged, Emily finds a unique book near the crime scene. Soon, she and James are playing Griswold’s new game, trying to elude the thugs who attacked him and investigating who is behind the crime. The occasional black-and-white illustration, cipher picture, or map adds to the fun for readers, who will want to play along—and they can, too, at www.bookscavenger.com. Well-paced and involving, the story will intrigue kids with an interest in mysteries and codes as well as books. The writing includes references to local landmarks as well as literary allusions to Jack Kerouac, Robert Louis Stevenson, and, especially, Edgar Allan Poe. A lively first novel, this could be the start of a new mystery series. -- Phelan, Carolyn (Reviewed 05-15-2015) (Booklist, vol. 111, number 18, p55)


● Involve your media specialist to create a school-wide Book Scavenger game that keeps students safe within the school grounds as they “scavenge” for the books

● Go online to Google Earth to locate the places Emily goes searching for books…see if they are “real” or not.

● Visit the Book Scavenger website that is mentioned in the book.

Bertman, Jennifer Chambliss. (2015). The Book Scavenger. New York, NY: Henry Holt & Co.

Summary:

An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War 2, from the acclaimed author of Jefferson’s Sons and for fans of Number the Stars. Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him. So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother? (GoodReads)


● Horses- Ada falls in love with horses the first time she sees one. What kind of care do large animals

like horses require? Is the portrayal of life on the farm accurate? Does Ada go about learning to ride

a horse the way most people learn to ride a horse? Construct an informational essay using

information from both your research about horses and the novel.

● World War II- Have students conduct research about the time frame of World War II. Use books in

the library or websites to create a dual timeline. One the top half of the timeline, note events from

WWII. Underneath the timeline, have students note events from Ada’s life.

● Child Abuse- Ask students to find out about laws which govern reporting of child abuse and neglect.

What is the procedure for reporting information about someone you feel is being mistreated by a

parent or guardian? Write a letter to an “advice column” and an appropriate response, based on your

research about the laws of your state.

● Inclusion- Some people have different physical abilities. Ada is born with a club foot, is hidden away

from the rest of the neighborhood, and is made to feel ashamed. Think of ways that we can help all

people feel included. What can we each do to make others feel welcome? Is there an area in your

neighborhood that isn’t accessible for all people? What could you do to make it better? Volunteer to

be a greeter for new students at your school. Make a list of things you think a new student would

need to know.

● Narrative Writing- Rewrite one of the chapters in the story from another character’s perspective.

How would Ada’s brother see the events of a specific chapter? Include dialogue with appropriate

quotation marks and other punctuation.

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. (2015). The War that Saved My Life. New York, NY: Dial (Penguin/Random House).

Summary:

Stella, a fifth grader, loved to write. She would sneak out each night after everyone was asleep, and write in a journal she kept hidden under the steps of the front porch. But one late night, Stella and her little brother saw something they were never supposed to see across the way at the pond. What she heard and saw would change her life and the life of others in the small town of Bumblebee, North Carolina. Bumblebee, North Carolina is a segregated town in 1932. Times are tough financially and being an African American during this time meant Stella and her family could only go and do certain things, and if lines were crossed, there were consequences.


● Segregation - Students will learn about the history of segregation in America. Have students divide themselves up according to their shirt color and remain segregated throughout the day or a time period. Have students reflect on how they felt being separated because of their shirt color.

● Voting rights – Have students research the Voting Rights Act and give examples from the text to support. Divide students into groups and have them create a voting literacy test.

Draper, Sharon. (2015). Stella by Starlight. New York, NY: Atheneum.

Summary:

Benjamin Epstein is a sweepstakes fanatic. He just knows a big win is around the corner; it has to be, or else Ben and his mom will be evicted from their apartment. Since his father’s death, the bills have been piling up, but if they can make it until his mom takes her accountant exam, Ben knows they will be OK. So he enters a slogan contest for Royal-T bathroom tissue. But even if he wins, will it truly be enough to save his family and keep the promise he made to his dad before he died? An added pressure of taking care of his grandfather, who is experiencing early onset Alzheimer’s, is also taking its toll. While the subject matter is fairly heavy, Gephart handles it with a blend of sensitivity and humor. Ben’s best friend, for example, is a horror-movie fanatic, and the book’s toilet-paper-and-zombies finale is sure to get readers laughing. A nicely pitched tale about a boy grieving, scrambling to get his family back on track, and still find himself as well. -- Thompson, Sarah Bean (Reviewed 09-01-2014) (Booklist, vol. 111, number 1)


● Probability would be really easy to introduce, teach, and discuss while reading this book. Perhaps you could even have the students enter to win a class sweepstake or two!

● Great book to help kids understand why parents have to work - to pay bills and provide for the family. You could have the students do a “what if…” creative writing based on “what if, my mother lost her job.”

● Encourage younger kids do a research project to figure out exactly why the fish dies when grandpa puts TP in the fish bowl.

Gephart, Donna. (2014). Death by Toilet Paper. New York, NY: Delacorte (Penguin/Random House).

Summary:

This visually stunning book showcases twenty Hispanic and Latin-American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, politics, science, humanitarianism, and athletics. Gorgeous portraits complement sparkling biographies of Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, Ellen Ochoa, Roberto Clemente, and many more. Complete with timelines and famous quotes, this tome is a magnificent homage to those who have shaped our nation. (GoodReads)


● Careers—Host a classroom career fair. Have students pick a career and present information on how to enter the profession and why it would be fun or interesting to do.

● Quotations—Herrera includes a famous quotation by each of the people in the book. Have the students research other famous quotations, including who said them and why we remember them today.

● Art—Colón includes a fabulous portrait of each person in the book. Have the students create a self-portrait.

● Hispanic Heritage—Include this volume as part of your celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15.Herrera, Juan Felipe. (2014). Portraits of Hispanic

American Heroes (Illus. Raul Colón). New York, NY: Penguin.

Summary:

“Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”

Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher, Mr. Daniels, sees the bright, creative kid underneath the troublemaker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself, and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike. (Amazon)


● Disabilities- Have students research different disabilities and identify famous people who all had the same disability and focus on the success of the people and their resilience.

● Heroes- Have students identify their heroes. If it is someone they know, askthem write a letter thanking the person. If it is someone famous, have them research and write a short memoir about their hero.

● Diversity- Have students discuss diversity and what each person brings to the table. Host round table discussions on the differences in people and how each has a strength and something to offer.

Hunt, Lynda Mullaly. (2015). Fish in a Tree. New York, NY: Nancy Paulsen (Penguin).

Summary:

Twelve-year-old Astrid has always done everything with her best friend Nicole. So when Astrid signs up for roller derby camp, she assumes Nicole will too. But Nicole signs up for dance camp with a new friend instead, and so begins the toughest summer of Astrid's life. There are bumps and bruises as Astrid learns who she is without Nicole...and what it takes to be a strong, tough roller girl. (GoodReads)


● Journal topic – Have students write about a time they had a difficult time with a friend. What caused this struggle in your friendship? How did you and your friend handle the situation?

● Research/Hobbies – Have students select valuable resources to examine the history of the Roller Derby. How did this hobby develop? Where are roller derbies popular? If possible, have students interview a real roller derby participant to find out what their experiences have been like.

● Art – Students could draw a scene to describe their favorite hobby in a graphic novel format.

● Writing – Ask student to take a chapter from the book and rewrite it in prose form with correct conventions. (Narration, dialogue, etc.)

Jamieson, Victoria. (2015). Roller Girl. New York, NY: Penguin.

Summary:

Miles Murphy is not happy to be moving to Yawnee Valley, a sleepy town that’s famous for one thing and one thing only: cows. In his old school, everyone knew him as the town’s best prankster, but Miles quickly discovers that Yawnee Valley already has a prankster, and a great one. If Miles is going to take the title from this mystery kid, he is going to have to raise his game. It’s prankster against prankster in an epic war of trickery, until the two finally decide to join forces and pull off the biggest prank ever seen: a prank so huge that it would make the members of the International Order of Disorder proud.


● Science— Research cows to explore such questions as how many breeds, importance to the economy, ways a cow is used, which state has the most, and the cost of ownership.

● ELA—Students will interview three adults and question them about their middle school years. Questions might include, “Did you have a prankster at your school, and if so, give an example of a prank.”

● Math- Students will determine how much it cost Mile’s parents to move to Yawnee Valley. The cost would include gas, a moving truck, rent for the house, and utilities.John, Jory & Barnett, Mac. (2015). The Terrible Two

(Illus. Kevin Cornell). New York, NY: Abrams.

Summary:

Twelve-year-old Sophie Brown is getting used to life on a farm after living in Los Angeles. One day, a

chicken shows up on the farm and Sophie finds out that her family has inherited more than just a farm

from her great-uncle Jim. Henrietta is the first live chicken Sophie has ever seen – a Bantam White

Leghorn – who can “use the force” as Sophie calls it. Through inquiring letters to Redwood Farm Supply,

Sophie learns that six other chickens, each with their own special power, also belonged to Uncle Jim.

Sophie has to catch the other chickens, learn to take care of chickens and their unique eggs, convince her

parents to keep them, protect them from a thief, make friends, start school, sell eggs to earn money for

feed, and eventually rescue her stolen chickens. All of this she figures out on her own by visiting the

library, asking questions to friends like the postman and Chris from school, reading books, and writing

letters. Discover, with Sophie, the unique qualities of Uncle Jim’s chickens.


● Math: Using worksheets from the library books Sophie checks out of the local library, students

can calculate how long a 50-pound sack of feed will last; how long 4 gallons of water will last the

flock; how many linear feet of roost space your flock needs; or how many nest boxes you need,

etc…

● Language Arts – As an epistolary novel, there are many examples of letter-writing – some

business and some are friendly format. Present the difference, go over parts of the letters, have

students write their own letter to someone they have lost or to write about information they

need.

● Science – Learning about different varieties of chickens makes you wonder about the different

varieties of other animals. How many different kinds of pigs, cows, trout, or llamas are there?

What are their different needs? Students can research, compare/contrast, or pretend to be

Agnes answering one of Sophie’s letters.

● Public Speaking – Sophie has a fear of public speaking, but she has to overcome it to save her

chickens. Discuss speaking habits that are good and ones that are bad. Give students practice

paragraphs to read aloud to demonstrate what students do well and what is distracting. Finally,

allow students to present an animal as if they had to make a presentation at the 4-H show.

Jones, Kelly. (2015). Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer (Illus. Katie Kath). New York, NY: Knopf.

Summary:

Eleven-year-old Jaden is adopted, and he knows he’s an “epic fail.’ That’s why his family is

traveling to Kazakhstan to adopt a new baby—to replace him, he’s sure. And he gets it. He is

incapable of stopping his stealing, hoarding, lighting fires, aggressive running, and obsession

with electricity. He knows his parents love him, but he feels...nothing.

But when they get to Kazakhstan, it turns out the infant they’ve travelled for has already been

adopted, and literally within minutes are faced with having to choose from six other babies.

While his parents agonize, Jaden is more interested in the toddlers. One, a little guy named

Dimash, spies Jaden and barrels over to him every time he sees him. Jaden finds himself

increasingly intrigued by and worried about Dimash. Already three years old and barely able

to speak, Dimash will soon age out of the orphanage, and then his life will be as hopeless as

Jaden feels now. For the first time in his life, Jaden actually feels something that isn’t pure

blinding fury, and there’s no way to control it, or its power. (GoodReads)


● Research – Ask students to research and outline the steps for adopting a child from a

foreign country. Students could interview someone who has adopted a child from

another country and compare that experience to the adoption story in Half a World Away.

● Geography and History – Have students examine the geography, history, and culture

of Kazakhstan. Write a summary that explains how the geography, history, and

culture of Kazakhstan influence the novel.

● Writing – The book is written in third person point-of-view. Have students rewrite a

scene of the book from Jaden’s point of view or complete a journal entry of Jaden’s

experiences within the novel from his perspective.

Kadohata, Cynthia. (2014). Half a World Away. New York, NY: Atheneum.

Summary:

Masterminds is a story about a group of 30 kids living in Serenity, New Mexico. A town of manicured lawns, swimming pools and where honesty and kindness are the motto of the community. The local newspaper boasts, "Serenity Voted #1 in USA for standard of living." Randy, Eli’s best friend always talks about leaving Serenity one day. Then that day finally arrives but not the way Randy had expected. Randy tells everyone that he is going to his grandparents' house, but he is acting strange and no longer wants to hang out with Eli. After Randy leaves, Eli finds a note that makes him realize this may not be the perfect town after all. Eli and a few friends begin to uncover secrets and discover that honesty may not be at the heart of Serenity. They also realize that they can't trust anyone, especially not their parents.


● Science – Introduce to students dominate and recessive gene traits and have them create a DNA strand model.

● Critical Thinking/Problem Solving – Have students decide if they would stay or leave Serenity. Each student must support their decision with explicit examples from the text.

Korman, Gordon. (2015). Masterminds. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins).

Summary:

Rose Howard has Asperger’s syndrome and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog Rose’s father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And they are often home alone, as Rose’s father spends most evenings at a bar and doesn’t have much patience for his special-needs daughter. (GoodReads)


● Science—In the story, Rose’s community experiences a natural disaster. Students can research various types of natural of disasters. Also during the research, students can interview a friend or relative that has experienced a natural disaster.

● ELA—This would be a great way to introduce homonyms at the elementary level by using this as a read aloud at the same time.

● Animal Shelters- Students research and investigate who manages their local shelter and who funds the shelter. What happens to animals that end up at shelters because they are lost?

Martin, Ann M. (2014). Rain Reign. New York, NY: Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan).

Summary:

Amira’s one true dream is to go to school. She is now 12 and is old enough as well as able to wear a toob and have added responsibilities. Living in her Sudanese village is not easy, and it is especially difficult when the Janjaweed arrive. They attack and destroy, leaving Amira’s family homeless. Amira has the long journey to a refugee camp where she is given the gift of a red pencil, and her world is open to all kinds of possibilities.


● Poetry – Have students discuss the elements of poetry and create a poem using a different element form.

● Art- How do they use various art forms, such as visual arts, music, drama, and dance as an outlet for strong emotions or as a medium for self-expression?

● Geography – Have students research Darfur and Sudan to get a better understanding of the conflict in this region.

● Vocabulary- Have students chart words that may be unfamiliar to them such as toob, genocide, militia, renegades, and Janjaweed.

Pinkney, Andrea Davis. (2014). The Red Pencil (Illus. Shane W. Evans). New York, NY: Little, Brown Books.

Summary:

Fifth grader Tamaya Dhilwaddi and seventh grader Marshall Walsh have been walking to and from Woodbridge Academy together since elementary school. But their routine is disrupted when bully Chad Wilson challenges Marshall to a fight. To avoid the conflict, Marshall takes a shortcut home through the off-limits woods. Tamaya reluctantly follows. They soon get lost, and they find trouble - bigger trouble than anyone could ever have imagined.

In the days and weeks that follow, the authorities and the U.S. Senate become involved, and what they uncover might affect the future of the world. (GoodReads)


● Science— Students will research diseases that spread rapidly. Give the name of the disease, the region affected, approximate number of people affected, and if the disease is fatal/nonfatal. How did the government/CDC handle the spread?

● Bullying —Students will write a different way Marshall can handle the situation with Chad Wilson.

● ELA-Have students create a news report to record warning the country of the disease that could be spreading. Have students record the news report.

Sachar, Louis. (2015). Fuzzy Mud. New York, NY: Delacorte (Penguin/Random House).

Grades 4-6

Summary:

Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent and not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again.

Crenshaw is a cat. He's large, he's outspoken, and he's imaginary. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything? (GoodReads)


● Art—Jackson’s imaginary friend is a giant cat who shows up wearing a “cats rule, dogs drool” T-shirt and carrying an umbrella on a surfboard. Have your students design an imaginary friend and write a paragraph explaining their imaginary friends’ appearances.

● Homelessness—Ask students to research what organizations in their area exist to help people struggling with homelessness and what each different organization does. If possible, see if there’s anything the students can do to volunteer.

● Science—Crenshaw enjoys purple jelly beans. Set up a taste-testing experiment to see which color jelly bean the class considers the best.Applegate, Katherine. (2015). Crenshaw. New York, NY:

Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan).

Summary:

Mama has trained up her baby possums in the ways of their breed, and now it's time for all of them--even little Appleblossom--to make their way in the world. Appleblossom knows the rules: she must never be seen during the day, and she must avoid cars, humans, and the dreaded hairies (sometimes known as dogs). Even so, Appleblossom decides to spy on a human family--and accidentally falls down their chimney! The curious Appleblossom, her faithful brothers--who launch a hilarious rescue mission--and even the little girl in the house have no idea how fascinating the big world can be. But they're about to find out!

With dynamic illustrations, a tight-knit family, and a glimpse at the world from a charming little marsupial's point of view, this cozy animal story is a perfect read-aloud and a classic in the making. (Amazon)


● Science- Have students research animal families and learn which ones stay close as families and which ones leave their young to fend for themselves.

● Science- Have students research nocturnal animals and create a picturebook with characteristics and fun facts for each animal.

● Social Studies- Every family has a set of “rules” for survival. For human families it can be wearing a seatbelt or holding hands when you cross the street. Have students create a “rules to live by” poster for their family and an animal family.

● Science- Have students research different marsupials and create a presentation to share with their class.

Sloan, Holly Goldberg. (2015). Appleblossom the Possum (Illus. Gary A. Rosen). New York, NY: Dial (Penguin/Random House).

Grades 6-8

Summary:

Two stories. Five generations. The first begins as a journey at sea in 1766 where a boy named Billy Marvel is the lone

survivor of a ship called The Kraken. Marooned, Billy buries a beloved older brother, is rescued, and eventually finds

work in a London theater. One day, Billy discovers a baby on the theater steps and raises the child on his own, beginning

an acting tradition that seems to run in the family for several generations until one, Leontes Marvel, is banished by his

own father….Fast forward to 1990 where thirteen-year-old Joseph Jervis runs away from boarding school and shows

up on the doorstep of his estranged Uncle Albert in London. Uncle Albert is cranky, odd, and lives in a house that sparks

Joseph’s curiosity. The boy feels there is a story in the house that is connected to his own family and Joseph makes it his

mission to uncover family secrets.

The stories seem isolated at first, but in the end are interrelated and become the catalyst for yet another story. “You

either see it, or you don’t…”


● Writing – Students will want to know more about 18 Folgate Street, where fires burn in the fireplace, smells

of food waft in the kitchen, whispers of the silk weavers echo in the halls, clocks chime, and doors creak. The

warmth of a family is here, but the family is always just in another room – beyond the reach of the visitor.

(Dennis Severs' House,18 Folgate Street, E1 6BX London or http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk) Let

student select one of the ten rooms of the house and use descriptive language to describe the rooms and the

evidence that someone has just been there.

● Drama – Let students write what they believe could have happened in the play being put on by Billy Marvel

and his brother and act it out. Students can also research 18th century theaters, including The Theatre Royal

Haymarket, which is the inspiration of the theater in The Marvels.

● Writing – Selznick tells the first story entirely in pictures. What would they look like if they were turned into

prose? Have students write a chapter of prose that follows the illustrations. Divide it up among the class to

create a full story. The title of the book at first seems to be about the family of Marvels. It could easily be

symbolic of the many marvels in the books. Let students identify two things they consider a marvel, and

discuss them.

● Art – Allow students to recreate a familiar story like Goldilocks and the Three Bears and present the story

entirely in pictures. Use storyboards to guide the work and plan for an exact number of illustrations.

Selznick, Brian. (2015). The Marvels. New York, NY: Scholastic.

http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/

http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/

Summary:

It’s a tall order in this day and age to write a book about a young boy in magic school without

being held to the Harry Potter standard, but that’s exactly what Black and Clare attempt in

their first collaboration (and Clare’s first middle-grade offering). The premise is simple: 12-

year-old Callum Hunt has been warned about the dangers of magic for as long as he can

remember by his father, a former mage, who blames the Magisterium, a magic academy, for

the death of his wife. Despite Cal’s best attempts to fail the entrance exam into that academy,

his inherent magical ability gets him accepted, and he begins the first of five years of his

training. Occasional comparisons to Harry Potter are inevitable, but Cal isn’t the Boy Who

Lived—although his friend Aaron might be—and the Magisterium isn’t Hogwarts. Expectations

are bound to be high for this powerhouse duo’s first co-written effort, and although it doesn’t

quite live up to the authors’ respective works (Black’s Doll Bones was a 2014 Newbery Honor

Book), and there are several missed opportunities, the end offers a few intriguing twists and

perspectives that hint at what’s to come in the next installments. And with four Magisterium

volumes still in the works, Black and Clare have ample time to hit their stride as a team. HIGH-

DEMAND BACKSTORY: The six-figure initial print run may still be shy of the demand from the

fans of these two wildly popular authors. -- Reagan, Maggie (Reviewed 08-01-2014) (Booklist,

vol. 110, number 22, p72)


● Students could do many point of view exercises.

● The story is very good for practicing predicting and foreshadowing skills (especially if

students have already read similar books, such as Harry Potter).

● This book is very vocabulary rich, so be sure to explore all of the “new” words with

your students.Black, Holly & Clare, Cassandra. (2014). The Iron Trial: Magisterium, Book One. New York, NY: Scholastic.

Other Worthwhile

Books for Grades 4-8

Summary:

Starting at a new school is scary, even more so with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest!

At her old school, everyone in Cece's class was deaf. Here she is different. She is sure the kids

are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it

also seems certain to repel potential friends.

Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just

in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in school--in the hallway...in the teacher's

lounge...in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to

becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it's just

another way of feeling different... and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the

thing she wants most, a true friend?

This funny perceptive graphic novel memoir about growing up hearing impaired is also an

unforgettable book about growing up, and all the super and super embarrassing moments

along the way. (GoodReads)


● Journal topic – What does it mean to be “different”? What are some ways people are

different and why do people try so hard to fit in? Relate this to the book as well. How

is Cece different and how does she try to fit it?

● Medicine – Research and define different types of hearing loss. What technologies

are used for people with hearing loss?

● Medicine – Research and define meningitis. How does meningitis treatment now

differ from meningitis treatment in the 1970’s when Cece was diagnosed?

● Compare/Contrast – Compare and contrast Cece’s experiences to those of Auggie in

the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

Bell, Cece. (2014). El Deafo. New York, NY: Amulet.

Summary:

BE WHO YOU ARE. When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.

George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . . because she's a boy. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all. (Goodreads)


● Charlotte’s Web- Our main character desperately wants to be Charlotte in the fourth grade class

production of “Charlotte’s Web.” If you could magically make a movie version of that book, who

would you cast in the starring roles? Would it be a live action movie, or an animated feature?

● Friendship- George and her best friend Kelly go through a lot in the story. What are the

characteristics a best friend should exhibit? How do George and Kelly exhibit those traits in the

story?

● Bullying- Sadly, bullying is sometimes present in schools and on playgrounds. What is your school’s

policy on bullying? What should you do if you or someone you know is being bullied? What can a

bystander do to support someone who is being bullied? Write a short play about bullying which

shows bystanders helping or supporting someone being picked on.

● Gender roles- How have gender roles changed over the years? What are some things that used to be

labeled “feminine”? What are some things that are traditionally “masculine? Why wouldn’t George’s

teacher let her try out for the part of Charlotte? Do you agree or disagree with the teacher’s

decision?

● Feeling different and fitting in- Melissa has a secret in the book. When people look at her, they see a

boy named George, but inside, she knows she’s a girl. Have you ever felt like you were different than

those around you? How would you compare your feelings to hers?

● Narrative writing- At the end of the story, Kelly and Melissa take a trip to the zoo and have a fun day.

What do you think happened after that chapter? Write the next chapter of the story. Maybe Melissa

goes to school dressed as her true self. Maybe Melissa makes some more friends who accept her for

who she is. You decide what happens next.

Gino, Alex. (2015). GEORGE. New York, NY: Scholastic.

georgia children’s book award (gr. 4 -...

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