Peppe the Lamplighter

Title: Peppe the Lamplighter
1994 Caldecott Honor Book
Author/Illustrator: Elisa Bartone/ Ted Lewin
Published: 1993
Summary: The story summarizes the life of an Italian family during the early 20th century.
Memorable Quote: Please, Peppe, light the lamps. You will make me proud.”
Artistic Example: Illustrations cleverly projects the look of early 20th century. The dark background shows how important the "lamplight" is.
Teaching Idea: Have children write/draw feelings/reactions of children when first in the dark, then in the light.
Grade Level: K5 - 5
Reading Level (Lexile): 570

Smoky Night

Title: Smoky Night
1995 Caldecott Winner
Author/Illustrator: Eve Bunting/ David Diaz
Published: 1994
Summary: Looking down from their window, Daniel and his mom watch people riot in the streets.
Memorable Quote: They don't care anymore what's right and what's wrong.
Artistic Example: Photographs of symbolic debris such as bits of food and coat hangers give the story a very realistic feel.
Teaching Idea: Encourage tolerance of diversity and foster students strong sense of connection and responsibility for their communities by discussing ways children can volunteer in their community. Students create a journal of volunteer ideas and experiences. Some students that volunteer in their community will be featured on school's morning news show to share volunteer experiences.
Grade Level (Lexile): K5 - 3
Reading Level: 360

Golem

Title: Golem
1997 Caldecott Medal Winner
Author/Illustrator: David Wisniewski
Published: 1996
Summary: Rabbi Loew forms a giant, Golem, from clay to defend the Jews of Praque from persecution.
Memorable Quote: Would a people who celebrate the end of their own slavery wish to inflict slavery on others?
Artistic Example: Layered cut-paper collages of Rabbi Loew giving life to the clay formed Golem convey the richness of symbolism in Jewish mysticism.
Teaching Ideas: Discuss the art technique of collage. Students will use magazines to make a collage inspired by another collage illustrated book about a group of people who have historically fought against prejudice and intolerance such as African Americans in Nikki Giovanni's Rosa.
Grade Level: 3 - 6
Reading Level (Lexile): 690