Search This Blog

Sunday, November 20, 2011

You Can Be A Friend ~ Tony & Lauren Dungy (2011, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division)

Summary: This book is about a young girl, Jade, who grew up with lots of brothers. One day, a new family moves into the house next door. Jade is really excited because she heard a the family has a girl her age. Jade soon finds out that the girl, Hannah, is in a wheelchair. Jade becomes great friends with Hannah. Jade eventually has to decide where to have her birthday party. She wants to have it at the amusement park but she knows that Hannah will not have fun there. Jade decides to have it at the zoo to make sure Hannah has fun too. 


My Review: I like the book. I think it tells a sweet story about two young girls and one of them has to make decision that impact more than just herself. It's a great way to teach children that the world does not revolve around them and to think about the way their actions impact those around them. The fact that Hannah is in a wheelchair, makes it easier for students to comprehend the importance of Jade's decision. 


Genre: Disabilities, Friendship
Theme / Skill: How to be a good friend
Age Level: 6-10


Pre-reading Activity: Read the title of the book then ask students what they think the book will be about. Ask students to think about what it means to be a friend. Write down some of their responses. 


Post-reading Activity: Ask the students what they thought about the story. After students share some responses, have students write a response to the questions: Was Jade being a good friend? Why or why not? What would you do if you were Jade? 

No comments:

Post a Comment