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Read Aloud Recommendations
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Number
the Stars
by
Lois Lowry
New York: Dell Publishing 1989
Winner of the Newbery Medal and the Laurel-Leaf
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Summary: Number the Stars is the touching
story about two families and their struggles with Nazi occupation of
Denmark in 1943. The book follows the adventures of ten year old
Annemarie Johansen and her best friend, Ellen Rosen as Denmark falls to
Nazi rule. The book begins in Copenhagen,
Denmark's
capital, with young girls running home from school. However, as they
run into large boots with a Nazi solider attached, it is clear this is
not an ordinary place. Rather, this is a world full of food shortages
and hardships. Soon, the Rosen family is at risk as the Nazis
"relocate" Jewish families. Ellen stays with Annemarie while the
Johansens risk their lives to save others. However, the danger has only
begun as the group travels to the shore and Annemarie takes the most
dangerous walk of her life.
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Recommendation
for Parents: This is an
excellent book for upper elementary aged students. Told by following
the adventures of a young girl, Annemarie, as she helps her friend
Ellen, Number the Stars depicts
the heroism of this young girl as well as teaching about the value of
friendship. The book is suspenseful and accurate historical fiction,
engaging the reader in the twisting plot lines as they learn about the
hardships faced during World War II. Furthermore, the book addresses
issues of morally right and sacrifices we make for others as well
as fighting for what you believe in. Although the
book contains some challenging vocabulary, the historical background is
tied seamlessly into the characters and plot, leaving students wanting
more!
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Recommendation
for Other Teachers: Number the Stars
is a fantastic read aloud for older elementary students. You can relate
it to issues of diversity and acceptance in your own classroom as well
as tie the historical setting in with social studies curriculum. It
leads to a variety of discussion questions, from
elements of story to personal connection with the characters to what it
means to be heroic or brave. I definitely recommend using this book to
illustrate the parts of a story such as characters, setting, and plot
because each is well developed and beautifully written.
Finally, Number the Stars is
a great book to practice visualization and predicting. Every page is
full of detailed descriptions. For example, Lowry's description of the
soldiers creates a clear visual picture using language that elementary
students can understand. "There were two of them. That meant two
helmets, two sets of cold eyes glaring at her, and four tall shiny
boots planted firmly on the sidewalk," (2). Also, the plot has many
complex twists that will leave your students guessing and predicting.
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Personal
Note: I first discovered this
book in my own 5th grade classroom and it has remained a favorite
throughout the years. The depth of the friendship portrayed is
inspirational and the subject is intriguing. I remember being
completely unable to put the book down as I followed Annemarie's
adventures. Also, I really enjoyed rereading the book as an adult, and
I believe teachers and parents will feel the same excitement,
influencing their students. Overall, this touching story of bravery
from a ten year old girl is entertaining but also thought provoking.
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Oh, the Places You'll Go!
By Dr. Seuss
New York: Random House.
1990
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Summary:
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
is typical Seuss rhyming book about the various adventures "you" will
take. Unlike other Suess books, this is directed at the reader without
main characters. The book begins telling the reader that "With your
head full of brains and your shoes full of feet" he will explore wide
open places and cities, and that "things can happen". It continues
though the adventures the reader will take, commenting that "Band-ups
and Hang-ups" or "an unpleasant bump" can happen but the reader will
get through them. It ends with "Today is your day! Your mountain is
waiting. So...get on your way!"
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Recommendation
for Parents: This is a great book for any age level. The amusing
rhyming incorporates predictable words as well as new vocabulary to
give your student an enriching experience. The crazy pictures will aid
in the understanding of the text, as they illustrate the experiences
and the colors accurately portray the tone of the passage. Also, this
book represents what every parent wants for their child: for him/her to
go to great places and explore wonderful things. The meaning behind the
text makes the book appropriate for any age.
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Recommendation
for Teachers: This is a fantastic book for any grade level. Your
English Learners will especially appreciate the rhyming endings and the
colorful pictures that portray the tone. The book lends itself to
discussions about the author and his message, why does he use "you"
rather than naming a character and how does that affect the impact of
the book. You can also discuss literary elements from language
use in words like "hither" and "weirdish" to the syntax of the
sentences and how they vary from spoken English.
The book would feed into a fantastic writing prompt about students'
goals and accomplishments by asking them "where will you go?"
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Personal
Note: I have always loved Dr. Suess. From One Fish Two Fish on
I feel Dr. Suess's fun wit can entertain audiences from all ages.
However, Oh, the Places You'll Go
is especially wonderful because of the bigger symbolism and the
inspirational text. I can't help but laugh at the crazy pictures and
relate to the passages about bumps in the road. Overall, this is a
wonderful book to share with students of any age.
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"You
have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose."
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