The Lorax- Dr. Seuss

From one of the most well known and loved authors of all time, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a book that could be read by children of all ages. This story takes place among the among the forest in which the lorax is seeking to defend the life of the trees before the greedy once-ler. Seeking to build upon his own success and avarice, the once-ler is overtaking the environment and the trees therein. But through devotion and by having a hopeful spirit, the lorax is able to persevere for the survival of the environment. After having a failing business and a desolate area with no more trees, the once-ler decides he better change his ways.

This story would be a good text to incorporate into the classroom, although the undertones may be somewhat controversial, in speaking with students about the care for the environment. Through entering the imaginary world of Dr. Seuss, students are able to see in metaphorical ways, how the world can be affected by the ways we as humans, choose to care for it.

Fantasy

Who was Harriet Tubman- Yona Zeldis McDonough

This biography about Harriet Tubman simply tells the life long story of the woman who was considered the Moses for ending African American slavery.

After not only being born into slavery, Harriet was a slave for most of her life. As she continued to hear about the Underground Railroad from other field workers she became courageous and intrigued, longing to find freedom. She took the railroad up north to Philadelphia and from then on helped rescue and lead to freedom over seventy slaves. Her life is evidence of what determination and hope can lead to, not only in her own life but in our society today.

Through implementing this text and biographies like this into the classroom, students will be able to learn from real life events that took place long ago. By reading about the real hardships, struggles, and journeys people have taken and endured to obtain the different rights and privileges we have today, students can grow in appreciation for these heroes, the history they have made and the future they have set for us as a latter generation.

Non-Fiction

Number the Stars- Lois Lowry

This story about a young girl growing up during the stressing time of WW II and jewish persecution is a story that will continue to grip minds and hearts of readers for years on end. The realistic events portrayed by Lois Lowry in Number the Stars, will help students to always remember the horrific events that took place long ago.

This story can be used within the classroom to talk through historical aspects of the holocaust, WWII, or even used as way to restore unity among people. Using Smilebox as a means of technology, students can depict this real life tragedy of events in a heartfelt way.

Historical Fiction/Chapter Book

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