First, if you're here for Erin's (I'm Lovin Lit) giveaway, click here. If you aren't, then go check it out after you read because you DON'T want to miss it! Now you may continue...
I wanted to link up with Andrea yesterday, but I didn't have time. This is a book that I found on Monday, and I'm SO excited to share about it that I decided I didn't care if it's not Thursday anymore!
Have you read it? I was actually in the library looking for two other books that we ended up not having, but I decided to ask our librarian for suggestions of books the students hadn't already heard a million times before that were good. She sent me out with three, and this is definitely my favorite of the group! First off, it's Cynthia Rylant, so you know it will be good. Then it's just a GREAT story! Be sure to read it ahead of time so you don't get as choked up.
Here's what Amazon says:
In Appalachia each Christmas, a boy named Frankie waits beside the tracks for the Christmas Train, which will bring presents to the children who live in coal towns and hollows. Year after year, Frankie hopes that one particular gift a very special gift will be tossed to him from that train. It is this enduring hope that will guide him to the true meaning of the season. Full color.
We have been doing a few lessons recently that are all related to the true spirit of Christmas. I also bought Erin's Ultimate Christmas Bundle which contains a great lesson on childhood poverty in America. It ties in PERFECTLY with this book! If you don't want the whole bundle, the lesson is found in her Common Core Christmas unit.
What other great non-traditional books do you like to use during this time of the year?
I so wish that I worked with upper grades more because this book would be perfect! Thanks so much for linking up! It doesn't have to be Thursday!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Reading Toward the Stars
It is a great one, Andrea. I wish I had multiple copies of it. Melissa...do you work with just upper elementary? That's my current placement. We definitely need to exchange materials and ideas since we're both in Virginia working on the same things! I've been trying to use mentor texts a lot to model for the kids, and I think this will work well for writing and other reading comprehension skills. Another one I need to do something with at some point is Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco. I go multiple sets of hardback at Ollies on clearance for ~$2.00 per book...a steal! Have you used it? Well, glad you commented. I'm leaving a novel here in your comments...sorry!
DeleteCarla
Comprehension Connection
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Hey Melissa! Just stopping by to let you know that you were one of the winners of my holiday packets giveaway. I would love to send you those packets. Could you send me your email so I can get them to you? anappleadayinfirstgrade@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Karen
An Apple a Day in First Grade