5th grade core literature:
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Sign Of The Beaver
by Elizabeth George Speare
When we return to school, each of you will receive a copy of Sign of the Beaver. Together we will read this interesting story about Matt, left in the woods to take care of himself, and his new indian friend Attean who helps him survive. This story helps us to learn how native Americans adapted to their environments, and the effect new colonists had on their communities. Along with this book we will be studying native tribes across the United States and how their way of life was related to the ecosystem they lived in.
by Joseph Bruchac
The next class read-aloud:
Skeleton Man
by Joseph Bruchac This native American legend, with a traditional story twist, is told through the eyes of Molly. Molly leads a fairly normal life until her parents suddenly disappear. The story is an eerie tale of her life since her parents' disappearance. She is convinced that her parents are still alive, but is not sure exactly where they are or why they have abandoned her. Molly is sent to live with a man who supposedly is her "uncle" even though she has never met him and whom she has very uneasy feelings about. Her "uncle" actually reminds her of an old Native American legend about a "Skeleton Man" that her father once told her about. Throughout the story Molly also has dreams that seem to be warning her of impending dangers. Although a bit scary, this story will leave you hanging on to every page as the mystery unfolds!
When You Reach Me
by Rebecca Stead
When You Reach Me
, a young adult novel that was a winner of the 2010 Newbery Medal, was written by Rebecca Stead. Set in New York City in the late 1970s, it's an engrossing story about a young girl, her relationships with her friends, her single mother and her mother's boyfriend, and a mystery.
, a young adult novel that was a winner of the 2010 Newbery Medal, was written by Rebecca Stead. Set in New York City in the late 1970s, it's an engrossing story about a young girl, her relationships with her friends, her single mother and her mother's boyfriend, and a mystery.Miranda is in the sixth grade when she begins to receive a series of notes that indicate knowledge about Miranda's life that is seemingly impossible for anyone to have. Miranda's attempts to understand why she is receiving these notes and what they mean are beautifully illustrated through Miranda's interior monologues about growing up on the upper west side of Manhattan in 1979 and the trials and joys of sixth grade.
The story raises philosophical questions about the nature of time, the nature of friendship, courage and trust, and the meaning of life and death.
If you liked When You Reach Me,
you should try Rebecca Stead's other mysterious novel:
