Meet Balarama the Royal Elephant who is leading the celebration on the last day of Dasara in India. His debut as the specially selected chariot carrier is imminent. Will he be successful? Filled with vivid images and fascinating pageantry this book is an amazing tribute to these popular animals. [Summary from Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List]
The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley
According to Susy Twain, her father Mark is “perfect except he hasn’t extraordinary teeth.” And so begins this innovative biography partially written by thirteen-year old Susy. Complete with energetic illustrations and instructions on how to write your own biography, this book shows a whole other side of a beloved American author. [Summary from Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List]
This six weeks, all grades will be exploring nonfiction texts, specifically biographies and autobiographies.
3rd Graders will be reading Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell, which tells the story of Jane Goodall. You can read about Me...Janehere. Here's a video about Jane:
4th Graders will be reading Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg, the story of Annie Edson Taylor, the first daredevil to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel! Here's a slideshow of some pictures of Annie and her famous barrel: If you'd like to know more about Niagara Falls, Annie Edson Taylor, or other famous Niagara daredevils, click on her picture below:
Here's a video of one of the daredevils who followed Annie's lead and went over the falls in a barrel. Can you imagine what it must have felt like on the inside of this barrel?
And finally, here's a video of the author/illustrator, Chris Van Allsburg, talking about his book, Queen of the Falls:
5th Graders will be hearing excerpts from Jon Scieszka's autobiography, Knucklehead. Scieszka is a funny guy, so be sure to check out his entertaining website! And here's an interview with Scieszka...
Balarama: A Royal Elephant
