Panther Readers: Read On!

New Year, New Books!

2009-08-11T14:15:00.007-04:00

It is the 2009-2010 school year, and both of Panama Central School's libraries have received a set of "We The People" books on the topic of "Picturing America" from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association. These are the literary complement to the artwork we received last year on the same subject.

Teachers may wish to use additional resources here. Use this Panther Readers page to discuss the books!

Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out by the National Children's Book and Literary Alliance

2009-08-11T13:42:00.007-04:00

See the companion website at ourwhitehouse.org!

The contributors’ styles of writing are as varied as the images created for this book. There is historical fiction, a time-travel fantasy, memoir,
literature of fact, and more in this attractively illustrated anthology. As you read it you will learn more about American history as well as the home of our President.
Choose your favorite entry and describe its style and why you like it. Is it historical fiction? A memoir? Or? Why do you like it?

1776: The Illustrated Edition by David McCullough

2009-08-07T18:20:00.006-04:00

This book is for all ages and is a beautifully illustrated history of the American Revolution. If you didn't know the story already, you might think you were reading a suspense novel!

Describe something about the format of this book that makes it very effective.

Democracy in America by Alexis de Toqueville

2009-08-07T18:06:00.006-04:00

Sometimes it takes an outsider to clearly describe a situation. In 1831 Alexis de Toqueville visited America from France expressly to see how this democratic nation works. He then wrote this book, one of the most highly quoted books about America ever written. Read it to see why it still stands as a definitive text on the subject of our country.

Why does de Toqueville predict America is to become a great nation?

Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck

2009-08-07T17:53:00.005-04:00

Charley is Steinbeck's poodle, and together in 1960 they traveled America. This book chronicles that trip and the people they encountered.

1. Steinbeck considers that radio and teen popular music will minimize regional differences. Fifty years later, was he right? Describe why you think this is a good thing, or a bad thing.

OR

2. How has car travel changed in the 50 years since this book was written? Consider not only the vehicle, but the amenities available along the road, as well as the road itself.

Restless Spirit: The Life and Work of Dorothea Lange by Elizabeth Partridge

2009-08-07T17:40:00.005-04:00

This touching and poignant book of photographs by Dorothea Lange illustrates how she became the link between magazine readers and poorer folks in Depression era breadlines and migrant camps. The book includes her famous photographs and quotes by her, as well.

Dorothea Lange took pictures in the 1920's - 1940's that made people's problems real to others when they saw them in magazines. What are some ways that people bring attention to causes and problems today? If Dorothea were taking pictures today, where would she publish them for people to see and why would she choose those places?

Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph J. Ellis

2009-08-07T17:27:00.007-04:00

Founding Brothers presents six stories of those famous men of the 1770's who lead Britain's American colonies out of British rule and into a fledgling country on its own. Read each account to see how they relate to each other and tell a story greater than any one alone.

Many people prefer to read and learn history through stories. What advantages does this have for the reader? What drawbacks? Finally, which do you prefer and why?

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

2009-08-07T16:57:00.008-04:00

This novel tells the fun story of Tom Sawyer, a boy in Missouri in the 1860's that also reveals a lot about adults and society as well. Tom Sawyer has many adventures in this book with his friends Huck and Becky.

Tom Sawyer's best friend is Huck Finn. Do you have a friend like Huck? What does your friend have in common with Huck Finn?

Across America on an Emigrant Train by Jim Murphy

2009-08-07T16:23:00.005-04:00

Author Jim Murphy is well known for his interesting and enjoyable books about American History. This one uses the true story of Robert Louis Stevenson traveling by the trans-continental railroad in 1879 to California to depict the social issues of the day.

Nothing went faster than a train in 1879, and this was a very long journey. Think of one of the longest journeys you have ever taken. What kind of transporation did you use? Did you meet other people along the way? How was your experience different than Stevenson's?

The Life and Death of Crazy Horse by Russell Freedman

2009-08-07T15:14:00.007-04:00

This is a masterful biography of Lakota warrior Crazy Horse who lead his people through times of tumultuous change.

People remember Crazy Horse for the things he did as well as for the way he did them. List three things about Crazy Horse that made him an outstanding leader of his people.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

2009-08-07T14:11:00.007-04:00

This classic tale of rival suitors and supernatural horror is as compelling now as when it was written in 1820.

What do you think becomes of Ichabod Crane after he is hit by the pumpkin? The author hints that he may have disappeared from that area and gone on to become a lawyer and judge elsewhere. Based on what you know about Ichabod, do you think that could be true? Why or why not?

The Captain's Dog My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe by Ronald Smith

2009-08-06T15:18:00.006-04:00

This is the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition as told by an unexpected member of their travel group: their dog!

Your job is to think of a familiar story and then pick out a different character to tell the tale. Here are a few tales to choose from, or you can suggest one of your own: Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Kittens. Or, try one of these: President Obama's election, the story of your summer vacation, or maybe a biography about Benjamin Franklin. You don't have to retell the tale, just describe how the tale could be told by a different narrator!

Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule by Harriette Gillem Robinet

2009-08-06T15:02:00.005-04:00

When the United States Civil War was over, the government promised ex-slaves and poor white Southern families forty acres (and maybe a mule). Gideon is a black Union soldier who, along with his little brother and another ex-slave have one of these farms but lose it when others take revenge on them. Throughout this novel, Gideon never loses his dignity and freedom.

Describe what you think happens to Gideon and Pascal AFTER the story, as if you are outlining chapter 21.

On Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck

2009-08-06T14:49:00.009-04:00

Davey Bowman admires his dad and big brother, who flies B-17's in World War Two, more than anyone else in the world. Davey is just a kid, so his days are filled with air raid drills, scrap metal drives and rationing.

Davey does many things to help his family and also for the "war effort" such as the scrap metal drive. Make a list of then things you do to help your family. Here is a start:

1. I turn off the lights when I leave a room which saves money on electricity.
Now add nine more!

American Tall Tales by Mary Pope Osborne

2009-08-06T14:24:00.009-04:00

Tall Tales are American folklore with exaggeration and humor thrown in for good fun. You may know Johnny Appleseed and Paul Bunyon, but how about Mike Fink and Pecos Bill? These people may have really lived, but tales of their exploits have been embellished beyond belief. This enjoyable book contains nine tall tales, some parts of which are even true.

Does your family have any "tall tales" about its members? Maybe there is a story about Grandpa driving his first car that sounds hard to believe, or perhaps the story is about YOU! Tell us about it!

The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich

2009-08-06T14:09:00.005-04:00

During America's westward expansion, the Native American Anishinabe, or Ojibwa, live near Lake Superior. This story describes their lives without sentimentality.

Pick one:
Omakayas has a perfect day with Neewo in the scene on pages 40-46. Write about one of your best days.

OR

Omakayas has many conflicts with her brother Pinch. Write about a time when you did not get along with a brother or sister, and how you handled it.

Sweet Music in Harlem by Debbie Taylor

2009-08-06T13:58:00.006-04:00

C.J. aspires to be a jazz musician, just like his uncle. In this story, C.J.'s uncle is getting ready to pose for a photograph, and C.J. is looking everywhere in the neighborhood for the hat his uncle wants to wear in the picture. He manages to round up many other jazz musicians at the same time to pose together for the photo.

Jazz music is often spontaneous and improvised. How do the illustrations show that? Choose a page in the book to write about and describe how the picture is like jazz music.

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

2009-08-06T13:42:00.007-04:00

Illustrator Christopher Bing brings more than just pictures to Longfellow's classic poem. In this beautiful book you will find letters, maps and other things that collectively describe the world as it was.

Read the poem out loud. What does the rhythm remind you of? Why did the poet choose to make it sound that way?

Harvesting Hope: The Story of César Chávez — Kathleen Krull, also available in Spanish: Cosechando esperanza: La historia de César Chávez

2009-08-06T13:17:00.005-04:00

This is a picture book biography of Mexican American labor leader Cesar Chavez from age ten until age thirty-eight when he lead a peaceful protest about migrant farm workers terrible working conditions.

At the beginning of the story, we learn that Cesar's family produced nearly everything they need on their own farm. Do you and your family have anything that you produce or grow at home such as food from a garden or raising beef or chickens? What is it? What do you do to help with it?

Walt Whitman, Words for America by Barbara Kerley

2009-08-06T13:12:00.007-04:00

Walt Whitman, the poet, was also a United States Civil War nurse? Yes, and he used themes of the civil war in his poetry.

Have you ever created something that was based on a challenging experience you've had? Maybe you created a picture of it, or wrote about it. Do you think of that work of art, music, prose or poetry means more to you than other things you have created? Explain.

illustration © Dover Publications.

"The Fog Horn" by Ray Bradbury

2007-10-22T22:05:00.000-04:00

Comment on this: This short story seems so real and so fantastic at the same time. What makes it seem so real? What makes it seem so fantastic?

OR comment on this: Use your imagination to think of a creature that would respond to a different sound. Name the sound and describe the creature!

New Discussions?

2007-09-25T22:03:00.000-04:00

Okay, Panther Readers, now it is YOUR turn to bring up a few book or library related topics to discuss. Use the comment posting feature below to suggest some things that you would like to talk about on this blog. I'll create new posts based on what the readers want. I look forward to reading your suggestions!

The Most Dangerous Game

2007-09-25T21:30:00.000-04:00

This short story by Richard Connell is a suspenseful favorite of many. Try answering this question:

Is it ever morally right to kill another human being? How is killing in a war different from what Zaroff did?

The Wretched Stone by Chris Van Allsburg

2007-09-25T21:20:00.000-04:00

We read this together in 5th grade but readers of all ages will never forget the strong message of this powerful book! All are welcome to add comments on this question:

What are the benefits of watching TV or playing video games? What are the drawbacks?

The Big Read: Fahrenheit 451

2007-09-25T21:15:00.000-04:00

And you thought you wanted to be a fire man when you grew up!

Discuss your freedom of speech and the consequences of losing it.

Discuss your freedom to READ and the consequences of losing that!

Panama Libraries Receive We The People Books!

2006-09-01T22:06:00.000-04:00

What a collection of treasures! Fifteen books for students in grades K-12 all about "Becoming American." Each of our two libraries received all fifteen books and this blog is a place to learn more about them and also discuss them. Have you read any of these great books?

Each book has a place for you to post your comments about it. There is a suggested question to ponder as you comment. The comments are moderated by me, Mrs. Lundquist, so they won't appear right away. I will receive all of your comments, so don't forget to engage in actual thinking before you type!

Watch The Stars Come Out by Rikki Levinson, pictures by Diane Goode

2006-08-31T09:41:00.000-04:00

A grandmother tells her grandchildren the story of her own mama who came to America as a little girl on a boat crossing the Atlantic with her brother. There is a happy reunion with their parents after they see the Statue of Liberty! Many of our own ancestors have shared stories like this with us. Is this story similar to your family's stories? Share your comments on this book!

We have this title in English and Spanish.

The Lotus Seed by Sherry Garland, pictures by Tatsuro Kiuchi

2006-08-30T09:53:00.000-04:00

A young Vietnamese girl saves a lotus seed and carries it with her everywhere to remember a brave emperor and the homeland that she has to flee. As a grandmother in America the lotus grows and carries her memories and stories to her grandchildren.

Many families have items that hold memories from earlier generations. Does yours? Please share an item and its story in the comments.

Grandfather's Journey by Alan Say

2006-08-29T10:05:00.000-04:00

A Japanese American man tells the story of his grandfather who came to America but still loved Japan.

Like the narrator of this story, many Americans hold strong feelings in their hearts about their ancestors' homeland. Does your family celebrate a particular ethnic heritage? What do you do? Please share an example in the comments.

Immigrant Kids by Russell Freedman

2006-08-28T10:15:00.000-04:00

Imagine being the new kid in town when the old town was across the ocean! This book describes what it was like to be an immigrant kid in the late 1800's and early 1900's and includes photographs of these kids at home, school and work.

What kinds of jobs or schools did your immigrant ancestors have when they first came to America? Panther Readers, please share a story in the comments!

The People Could Fly: The Picture Book

2006-08-27T10:21:00.000-04:00

This African American folktale is retold by Virginia Hamilton and beautifully illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. When Africans were captured for slavery "The ones that could fly shed their wings. They couldn't take their wings across the water on the slave ships. Too crowded, don't you know." In this tale, slaves call upon the ancient magic of their ancestors to fly away from their sadness and starvation.

Not all immigrants were happy to be in America. Does your family have any stories of people who were better off in the old country? Share an example in the comments.

Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving, pictures by Arthur Rackham

2006-08-26T10:30:00.000-04:00

Rip Van Winkle goes to sleep in the Catskill Mountains when King George III is on the throne and awakens 20 years later when George Washington is president. Times change so quickly!

We own this title in English and Spanish, but only the English version has the beautiful illustrations by Arthur Rackham.

Early American immigrants experienced a lot of change in their lifetimes, too. Who was the president of the United States when you were born AND name one thing, anything, that has come along in your lifetime. It could be an invention, a new gadget, a movement, a type of music or technology or even a fad. Tell us about it in the comments with your comment on the book.

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord, pictures by Marc Simont

2006-08-25T10:46:00.000-04:00

It is 1947 and Shirley Temple Wong and her family have settled in Brooklyn, NY from China. She learns American ways at school, her neighborhood and through the hope she gets from Jackie Robinson, hero of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Shirley is inspired by Jackie Robinson's achievements and the support he gets from so many Americans. Who inspires you today and why?

Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith

2006-08-24T12:57:00.000-04:00

With fighting erupting around his Kansas farm, 16-year-old Jefferson Davis Bussey can hardly wait to join the Union forces. When he infiltrates Colonel Watie's Confederate camp as a spy, he discovers the enemy is much like himself -- only fighting for a different cause. Stand Watie is the leader of Cherokee raids in the western campaign of the United States Civil War!

Jeff Bussey grows up during his experiences in this dark and difficult war. He encounters all sorts of people, good and evil. Comment here on the book and also on a character of your choice using the idea that difficult circumstances made Jeff Bussey a stronger man.

The Glory Field by Walter Dean Myers

2006-08-23T13:21:00.000-04:00

One family's 250 year history is traced from 1750 when Muhammad Bilal in Sierra Leone is captured and brought to the English colonies into slavery. Family members are depicted in the civil war, great depression and civil rights movement. The Glory Field refers to a particular plot of land in South Carolina that plays a role in their family history.

Panther readers, comment on a character in The Glory Field who stood up for personal beliefs and describe how that is part of being American.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

2006-08-22T13:51:00.000-04:00

Francie Nolan gains resiliency and strength growing up in the Brooklyn slums at the turn of the last century. This story emphasizes the role of family, neighborhood and society in the lives of immigrants.

Panther Readers, as you comment on the book discuss the shame Francie and her friends feel about being poor. Why did they feel that way? Do we feel the same way today?

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

2006-08-21T13:57:00.000-04:00

In the early twentieth century a young Chinese boy joins his father in San Francisco and helps him realize his dream of making a flying machine.

As you comment on this book, explain why achieving a dream, or simply having one, is important.

Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather

2006-08-20T14:01:00.000-04:00

Two Roman Catholic priests travel and work in the American Southwest of the 1850's. This book, which reads like a series of short stories, relates their encounters with many different people. The Roman Catholic Church played a defining role in that region, first through the Spanish, whose descendents welcomed the priests and later through the missions. We own this title in English and Spanish.

As you comment on this book, see if you can make some sense of the title itself. What does Death Comes for the Archbishop refer to?

Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza

2006-08-19T14:22:00.000-04:00

This is the true story of the author who was born in Mexico, emigrated to California with his family for safety during the Mexican Revolution and went on to graduate from Stanford and Columbia. Ernesto Galarza was nominated for a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1979.

When some people became Americans they brought certain vocabulary words with them. When you comment on this book, please include some words you found in this book that are Spanish in origin that became part of the American English language.

Giants in the Earth: A Saga of the Prairie by Ole Edvart RÃ¸lvaag

2006-08-18T14:23:00.001-04:00

This is the story of Scandinavians settling in the Dakota Territory with all of its hardships and triumphs, opportunity and isolation with the hope and determination that they had.

As you comment on this book, explain what the title might refer to.

Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, edited by Louis P. Masur

2006-08-18T14:23:00.000-04:00

You've read what others have said about this printer, writer, politician and scientist. Now read what he wrote about himself!

Some people not only "became American" but helped to shape what being American means. Comment on this in relation to Ben Franklin when you post your comments on this book.