Pink and Say

Pink and Say 

by Patricia Polacco

Penguin, 1994

Summary:  A true story handed down from the Civil War, a young injured white Union soldier is saved  befriended by a black Union soldier whose home is close to the battlefield.  As they hide out from the Confederate Army, they become fast friends. 

Lesson:  A 4th grade teacher was looking for books to use in her Black History month unit.  I suggested this one.  She held on to it, and referred back to it with her class when they reached the Civil War in Social Studies.  It could also be used to discuss tolerance.

Level:  3rd -5th

OFF THE SHELF -- Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

by Jack Gantos

Harpercollins Childrens Books, 1999

Joey is a good-hearted, well-meaning child with ADHD and a single mom.  He explains life at school, home, and in between in this 1st person narrative.  He is just as perplexed by how things always seem to go wrong for him, and confused at how to control himself, as the adults are.  I feel reading this book made me a better and more understanding teacher/librarian.  As such, I often recommend it to other teachers.  The intended audience is adolescents, though.  Those with ADHD/ADD will find a kindred soul; those without will gain a better understanding of some of their peers.  A Finalist of the National Book Award, this is a must read book for anyone that works or spends time with children. 

Level:  4th and up

OFF THE SHELF -- Where the Red Fern Grows

Where the Red Fern Grows

by Wilson Rawls

Curtis Publishing, 1961

Throughout the year, several boys came to me looking for dog books.  They were aware of Sounder and Old Yeller, but not Where the Red Fern Grows.  I remember crying harder at this book than any I have ever cried through (but of course, I didn't tell the guys that).  I then noticed it was being checked out by word of mouth. It is the story of the bond that form between a boy and his two hunting dogs. So consider reading it, or re-reading it. 

Level:  4th - 12th

Guyku

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys

by Bob Raczka , Peter Reynolds (Illustrator)

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010

Summary:  These poems celebrate nature, as a haiku does, but from a boy's point of view with kites, rocks and mud. 

Lesson:  After enjoying a few samples from the book, students worked on counting syllables.  Then using templates provided by the author online, the students created their own guyku, complete with drawing. 

Level:  2nd - 8th