Nonfiction Monday: Becoming Ben Franklin (Russell Freedman)

Summary

Benjamin Franklin is a remarkable man.  Raised in humble circumstances, he left home to far surpass his parents' station in life.  He is the epitome of a man who pulled himself up by his boot straps—the quintessential American.  Not only was he insatiably curious, but he used it to create useful items, such as a lightening rod, the Franklin stove, and bifocal glasses.  His contributions to society went beyond material things to include a library, a university, a fire company, and a philosophical society.  Anyone would be proud to have so many accomplishments!  Yet, his do not stop there.

His most important role was as a founding father of this great country.  Interestingly, Franklin wished to remain loyal to England for much of his life.  It was not until he spent many years in England working as an ambassador that he realized that the colonies had to declare their independence.  He also spent a decade in France securing their assistance during the war and their help in recognizing the country as independent.  Along with John Adams and John Jay, he eventually negotiated and secured peace with England.  He was involved in the composition of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.  He is the Forrest Gump of America’s founding—somehow he is in the middle of all the significant events. 

The struggles and joys of Franklin’s personal life are also highlighted.  While he was primarily loved by a wide circle of people spanning two continents, he had a falling out with his son, a run in with English parliament, and a personal failure running against an opponent.  

All of these areas humanized Franklin beyond all the fanfare of his community and political persona.    

Evaluation

The first biography I remember ever reading is Lincoln:  A Photobiography by Russell Freedman.  I was completely enthralled in it.   I did not think much of the writing at the time (it was long, long ago before I really paid attention to such things).  I gave more credit to the subject.  I mean, who doesn’t find Lincoln fascinating? However, I re-read the book a few years ago.  It was then that I realized what a master story teller Freedman is. 

I picked up Becoming Ben Franklin:  How a Candle-Maker’s Son Helped Light the Flame of Liberty because it was written by Freedman.  I knew he was a “founding father” in a vague sense.  I honestly did not know much else about Ben Franklin outside of the kite story and his almanac.  

I was immediately engage in Freedman's narrative of Franklin’s life.  The story was even more thrilling because his life story parallels the founding of our country. Freedman does a masterful job intertwining Franklin’s personal story with historical events and observations from his contemporaries.  The narrative gives a strong sense of his strengths and weaknesses as person.   On one hand he was passionate, personable, and persuasive.  However, he could also be prideful and resentful. 

The layout of the book is kid-friendly.  Nearly every page has a photograph illustrating a person or event from the narrative.  The pictures break up the text, making the pages and chapters less daunting for reluctant readers.  Second, the pictures also provide essential visuals for youngsters to get a sense of what life looked like 200 years ago—from the dress, to the wigs, to the quill pens.  The book is broken down into short chapters ranging from 9 to 13 pages, each about a different phase in Franklin’s life.  This attribute makes it ideal for teachers who want to focus on a specific area and for children who feel more comfortable reading in shorter increments. 

Overall, I highly recommend Becoming Ben Franklin:  How a Candle-Maker’s Son Helped Light the Flame of Liberty for ages 8 and up.  The book is sure to engage young and mature readers with its vibrant content and engaging text. 

Teaching Opportunities

• Character Education:  discuss the positive attributes Franklin embodied and how it helped him succeed
• History:  connect to curriculum related to and/or explore more about the Revolutionary War, Boston Tea Party, Declaration of Independence, and the American Constitution
• Compare/Contrast:  compare Franklin to a current political “hero” or important figure
• Literature/Biography:  read about other founding fathers, such as John Adams, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington
• Science:  explore the developments in electricity
• Social Studies: learn more about the art of diplomacy; brainstorm ways to use the principles in everyday life

Check out other Nonfiction Monday posts HERE. 

Non-Fiction (Government): How the Government Works

I have always LOVED history and government.  Next to English, they are my favorite subjects.   During my usual scan through the new non-fiction section at the library, I found a new series from Lerner Publication Company.  It is part of their Searchlight Books collection.  The series answers the important question:   How Does Government Work?   There are 6 books that coverall the main areas:  Checks and Balances, The Congress, Documents of Freedom, Getting Elected, Judges & Courts, and The President, Vice President, & Cabinet.  The information is broken down into small, easy to understand sections.  Each book uses an abundance of photographs, from the past and present, which reveal people at work in various government capacities—from elected officials to staff to citizens.  Let’s take a closer look at two of the books.

Checks and Balances:  A Look at the Powers of Government

(by Kathianne M. Kowalski)

The fascinating story of how our brilliant constitution was developed is described.  It provides a context for why checks and balances were so important to the founding fathers.  An overview of each branch of government fills out the middle three sections, making this book the ideal one to start with when reading on the topic.  The book concludes with the relationship that citizens and the states have to each other and the federal government.  Photographs show government officials, past and present, as well as everyday people working to make their country a better place. 

The Congress:  A Look at the Legislative Branch

(by Robin Nelson & Sandy Donovan)

The book begins with a brief overview of the three branches.  Then, the focus is on the basics of the House of Representatives and the Senate, such as size and functions.   Next, the process of a bill becoming a law is described which begins with an idea and ends with a vote.  Congressmen and women are shown going through the various stages, such as discussing it in a committee and presenting it to other representatives. Finally, the bill is presented to the President who must decide to sign or to veto it.  This section illuminates what a president must consider as he makes his decision, the time frame he has for it, and the signing ceremony.  Several photographs depict presidents signing bills into laws.  The books, especially the ones on the 3 branches, do have some overlapping information.  It is beneficial for youngsters to see how interconnected they are with one another.  I, also, like that the narrative goes beyond simple fact. The authors work to make it personal and relevant. 

For more first-rate nonfiction titles, visit Check It Out, Nonfiction Monday host. 

Fairy Tale Friday: Storybound (by Marissa Burt)

It is Fairy Tale Friday!  Please visit my co-host Literary Transgressions where you can link up with this weekly round-up. Readers can enter to win this week’s book: Storybound!  Click on the Debut Author Giveaway Hop to find out how. 

Summary of Storybound (by Marissa Burt):

Twelve year old Una feels isolated and alone in the "real" world.  Everything changes when she discovers an extraordinary book in the library that transports her right in the middle of a fairy tale adventure!  She makes friends with Peter, a hero-in-training, and Sam, a talking cat.  They help her fit in the character academy, where each person is trained to be a character in a fairy tale—the hero, the princess, the side kick, the villain, a village girl, and so forth.  For years, the citizens of Story have believed the accounts of the Talekeepers, who keep all the books written by the Muses hidden and forbid any new stories from being recorded.  Unbeknownst to most, the people are being manipulated and oppressed.  As the trio works to discover why Una was brought to Story, many truths are revealed, and they realize there is something much more sinister at work. There are many questions that beg to be answered:  Who wrote Una into the story?  Are the rumors of the once and future king true?  What is the true nature of the Muses?  Who can be trusted?  Will Una’s friends be able to rescue her when she comes face to face with the nefarious women in red?  Una must also face the truth of her past, and the three friends must help defeat the great evil that is working to envelop the land. 

Evaluation:

It did not take me long to become captivated with Storybound.  Author Marissa Burt creates an alternate world, much like Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, where students live and are trained in special skills. Characters of Story take classes in Villainy, Backstory, and Outdoor Experimental Questing.  Not only is this a creative take on the fairy tale world, I also like that the classes (and book in general) prompt readers to consider what elements make up a fairy tale and how are they manipulated to make each tale unique. 

The plot was action-oriented, lots of intrigue and suspense.  Peter must work to keep Una’s origin a secret while helping her figure out how she got there and how she is going to get home.  Like Harry Potter, there is a villain along with some cohorts who are working for complete control of the people.  A group of adults are already working in the background to prevent this tyranny from occurring.  The children are in the middle of it, sneaking into forbidden places, looking for clues, keeping their activities secret, and protecting each other. 

One way the people are kept under the thumbs of the Talekeepers is through the suppression of creativity and ideas.  This aspect made me think of Fahrenheit 451.  All the tales from the past are hidden away. No new tales are allowed to be written.  Instead, people are fed propaganda, and anyone who protests disappears.  This problem is escalating because, now, many of the books are being sought after and burned to prevent the truth from ever being revealed. 

Like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, there is the notion that a just and benevolent king once ruled Story.  It is believed that he left the Muses and some leaders in charge of his people until his eventual return.  These people have betrayed the king and the people…or at least that is what it seems.  The king’s eventual return gives some of the characters hope. 

Characterization is well-done.  Several of the characters are multi-dimensional.  Snow, Una’s roommate, is the most round.  At first, she comes across as spoiled and demanding.  Then, she acts catty and materialistic when Una moves into her room.  These are all covert ways the young girl uses to cover up the insecure and painful feelings she has about herself and her family.  She acts like she doesn’t care, but she really does.  Both Una and Peter are developing characters.  For instance, Una begins shy, uncertain, and lonely but she develops into a bold, confident, and sociable young girl.  Peter comes across a bit arrogant and inflexible when you first meet him, but he develops into my favorite character.  As he helps Una on her quest, he becomes more flexible and sacrificial.  There are many interesting portraits of supporting characters like teachers, parents, and classmates.

Friendship, loyalty, freedom, family, and bravery are some of the positive motifs. Opportunities for discussion, though, are also prompted about censorship, government propaganda, fairy tale elements, gender roles, and stereotypes. 

Storybound concludes with some riveting revelations, but there is not a complete resolution to the action.  Story’s End is the planned sequel for 2013 which I am looking forward to reading.  I highly recommend Storybound for ages 8 and up.   Enter to win a copy: Debut Author Giveaway Hop.

Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. 

Chapter Book (Biography): Lincoln, A Photobiography (Russell Freedman)

I am thrilled that I have finally found a subject to write my first book on.   The subject is a biography of a person I have admired for many years.  I seriously considered naming my child after this person.  Unfortunately, there were way too many others giving their child this first name (not necessarily because of this historical person though).   I will reveal my subject once I get a draft done.  :)

I have read some really fantastic biographies lately.  Russell Freedman has always been, to me, the epitome of great biographical writing for children.   As I am preparing to begin work on my first biography, I turned to his works.  This week I reread Lincoln: A Photobiography.   

Freedman has amazing storytelling skills.   As I read, I felt as if Lincoln’s life was unfolding before me.   Often, he is painted heroically, larger than life, savior of the union, champion of freedom.   These things are no doubt true of him.   Lincoln is much more.   Most know he came from humble beginnings, but even into adulthood he struggled with many of our contemporary issues—depression, rejections, debt, money problems, malicious gossip, loss, failure, and feelings of inadequacy.   More than anything, he should be admired for overcoming these often overwhelming adversities.  No doubt they each had an impact on him that prodded him to succeed to the highest office and to become a man of great compassion and diplomacy. 

Freedman uses photographs in his story telling.  Each one gives a glimpse of Lincoln, his loved ones, his rivals, and his world.  Several depict soldiers—planning, fighting, and dying on the battlefield.   Surely, the war and its losses weighed heavily on a man who experienced it all too often at a personal level. Also, there are some popular political cartoons berating him.  In one he is depicted as a villainous coward sneaking into Washington for his inauguration.  Another one portrays him childishly playing tug-a-war with a map—a poke at him fighting over the union.  The illustrations add depth and reveal the criticism he faced and the complex political climate he navigated through.

Freedman uses quotes effectively.  Seamlessly, quotes by Lincoln and others of his time are interwoven to make this narrative personal and poignant.  For instance, when discussing Lincoln’s inner-conflict on when and how to free the slaves, quotes are interspersed that reveal both sides of the issue.    Eventually, Lincoln decides:  “Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history.  We of this administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves…In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free—honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve.”  Shortly after, he declared his view and policy in the Emancipation Proclamation.  

It is difficult to read this book and not develop an even deeper respect for our 16^th president.   This respect does not merely occur because of his outstanding words and acts that made him famous.  Instead, it comes from his quiet struggles, his personal growth, his courage of conviction, and his great love for his family.   I highly recommend Lincoln: A Photobiography for ages 8 and up. 

This post is linked up with Read Aloud Thursday.  Visit Hope is the Word for other great read aloud books for children.  

Picture Book: Grace for President (by Kelly Dipucchio)

Summary of Grace for President: 

One September morning Mrs. Barrington rolls out a big poster with all the presidents’ pictures.   Grace Campbell is stunned!  She wants to know:  Where are all the girls?!    Mrs. Barrington informs her that the country has never had a female president.  After stewing over that fact for a while, Grace informs the class that she wants to be president!  Many laugh at her suggestions, but her teacher encourages her enthusiasm by proposing they have their own presidential election at the school.  Nobody seems eager to challenge Grace, so she thinks it is going to be easy to get elected. The next day (in the name of democracy) Mrs. Barrington invited another class to be a part of the election process.  To Grace’s dismay, Thomas Cobb is nominated.  He is the spelling bee champion, winner of the blue ribbon in science, and the captain of the soccer team!  She realizes that winning the presidency is going to be a challenge.  The students in the two classes each represent a different state/number of electoral votes.  Both Grace and Thomas run their campaigns differently to win the majority of the electoral votes.  It looks like Thomas is shoo-in to win.  The election comes down to one vote!

Evaluation: 

Grace for President, by author Kelly Dipucchio, smoothly blends fact and fiction.   Grace observes that men have ruled the office, so she sets out to change things in her own way.  On a small scale, the school election reflects the real electoral process.  Each candidate campaigns with posters and promises, but one goes the extra mile by organizing a beautification committee and volunteering in the cafeteria.  They calculate the electoral votes to see who is ahead in the polls.  On Election Day, the “states” call out their votes while the candidates watch the electoral votes being added up.  This book is an ideal introduction or set for teaching children about the election process.  

The illustrations, by LeUyen Pham, are appealing.  They assist in capturing the excitement of the election activities.  The final page shows a woman (assumed to be Grace) being sworn in at the front of the capital building, instilling that dreams can come true if we work consistently toward them.  Grace is an amiable protagonist who possesses admirable character qualities.  She works diligently and consistently to promote positive change in her school. She spends much of her time working a long side her classmates and learning about their concerns.  Not only does the book prompt a general discussion on character but it also models the qualities real elected officials should possess.  Students should delve into that issue in a class or home discussion.  Grace for President a superb resource as you study elections, voting, government, or character.  

Picture Book: Otto Runs for President by Rosemary Wells

Story Summary of Otto Runs for President: 

Excitement fills the building as election time at Barkadelphia School is announced.  Tiffany, a popular poodle, and Charles, an all-star bulldog, are both certain they will be the next student body president.  Tiffany’s and Charles’ parents eagerly provide them with expensive signs and advertising. Their campaigns are run on their personal preferences.   Tiffany pledges to provide more mirrors in the girls’ room, barkaloungers instead of desks, and preferred seating in the cafeteria.   Charles promises skateboards in the halls, soda in the water fountains, and more meat for lunch.  They assume everyone will vote for them because they are popular and attractive.  Otto, a pensive and quiet student, decides to run for class president as well.  When he asks his classmates about their preferences, he finds out they want watermelon at lunch, a homework helpline, blankets for the kindergartens,  drums for the music time, and a class field trip.  As Charles beefs up his campaign promises, Tiffany and her friends begin to fight dirty.  They place sticky notes all over the lockers and school  making accusations that Charles is a cheater.  Charles is furious by this personal slander, so he retaliates by calling Tiffany a thief.  They are so busy fighting each other that they don’t notice Otto and his friends handing out cookies and showing concern for their classmates’ priorities.  When the election results are finally in, Otto wins.  He quickly works to follow through with his campaign promises to his classmates. 

 

Evaluation:

Accompanying the prose effectively are bright illustrations highlighting adorable animals in action, often in multiple events on a two-page spread.  While on the surface Otto Runs for President (by Rosemary Wells) is about elections, the values it illustrates are timeless.  First, the characters demonstrate how people in elections and in life rely on superficial qualities, such as popularity, beauty, or athletics.  While it wins Tiffany and Charles some friends, it alienates many people because they never show genuine concern for their classmates.  Second,  it exemplifies how a person can be successful with hard work and the proper priorities.  Otto keeps his campaign simple, focusing on listening to everyone in the school—even the kindergartens.  He makes campaign cookies with key words like “hotline” and “blankets” to let everyone know he is listening and he cares.  Also, this tale shows the importance of integrity.  Otto makes sure to fulfill his promises.  Shortly after the election, many of the items arrive—blankets, watermelon, and drums.  Even the field trip is planned.  Finally, this book is ideal to use during local, state, national, or even school elections.  Students receive a glimpse of the campaign process and learn an essential lesson on how to win with honor. 

Best Dog Picture Books (Series) for Primary to Intermediate

I wanted to put the LaRue books in my Top 5 Dog Books (series).  This series by Mark Teague has some unique qualities though that deserves its own entry.  Also, since it is geared more from older students, I am including a few other dog series for that audience. 

Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School (ages 6-12).  While Ike LaRue is in obedience school, he sends letters to his owner, Mrs. LaRue.  Each letter has a two-page spread with a black & white picture and a color picture.  Students should be challenged to critically evaluate:  Which ones do you think really portray what is going on?  How do you know? The character of LaRue is complex.  While he is clearly imaginative and clever, he is also mischievous and melodramatic.  It makes for an interesting discussion on characterization and plot.  The most common activity promoted for this book is letter writing which I have posted links for below.  It may also stimulate a discussion on article writing.  Students may practice writing an article about a real or make-believe event.  Finally, students will find it amusing to imagine an obedience school for children.  They may draw pictures of what it looks like, write a story about it, or compose a letter home about their experience.  Motifs to explore are cleverness, creativity, imagination, honesty, and persuasion.

Lesson Plan Extension Ideas & Activities for Dear Mrs. LaRue

Dear Mrs. LaRue Discussion Guide

Teaching Ideas from Scholastic

A Detailed Lesson on Letter Writing from an Education Major

Computer Activities for Dear Mrs. LaRue

Writing Lesson #1 Dear Mrs. LaRue

Writing Lesson 2: Dear Mrs. LaRue (see left-hand column)

Detective LaRue: Letters from the Investigation (ages 6-12).  This book is my favorite of the series.  Left alone while his owner is on vacation, Ike LaRue is accused of being responsible for a duo of missing cats.  Everyone thinks the cats are innocent victims, but, in fact, they are responsible for a string of disappearing small birds and critters.  Only Ike (and the reader) knows the truth...or do they? The story is told through letters, newspaper articles, and pictures.  Many educators use this book to teach letter writing to younger children.  I like this book for older children, though, because of its more complex characters and plot as well as its use of irony and humor.  Finally, use this book as a spring board (or as part of a unit) on the study of the mystery genre.  Motifs to explore are cleverness, perseverance, creativity, imagination, equality, fairness, and justice.

Lesson Plan Extension Ideas & Activities for Detective LaRue
*  Discuss the three types of irony:  verbal, dramatic, and situational.  Then, together identify examples of irony using the letters, articles, and pictures. 
*  Discuss the difference between the black & white pictures and the color pictures.  What is there purpose?  What is learned about the character and the plot through them.
*  Discuss point of view.  Who is telling the story?  How reliable is the character?  Can we trust him?  How does the point of view impact the reading of the story?  How would this story be different if it were from the cats’ point of view or police’s? 
*  Write a letter on one of the scenes from another characters’ point of view.

Detective LaRue

Teaching Ideas

Extension Activities:  Mystery Genre

Mystery Genre Activities

Exploring the Mystery Genre

Write a Mystery Workshop

Free Mystery Plans & Units

LaRue for Mayor: Letters from the Campaign Trail (ages 6-12).  In this installment in the series, Ike LaRue is up to more mischief.  To clear his name (and help out all dogs), he runs for mayor.  It follows the style of the previous books and lends to similar discussions (irony, humor, fantasy vs. reality, personification, letter writing, and so forth).  There are lots of fun activities that students can do that are specific to this book, such as making campaign posters or holding mock elections.  Also, social studies connections can be made about elections and voting.  Motifs from this book are cooperation, teamwork, leadership, honest, community, good manners, and responsibility. 

Lesson Plan Extension Ideas & Activities for LaRue for Mayor

Compare/Contrast Worksheet on Cats vs. Dogs

Links to Lesson Plans on Elections & Voting

More Links to Lesson Plans on Elections & Voting

Your Vote Counts Lesson Plan

Honorable Mention

Marley (ages 5-10).   Using inspiration from his Marley & Me books, John Grogan has written two series of picture books on his energetic dog.  The first book I read was Bad Dog, Marley. I was put off with the constant “Bad Dog, Marley” repetition.  The end turned out happily though.  I was much more delighted with the other two stories: A Very Marley Christmas and Marley Goes to School.Marley’s character is a combination of a real dog and a fictional personified one.  There are times when he is just a normal puppy, like chasing a ball or cuddling up with his owners.  On the other hand, he is unrealistically portrayed (for humor and excitement) when he uses a copy machine or lets the mice out of their cages.  Thus, this series invites the discussion of fantasy vs. reality and the use of personification.  Also, check out Marley and the Kittens and the I Can Read Marley series.

An Odorous Mention

Walter, the Farting Dog.  I was shocked to see a series on a farting (a word I hate) dog.  On the other hand, I was curious about it.   I read two books in the series so far: Walter the Farting Dog: Banned from the Beach and Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog.  The stories are creative and, well, interesting (though I am not sure that is the right word—LOL). Some call it immature and vulgar while others find it humorous and entertaining.  Check it out to decide for yourself.  Other titles are: Walter the Farting Dog, Walter the Farting Dog Goes on Cruise, Walter the Farting Dog and the Windy Day, and Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale.