A is for Abigail- An Almanac of Amazing American Women

Written by Lynne Cheney and Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Mrs. Cheney, the former 2nd wife the the United States of America.  (Former Vice President Dick Cheney's wife) Glasser was first a successful ballet artist.  Now she is a well known children's literature illustrator.  To find out more click here.

Genre: Non-Fiction/Biography
Theme: Historical Women/ Alphabet
Ages: 7-11

Summary: This is an alphabet book that for each letter highlights an important woman or concept for american history.







Link to Picture

Pre-Reading Activity: Ask students to name important historical figures. You may or may not be surprised, but most names that pop up will be male.  Have a discussion about how men and women are equally important to our history and bringing us to where we are today.

Post-Reading Activity: Using this text as a center activity have individuals or small groups review the page that was read aloud in class for the day.  Have them keep a log, or fill out a worksheet keeping track of the letter for the day, important names, what they did, and at least 2 other facts from the page.

Reflection: To be honest this is a book so full of wonderful facts and historical information that I may take only one person/page at a time, maybe each day or highlight one woman a week.

A Swim through the Sea

Written and Illustrated by Kristin Joy Pratt. This author illustrator began her career during high school.  She is now married and becoming a popular artist and writer.  To find out more about Pratt click here.

Genre: Non-Fiction
Theme: Animals/Marine Life/ Habitat, Alphabet
Ages: 4 - 7

Summary: This is an alphabet story about Seamore the seahorse and the many different animals he'd see if he went exploring the sea.  From A to Z  he sees clown fish, dolphins, and many more creatures.




Link to Picture

Pre-Reading Activity: Ask students if they recall how they had to learn names of their classmates.  Remind them about how the name game works.  Have a go around practicing the rules. Example: "My name is Mrs. Roeder, and I like to read."  This is a great way to practice alliteration skills. Students will see alliteration used in the following text.

Post-Reading Activity:  Students should discuss the habitat they have learned about in this book, marine life.  Discuss other habitats then have students write about the other 'animals' (family members and pets) that coexist with them in their habitat.

Reflection: This is a great source for animals, fish, habitat, alphabet, and even alliteration skills. The pictures are vibrant and accurate. It is a wonderful text for science and literature cross curricular content.