Annotated Book List

Coles, R.  (1995).  The Story of Ruby Bridges.  New York: Scholastic Inc.

The Story of Ruby Bridges illustrates the challenges of a young African American girl who is the first to go to her school.  She is faced with intense racism from the community, but perseveres through the hate by showing up to school each day and praying for those who do not like her.  This book will be used for small group discussions and assignments.

Lyon, G.E.  (1991).  Cecil’s Story.  New York: Orchard Books.

Cecil is a young boy faced with the uncertain fate of his father who goes to war.  The book presents ‘what if’ scenarios if his father does not return.  Throughout the scenarios he believes in himself that he can continue life, but does not have to worry once his father returns at the end.  This book will be used for small group discussions and assignments.

Mitchell, M.K.  (1993).  Uncle Jed’s Barbershop.  New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.

Uncle Jed is a man with a dream of one day owning a barbershop.  He saves money throughout the book, but faces difficult times when he chooses to help his niece pay for surgery, looses all his money in the bank, and survives through the depression.  At age 79, he finally opens his barbershop.  This book will be used for small group discussions and assignments.

Ringgold, F.  (1999).  If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks.  New York: Simon &    Schuster Books for Young Readers.  

A young girl catches a bus to school and quickly realizes it is not an ordinary bus.  It is a talking bus that tells the story of Rosa Parks and her famous role in the Civil Rights movement.  This book does an excellent job showing Mrs Parks challenges, actions, and outcome.  This book will be used to introduce the literature unit.

Wiles, D.  (2001).  Freedom Summer.  New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Joe and John are best friends in the 1960s.  Joe is White and John is African American.  John is not allowed into the general store to buy treats like Joe can, so John has to wait outside.  When news of the town pool and other establishments will be desegregated Joe and John rush over the following day.  They are dismayed to find that it has closed; the owner would rather close the pool than allow African American’s to swim.  It is a sobering lesson that even if a law is written it will not easily change people’s minds.   This book will be used for small group discussions and assignments.

Williams, V.B.  (1982).  A Chair for My Mother.  New York: Greenwillow Books.

A girl and her mother loose everything when a fire destroys their belongings.  Their neighbors provide the family with many basic needs, but the one item they strive for is a big, comfortable chair.  Each day the girl, mother, and grandmother contribute coins to a large jar as a fund for the chair.  When they finally fill the jar they purchase their chair.  This book will be used for small group discussions and assignments.

Learning Targets

1. Students will understand what it takes to persevere despite adversity.  (Concept/Generalization)

2. Students will be able to summarize the main character(s) challenge.  (Skill/Process)

3. Students will be able to use specific details from the story to explain how the main character(s) persevered despite adversity.  (Skill/Process)

4. 4.Students will be able to increase comprehension through small group discussions.  (Skill/Process)
   

Content Generalizations

   A.It is necessary to believe in yourself to persevere.

   B.Sometimes, we need to ask for help to overcome adversity.

   C.No matter how old you are, you have the ability to accomplish goals.

Contact

Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions: fukudaj@seattleu.edu.