An Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming

Gore, Al
Viking Juvenile (February 20, 2007)

*Appropriate for grades 4-8*

Adapted for the "younger generation," this is a simplified version of Gore's recent film documentary, offering clear terminology and definitions. Gore begins with a personal introduction discussing his developing awareness about environmental issues, when his mother read Rachel Carson's Silent Spring aloud to him as a teenager. The book provides before-and-after photographs; a shocking portrayal of how global warming has already effected our environment. Gore takes a "what you see is what you get" approach to his text, stating the simple facts in the hopes of motivating young people to save our planet.

• Have a class discussion about the validity of Al Gore's statements. Should we believe everything we read? How can we decipher between fact and opinion?
• Brainstorm a list of things we can do to prevent global warming from harming our environment, our ecosystems, and future generations. Vote on which ideas to act upon as a class.
  
• Visit www.aninconvenienttruth.com.au/truth/interactions.htm to create your own movie poster or geography quiz.
  

Charlotte's Web

White, E.B.
HarperCollins (October 2, 2001)

*Appropriate for grades 3-5.

Piglets are born on a farm, and the farmer's daughter, Fern, begs him not to kill the runt. The smallest piglet is saved. Fern names him Wilbur, and the pair love each other dearly. There comes a time, however, when Wilbur must be sold. Living on the Zuckermans' farm and separated from Fern, Wilbur is miserable. Just when he thinks things can't get any worse, he hears a friendly little voice say, "Salutations." The small voice from up above comes from Charlotte, the spider. The two become friends and live a happy existence within the barn (with occasional interludes involving Templeton: the clever, selfish rat) until Wilbur discovers that he will be killed for Christmas dinner. Wilbur panics, and Charlotte comes up with a plan. She creates a special interest for Wilbur by weaving "Some Pig" into her web. Wilbur's life is saved, and Charlotte continues to weave complimentary terms above Wilbur's pen. The day comes when Wilbur is entered into the county fair. Charlotte stays home to work on her egg sack. The competition is tough (against a pig named Uncle), but Wilbur wins first place. Wilbur finds himself in a truly safe and happy home, until his friend and savior, little Charlotte dies. Her spiders hatch and fly away in the wind, with the exception of three. Wilbur takes care of the little ones, always remembering the spider who loved him.

• Students may continue the story, writing about the adventures of one of Charlotte's spiderlings.
  
• Ask students to discuss the sacrifices that Charlotte made for Wilbur. Why would she do such a thing, and how did Wilbur repay her?  Was this fair?
• Students might write a letter to Wilbur, giving him advice regarding loneliness.  Ask them to think about what the author is saying about this issue.  Do they agree?  What are the alternatives?
• Compare the movie with the book using a Venn Diagram.  
• Use this novel to discuss the farm yard ecosystem, and as a spring board into studying other ecosystems.

Bad Boy: A Memoir

Myers, Walter Dean
Amistad (May 7, 2002)

*Appropriate for Young Adults (Grade 7+)

Walter Dean Myers tells the story of his boyhood, beginning with with his adoption into an inter-racial family in 1940's Harlem. Myers vividly describes his frustrations in school, stemming from a speech problem that everyone else seems to notice but him. Because his words are unclear, little Walter uses his fist in order to express himself. His teachers label him a "Bad Boy," which haunts him throughout his school career. Ostracized by his teacher and classmates, and with nothing left to do, Walter discovers his love for literature and poetry. When one special sixth grade teacher realizes Walter's potential, he is encouraged to use his intellect, and is then sent on to a school for the gifted. This is where he begins to truly develop his talent for writing, realizing that while his speech is unclear, his written work can compensate. Sadly, as a result of financial struggles, strains on family relationships, and a growing awareness of racism against African Americans, Walter attends school less and less. He drops out of high school, enlists in the army, and participates in illegal activities. From here, Walter Dean Myers describes the painful journey back into the realization that whatever happens, he should never stop writing.

• Bad Boy is a good novel to read during Black History Month. Use the numerous references to slavery, racism, African-American writers, ball players, and musicians as a springboard for further study.
  
• Have your class read the poetry of Walter Dean Myers for the purpose of investigating what aspects of his life may have inspired selected poems.
  
• Use this novel as a mentor text for teaching the writing of memoir.