The Legend of the Bluebonnet

DePaola, Tomie. (1983). The Legend of the Bluebonnet. New York, NY: Penguin Putman Books.

Genre: Fantasy/Legends and Myths
Lexile Measure: AD740L
DRA: 34

Summary: The Great Spirits have punished the Comanche people with a drought for being selfish with the land. The Comanches dance for the Great Spirits to bring back the rain an end the drought that has killed many, including the family of She-Who-Is-Alone. In order to end the famine, the Great Spirits want a burn offering of the most valued possession from the tribe. She-Who-Is-Alone offers her warrior doll to save her people, the only memory she has from her family who died in the famine. For her courage the Great Spirits bring back the rain and for her sacrifice they give the Comanche people the gift of the bluebonnets.

Readers Response: She-Who-Is-Alone teaches us that young people are capable of making sacrifices for the good of others. The Legend of the Bluebonnet is a great book to be read in cross curriculum activities. It can be read during a Texas Social Studies Unit and/or Native American Unit. It can also be read when studying about cultures and traditions around the world. It is a great book to include while studying about traditional literature. If you liked The Legend of the Bluebonnet you will like the following legend books also written by Tomiede Paola.

Book discussion by Scholastic

It's a Book

Smith, Lane. (2010). It's a Book. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press.

Genre: Fantasy

Interest level: K-3rd

Summary: It's a book! Monkey tries to explain to the tech save Donkey the simplicity of a book. Monkey tries to be very patient when explaining that a book doesn't need to be charged. It doesn't Tweet or text. It doesn't required a password. It's just a good book! Donkey borrows the book and finds it hard to put it down. He has been absorbed by the story and finally learned the pleasure of reading. 

Reader Response: The book invites children to put down the devices and read a book. This is a book teachers and parents can share with kids to help them disconnect (at least for a moment) from computers, cell phones, or Ipads and open a book and enjoy a good story. 

Author's Web Page

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Clearly, Beverly. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: Newberry Medal
Lexlile Measure: 910L
DRA: 40

Summary: Second grader, Leigh Botts claims himself to be the number one fan of the author, Mr. Henshaw. He writes to his favorite author for a classroom assignment and to his surprise the author writes back. At first Leigh is unsatisfied with the simple questions he gets from his idol, but replies anyway. He finds himself reveling so much of his life, from being raised by a single parent, being the new kid at school, the roller coster relationship with his dad, to the thief that steals his lunch at school. Mr. Henshaw encourages Leigh to keep a dairy, which helps him write his frustrations and emotions that he finds difficult to talk about with others. Four years later, Botts still writes to his author and finds out that not only his writing improved, but also the way he views life.

Reader Response:This book is a great way to teach cross curriculum activities. Reading and letter writing skills can be both taught using this book. Students can also be encourage to write to their favorite author or write in a journal or diary just like the character, Leigh Botts.

Dear Mr. Henshaw Reading Guide by Angela Bean Bolton

Other Books by Beverly Clearly:

George by Alex Gino

Gino, Alex. (2015). George. New York, NY: Scholastic Corporation.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Lexile Measure: 790L
DRA: 60


Summary: George is a 10 year old boy who is battling with gender identity. He struggles daily on how to tell the people close to him how he really feels about himself without jeopardizing their relationship. He is constantly teased by his peers and misunderstood by his teachers, but fortunately he has Kelly, his best friend and confidant. He wants to participate in the school play and audition for the most important part, "Charlotte", from Charlotte's Webb. George feels that "Charlotte" we will give the courage and opportunity to let everyone know who he really is.

Reader Response: George is a diverse book that can teach us about the struggles of today's society. It makes us put ourselves in the shoes of those who struggle with gender identity. This book will help teachers, parents, and students understand what it feels to be transgender and also learn about standing up to bullying.

Author's Web Page

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