Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Title: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
1977 Newbery Winner
Author: Mildred D. Taylor
Published: 1976
Plot Summary: An African American family living in Mississippi during the Depression era is terrorized by racism and poverty. 9 year old Cassie tries to make sense of the violence of the KKK that she and her family endure. Ultimately, her family survives in tact and maintains their land.
Main Characters: Cassie Logan, The Logan Family, TJ, Miz Lillian Jean, Mr. Morrison
Theme(s): the survival of the family despite terrible circumstances
Reader Response: Through an examination of race relations, readers will explore the rights of citizens and citizen responsibility in combating injustice.
Teaching Idea: Students form groups and role play scenarios where they resolve and negotiate conflict caused by an injustice. Students discuss the perceived injustice and how they felt as the perpetrators and/or the victims.
Grade Level: Gr. 4 - 7
Reading Level (Lexile): 960

Freight Train

Title: Freight Train
1979 Caldecott Honor Book
Author/Illustrator: Donald Crews
Published: 1978
Summary: Freight trains move across train tacks. There are 8 different colored cars; a red caboose, a Orange tank and so on until the black engine.
Memorable Quote: "Freight trains...moving in the darkness. Moving in the daylight. Going, going...gone."
Artistic Example: colorful freight trains.
Teaching Idea: basic colors
Grade Level: PreK - K5
Reading Level (Lexile): N/A

Jambo Means Hello; A Swahili Alphabet Book

Title: Jambo Means Hello: A Swahili Alphabet Book
1975 Caldecott Honor Book
Author/ Illustrator: Muriel Feelings/ Tom Feelings
Published: 1974
Summary: Introduces the language of Swahili. Each alphabet, 24 total, is illustrated in a two page spread, with pronunciations , sample words, and desciptions
Memorable Quote: "Parents teach their children the things they will need to know when they are grown."
Artistic Example: The pages are illustrated in black and white
artwork.
Teaching Idea: A lesson in the Swahili language.
Grade Level: k-4
Reading Level (Lexile): 640