Glad you kept the discussion here, since I have my ear out and
ready. I had pulled out The Green Book, which you had told me about
some time ago. I had never used it, but thought of it since I am
moving to 5th and thought it would be more appropriate.

I want to do some historical fiction, to meet my standards, I was
hoping for some good Revotionary War, or Westward Expansion. Any
ideas on this?
Thanks,
Terry

On 7/03/09, cavey wrote:
>> P.S. To cavey: OMG, now I know what you mean about reading kid
>> novels! The ones that are ordinary feel particularly
>> time-consuming, but a couple have stolen my heart. I'd like to
>> talk with you via email about particular titles (if you're
>> interested) because I think I'm going to come to a parting of
>> the ways with my new grade level team before we've even
>> started. Interested?
>
> I'll discuss them here, I'll discuss them there, I'll discuss them
> anywhere. I do so love discussing books!
>
> Judy, I'm not sure if you are talking primarily about novel
> studies, or read-alouds or both. I have a list that I pull from,
> but I change things every year depending on the kids and new
> things that I find. I almost always use The Green Book by Jill
> Paton Walsh. It's a tiny little book, but has sooooo much
> discussion potential. It is recommended by William and Mary as
> part of their GT curriculum, so that's how I found it. It's
> sci-fi, but has huge issues related to relative human worth, class
> structures, the environment, even a touch of biblical allegory.
> The description is great for word choice, and there is a nice
> little twisty surprise ending about the value of writing and
> choices.
>
> I also usually use A Long Way from Chicago for organization and
> word choice. The characterization of Grandma from the POV of the
> children is wonderful. This is also a great read aloud because
> each chapter can stand alone.
>
> I like Hatchet, but usually many of my kids have already read it.
> I have done it as read aloud in the past.
>
> Others I use or choose from: The Westing Game, The Cay, Call it
> Courage, Adaline Falling Star ( easy read, sort of like Winn
> Dixie, dog-meets-girl book but has historical fiction element.
> This book also has some interesting organization and conventions.)
> Sometimes I do My Brother Sam is Dead. The Fighting Ground can be
> a companion text, but Brother Sam is much meatier. It's not
> usually recommended for 5th, though. I love Tuck Everlasting and
> The Mixed Up Files, but these are better for GT 3rd and 4th. I
> may read aloud Numbering all the Bones when the kids are studying
> the Civil War in Social Studies this year.
>
> I am moving away from novel study in groups and more toward short
> stories, essays etc for comprehension. My kids do independent
> novels and it is very difficult to find texts that they haven't
> read. I really love a series that I use from Perfection Learning
> that is designed for critical thinking. I had been using it
> primarily with sixth, but think I may use it more with fifth too.
> I think I'm going to have my kids blog about their reading this
> year, but I'm still working that out.
>
> I know I'll think of tons more after I post, so here goes! Keep
> the book talk coming.
>

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