In Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream, Jordan’s mother and sister, Deloris and Rosalyn Jordan write the true story of Michael Jordan’s struggle to pursue his dream of playing basketball. In the tale, he worries …
The young adult dystopian classic The Giver by Lois Lowry offers readers a taste of what the world would be like if we were all anesthetized to emotion. The narrator, Jonas, is tasked with the responsibility of receiving the collective …
The classic children’s book The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper offers many themes to teach young readers, including self-discipline. By encouraging himself with positive affirmations, the Little Blue Engine achieves what seemed impossible, delivering a load of toys …
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Peterson offers one of the most poignant stories of friendship available in children’s literature. Two friends, Jess and Leslie, find each other and become friends during a time when they both need companionship. Though their …
Natalie Babbitt’s novel, Tuck Everlasting provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the theme of responsibility. When Winnie Foster learns of the Tucks’ immortality, rather than capitalize on this opportunity for fame or fortune, she keeps their secret …
The short story “To Build a Fire” by Jack London is about how the main character’s lack of imagination leads to a tragic failure in the Yukon wilderness in the middle of a brutal winter. After a reading of the …
The informational text, Fly High, Bessie Coleman by Jane Sutcliffe in an excellent account of the first African American female. I would hook readers into the topic of perseverance by using the Henry David Thoreau conversation to discuss success and …
The short story, “Yeshi’s Luck“ by Naomi C. Rose is a great introduction for young readers to the concept of fate and accepting how “the world shapes us.” In the tale, Yeshi learns that you can’t control what happens, and …
Students and readers of all ages cherish the classic tale by Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are, in which a young boy, Max, is sent to bed without his dinner. He embarks on an imaginative journey while he’s in …
In Sherman Alexie’s short story collection, The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist fight in Heaven, “Imagining the Reservation” describes how dreams can feed, heal, and transform Native Americans’ lives. Alexie juxtaposes imagination with the reality of reservation life, stating that …
Before reading A Bargain for Frances, I could use the conversation inspired by Dr. Seuss about risk-taking. This will spark a great discussion about decision-making and the value in taking risks. During and after the reading of this story, students …
One of the best American novelists to teach us about diversity and the second-generation immigrant experience is Amy Tan. In her short story, “Fish Cheeks,“ the narrator is ashamed and embarrassed of her family’s authentic Chinese menu on Christmas Eve. …
