Martin's Big Words

Martin’s Big Words

by Doreen Rappaport

Illustrated by Bryan Collier

Discussion Guide:

Pre-reading:

What is a leader? What does a person do to become a leader? What makes a good leader?

Genre: Biography

We study biography to learn from the lives of others. Why is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. an important person to read about? What can we learn from the way he lived his life? The author, Doreen Rappaport, inserted many of Dr. King’s own words throughout the text. Why do you think this was an important thing to do?

Illustration:

Read the illustrator’s note and study each page before answering the following questions: What does the collage add to the story of Dr. King? Which illustration is your favorite? Why? Why do you think they decided not to put any words on the cover of the book?

What does Bryan Collier mean when he says, “…windows allow you to look past where you are.” Why is that idea important to the Civil Right movement?

Theme: Equality

The Civil Rights Movement worked to create equal opportunities for African-American people. What are some specific examples in education, employment, and public settings that needed to change for equality? Are there still things that need to be changed?

Setting:

What are the major settings in the biography of Dr. King? Which illustrations give you a clue that it is in a different time than today? What part of the country did most of Dr. King’s work focus on? Why?

Across the Curriculum

Language Arts:

Write a biography of another hero or major figure of the Civil Rights Movement. Use a similar style to that of Doreen Rappaport- allowing your subject to speak for herself whenever possible.

Write a letter to Dr. King about what you learned from him.

Vocabulary:

Define the following words and draw a picture that will help you remember what they mean:

hymn, citizen, courage, protest, rights, movement, peace, freedom, and segregation.

Social Studies:

In small groups, research one of the following events or people from the Civil Rights Movement and create a pamphlet about it. Include who was involved, where it took place, why it is important, and what effect it had. Present your findings to the class.

Brown vs. Board of Education

Montgomery Bus Boycott

March on Birmingham, Alabama

March on Washington, D. C.

24^th Amendment

Voting Rights Act

Civil Rights Act

Bombing of the 16^th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham

Ruby Bridges

Rosa Parks

Mathematical/ Logical:

Fill out the diagram on Dr. Martin Luther King or create one of your own about what you learned about his life.

Art:

Explore the technique of collage and depict another scene or person from the Civil Rights Movement.

Science/Health:

Dr. King worked hard to help people earn a living wage, enough money to help their families get out of poverty. Research what effects poverty has on children’s health and education. Make a poster about what you learned.

Music:

Find recordings of these songs that were sung during the Civil Rights Movement. Write a brief journal about why you think they were important.

"Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing,"

We Shall Overcome."

"Oh, Freedom."

"Only a Pawn in Their Game,"

"I'm on My Way."

“How I Got Over."

Careers:

Make a list of all the careers mentions in Martin’s Big Words. Many of these jobs are done in service to other people. Brainstorm all the service jobs that you can in the following industries:  food service, medicine, and education.

Martin’s Big Words

by Doreen Rappaport

Illustrated by Bryan Collier

Discussion Guide:

Pre-reading:

What is a leader? What does a person do to become a leader? What makes a good leader?

Genre: Biography

We study biography to learn from the lives of others. Why is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. an important person to read about? What can we learn from the way he lived his life? The author, Doreen Rappaport, inserted many of Dr. King’s own words throughout the text. Why do you think this was an important thing to do?

Illustration:

Read the illustrator’s note and study each page before answering the following questions: What does the collage add to the story of Dr. King? Which illustration is your favorite? Why? Why do you think they decided not to put any words on the cover of the book?

What does Bryan Collier mean when he says, “…windows allow you to look past where you are.” Why is that idea important to the Civil Right movement?

Theme: Equality

The Civil Rights Movement worked to create equal opportunities for African-American people. What are some specific examples in education, employment, and public settings that needed to change for equality? Are there still things that need to be changed?

Setting:

What are the major settings in the biography of Dr. King? Which illustrations give you a clue that it is in a different time than today? What part of the country did most of Dr. King’s work focus on? Why?

Across the Curriculum

Language Arts:

Write a biography of another hero or major figure of the Civil Rights Movement. Use a similar style to that of Doreen Rappaport- allowing your subject to speak for herself whenever possible.

Write a letter to Dr. King about what you learned from him.

Vocabulary:

Define the following words and draw a picture that will help you remember what they mean:

hymn, citizen, courage, protest, rights, movement, peace, freedom, and segregation.

Social Studies:

In small groups, research one of the following events or people from the Civil Rights Movement and create a pamphlet about it. Include who was involved, where it took place, why it is important, and what effect it had. Present your findings to the class.

Brown vs. Board of Education

Montgomery Bus Boycott

March on Birmingham, Alabama

March on Washington, D. C.

24^th Amendment

Voting Rights Act

Civil Rights Act

Bombing of the 16^th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham

Ruby Bridges

Rosa Parks

Mathematical/ Logical:

Fill out the diagram on Dr. Martin Luther King or create one of your own about what you learned about his life.

Art:

Explore the technique of collage and depict another scene or person from the Civil Rights Movement.

Science/Health:

Dr. King worked hard to help people earn a living wage, enough money to help their families get out of poverty. Research what effects poverty has on children’s health and education. Make a poster about what you learned.

Music:

Find recordings of these songs that were sung during the Civil Rights Movement. Write a brief journal about why you think they were important.

"Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing,"

We Shall Overcome."

"Oh, Freedom."

"Only a Pawn in Their Game,"

"I'm on My Way."

“How I Got Over."

Careers:

Make a list of all the careers mentions in Martin’s Big Words. Many of these jobs are done in service to other people. Brainstorm all the service jobs that you can in the following industries:  food service, medicine, and education.

Lincoln and Douglass and American Friendship

Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship by Nikki Giovanni Illustrated by Bryan Collier About the book: In 1865, at the reception to celebrate his second inauguration as president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln kept an eye out for a special guest: Frederick Douglass. Although Lincoln was white and Douglass was black although Lincoln was born free and Douglass had been born a slave, both were central figures in the American abolitionist movement. This is a glimpse into an unusual friendship between two great American leaders. At a time when racial tensions were high and racial equity was not yet established, Lincoln and Douglass formed a strong bond over shared ideals and worked alongside each other for a common goal. Award-winning poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni’s lyrical text combines with Bryan Collier’s stunning cut-paper collages to tell the story of this unique historic friendship. About the author: Nikki Giovanni has written many collections of poetry for both children and adults as well as several books for children including Rosa, The Sun is So Quiet, and Shimmy Shimmy Shimmy Like My Sister Kate: Looking at the Harlem Renaissance Through Poetry. Nikki lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, where she is a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech. Bryan Collier grew up in Pocomoke City, Maryland, where he began painting at the age of fifteen. Bryan’s first books, Uptown, won the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration and the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award. He has also received Caldecott Honors for his illustrations in Rosa and Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pre-reading: Brainstorm a list of everything you know about Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Sort the information into the following categories: early years, education, and beliefs. After reading the book add more information into these categories in a new color to review what you learned. Questions to consider: Read the author’s note. Do you think people act out of fear or do you, like Nikki Giovanni, agree that people act out of respect? Give examples that defend your answer. Describe the letters that open the story. Do you ever write letters or email to your own friends? Why can writing be as important as speaking in friendship? Could it ever be more important? What was the occasion at the White House? Why were people celebrating? What is the most important celebration or party you’ve ever attended? What topic did Mary Todd and Abraham disagree on? How do you think this might have affected their family life? Is it necessary for married people to agree? How does the author play with time in the book? Why do you think she made that choice? What are we able to learn because of the change? Describe how Douglass found freedom. Do you think you would be brave enough to run away by yourself or not? Why did Lincoln walk five miles back to the store? What does this show us about his personality? Do you think Lincoln was born that honest or taught to be so? Douglass dreamed of setting sail on the ships he worked on in Baltimore. Why? What do you dream about for your own future? What activities can you do that are exactly the same as Lincoln and Douglass? What does it mean to “ better themselves?” How will you? Predict what Lincoln saw in New Orleans that opened his eyes. Why do you think  the illustrator added the faces to the live oak trees? Lincoln and Douglass’s friendship bloomed based on what three important things? List the three most important things needed to become your friend.  How did both men know that slavery was wrong? Explain how you come to the conclusion that something is wrong. Describe John Brown’s plan in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. How did the expansion of slavery make it hard for everyday northern farmers to make a living? Why did the Douglass’ support John Brown’s idea financially but not otherwise? What fate was Mammy Pleasant spared by not reaching Virginia in time? Explain how the south knew “there would be no compromise on the issue of slavery” if Lincoln was elected. How did this turn out to be true? What resulted? Why was there a misunderstanding at the reception for Frederick Douglass and his wife? What did Douglass refuse to do? Would you refuse the same injustice?  What does Douglass mean by “we have the right captain to steer the good ship America?”  What will Lincoln rely on as he does so? Whom do you rely on to help you? Do you think the friendship of Lincoln and Douglass was important to each of them? Was it important for the country? How can our friendships change us as people?  Which illustration in the book is your favorite? Why? Why do you think Bryan Collier used the palette of colors that he did?  Why do you think the page depicting the Civil War was created without any words? Study the timeline of Lincoln and Douglass’s lives. What is the most interesting fact that you learned from this format? Create a timeline of one of your most important friendships. Projects: Language Arts: Nikki Giovanni uses beautiful imagery to tell this story from Lincoln and Douglass’s friendship. “Stars sparkled brightly as the jewels peeping from the earlobes of the ladies.” Make a list of phrases that appeal to your senses as you read. As you write your own next story try to use your senses, too, inspired by Nikki Giovanni’s example. Reading: As you read the story fill out the following chart about the characters. Character: Description: Interesting facts: Abraham Lincoln Frederick Douglass Mary Todd Lincoln John Brown Mammy Pleasant Vocabulary: Have students create a simple board game which allows the players to advance by stating the correct definition of the following words from the book: cadence, reception, overseer, refuge, congress, mutual, abolitionist, seized, arsenal, emancipation, tracts, foolhardy, plantation, inevitable, nominated, compromise, dominated, grim, festivities, decline. History: Create a diagram that compares the 1800’s to life today in the following categories: Rights of people, transportation, education, clothing, and entertainment. Research and write a newspaper story about one of the characters or incidents mentioned in the story (John Brown’s revolt, for example). Be sure you can answer the five journalistic questions when you’ve completed your research (who, what, when, where, and why). Art: Inspired by Bryan Collier’s cut-paper collage create a piece of art exploring the importance of friendship. Experiment with a variety of materials- old magazines, newspapers, cloth or even creating some papers. You might try starting with a sketch or jump straight to scissors and glue and see where it leads you. Write a brief artist’s statement about your process.

John's Secret Dreams

John’s Secret Dreams

By Doreen Rappaport

Illustrated By Bryan Collier

About this book:

John Lennon's influence on music and culture is legendary. He was a rebel, a genius, an innovator, and a peace activist. From a young age he dreamed of fame and fortune. When he achieved it as one of the Beatles, he recognized the need for a deeper meaning in life. His inner search for happiness shaped his life and brought new dimensions to the world of rock 'n' roll. As a follow-up to their award-winning title, Martin's Big Words, Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier present John Lennon's life through a combination of narrative and song lyrics, cut-paper collage and watercolor art-capturing the energy and the essence of a man whose vision and creative genius continue to inspire people today.

About this guide:

This guide includes discussion questions intended to provoke thought and insight into the themes of the book, which include peace, fame, music, and dreams.

Comprehension Check:

1. Describe what it was like at Aunt Mimi and Uncle George’s house.
2. Who were some of the musicians John really admired?
3. What kind of music did the Beatles play?
4. How popular were the Beatles?
5. Did fame and money make John Lennon happy? What else did he do to try to find peace?
6. What is the name of the artist who changed the way John saw things and later became his wife?
7. What war was raging when John wrote his peace anthem “All we are saying is give peace a chance?” How did this affect his music?
8. What happened to the Beatles?
9. How did John’s music change once he left the Beatles?
10. What do you think were John’s secret dreams?

Discussion Guide for younger readers:

1. On the first page it quotes John Lennon, “I like to write about me, because I know about me.” What does this mean? Do you like to write about your own life? Should all writers just write about themselves? Why or why not.
2. One kind of dream you have at night, what is the other kind?
3. Would you like to grow up in Aunt Mimi and Uncle George’s house? Why or why not.
4. How did Rock and Roll change John? Has anything ever changed you like this?
5. What does it mean to be famous? Would you like to be famous? Why or why not?
6. The Beatles loved to experiment while making their music. What kinds of things did they do? Would you like to try it too? What kinds of things do you like to experiment with?
7. After ten years the Beatles stopped making music together. Do you think you would like to play with the same people for ten years? Why or why not.
8. Yoko Ono encouraged John to share his feelings. Who encourages you to share yours?
9. Biographies are stories written about a person’s life. Why do you think John Lennon is an important person to learn about? Who would you choose if you wrote a biography about someone?
10. A palette is the colors that an artist chooses to show the feelings of a picture. Choose two pictures to compare. Why do you think Bryan Collier used these colors for each part of the story?

Discussion Guide for older readers:

1. What were John’s dreams as a young boy? What were his dreams as an adult? What can you learn about following your own dreams from John’s story?
2. Even though his Aunt Mimi discounted John’s dreams of being an artist or musician, he stuck with it. Why do you think he was able to stay true to what he wanted?
3. What events do you think shaped John’s life most?
4. What do you think made the Beatles so popular?
5. Many people believe they want to be rich and famous. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being forever in the public eye?
6. When John first met Yoko Ono he looked through a magnifying glass and read the word yes. Discuss what you think the author meant when she said, “How wonderful to see Yes instead of No.” Why is this an important moment for John?
7. Discuss John’s relationship to Yoko Ono. How did it change him? How did it change his music?
8. The author says, “Some people called John a poet.” What makes someone a poet? Do you think lyrics and poetry are the same thing? Why?
9. Review the lyrics mentioned in the book, which are your favorite? Why? Do they remind you of any other music or poetry you’ve listened to?
10. Which illustration in the book is your favorite? Why?

Read the author’s note and discuss these questions:

1. Do you think the author is a fan of John Lennon and The Beatles? Do you think it is possible for someone to write a great biography if someone is not? Why or why not?
2. The author researched many different types of documents to prepare to write this biography. Discuss why it is important to use a variety of sources when researching. How do you know when a source is valid?

Read the illustrator’s note and discuss these questions:

1. What does the illustrator say that inspired him about circles? Look through the book again and find examples of how they are used to represent his meaning.
2. Why do you think this book was such a challenge for the illustrator? How did his art change for this book? What types of things did he have to consider differently for this piece than for his previous books?

Across the Curriculum: Projects

Language Arts:

Write a letter to John Lennon about your own secret dreams and wishes. Or, try your hand at writing lyrics with a friend. You write one line, your partner writes the next.

History:

Interview someone you know who remembers when the Beatles were popular. Write at least five questions that you are curious to learn about the time when the Beatles were most popular.

Make at timeline of historical events that spans John Lennon’s lifetime. Then, add in notations about major events in John’s own life. In a short journal (or classroom discussion) tell if you think some of them are related.

Art:

Choose one of the Beatles or John Lennon’s songs to illustrate. Use any technique you prefer, but you might consider using a collage inspired by Bryan Collier’s masterful illustrations.

Music:

Why listen to the music of the Beatles and John Lennon of course! Throw a 60’s party and feature the music, clothing, and sayings of the period. Also, listen to the musicians who inspired John Lennon.

Fill out this diagram about John Lennon after reading

John’s Secret Dreams By Doreen Rappaport

Illustrated By Bryan Collier

Freedom River

Teacher’s Guide for

Freedom River

By Doreen Rappaport

Illustrated By Bryan Collier

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever been afraid? When?
2. What were Sarah and Isaac afraid of?
3. Do you think John Parker was afraid too? Then why did he help?
4. What does it mean to be brave? Who was brave in this story?
5. Collage is when an artist cuts and layers paper (and sometimes lots of other materials too like fabric, metal, wood or plaster) to create a piece of art that looks so real you want to touch it! Which one of Bryan Collier’s collages is your favorite? Why?
6. A palette is the colors that an artist chooses to show the feelings of a picture. Choose two pictures to compare. Why do you think Bryan Collier used these colors for each part of the story?

Vocabulary

As a class define and give examples of the following vocabulary words. Try to use each word in a sentence that helps a reader understand what it means. Example: Tanya tried to escape from her chores by hiding under the bed after dinner.

slavery

freedom

escape

Underground Railroad

Projects:

Art: Cut out white paper in the shape of an artist’s palette. Copy one of the vocabulary words in the middle. Use the primary colors plus white and black to mix and create at least seven new shades you think would go best with that word. Put dabs of the color around the outside ring of your palette and share your choices with a partner or friend.

Language Arts:

Write a letter to one of the characters in the story and tell them what you learned from them.

Social Studies:

Ask your grandparents, parents, teachers or neighbors to tell you a story about a brave act by someone they know. Write that story! Then, write your own story about a brave person you know.

Discussion Questions

1. How can learning about the brave acts of people in history help us today? What did you learn from John Parker, Isaac, and Sarah?
2. What did John Parker risk by helping slaves cross the river? What would you be willing to risk and for whom?
3. Read the author and illustrator’s note. How does it help you understand the story?
4. Read the historical note. Were you surprised by the amount of research it takes to write a picture book? Why is it so important to be historically accurate?
5. Bryan Collier, the artist, chooses different colors for each of the illustrations. Look at two illustrations and compare them. Why do you think the illustrator chose these particular colors for this text?

Vocabulary

Sometimes we don’t know all the words we read in a book but we can figure them out by how they are used in the story. As the teacher reads aloud Freedom River again, stop when you hear one of the following words. As a class make a guess to what the word means. Then, in pairs look up the words and compare the class meaning to the dictionary definition.

sympathetic

fugitives

transported

taunted

plantation

illuminated

taunt

cruelty

skiff

exchange

indignantly

gracious

Projects:

Research one of the following topics and write a brief paragraph summarizing what you learned:

* Abolitionists such as: Frederick Douglas, John Brown, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Robert Purvis, Lydia Childs, William L. Garrison, Elizur Wright, Harriet Tubman, Ada C. Bowles

* Research other stops on the Underground Railroad at these sites:

www.undergroundrailroad.com

http://www.nynews.com/blackhistory/main.html

Freedom’s Trail

http://americancivilwar.com/underground_railroad.html

Good overview

* Other stories of slaves escaping slavery

* Kansas Nebraska Act of 1854

* Fugitive Slave Law

Language Arts:

Write a newspaper article as if it was written during the time period that you researched. You can use direct quotes from famous abolitionists, common Americans, or even the President to show how people felt about the issues of the time. You could write a variety of types of articles that appear in a newspaper including a feature article, obituary, special report or interview.

Art:

Collage is when an artist cuts and layers paper (and sometimes lots of other materials too like fabric, metal, wood or plaster) to create a piece of art that looks so real you want to touch it! Create a river scene inspired by Bryan Collier’s collage. You can use any type of material that inspires you- ribbon, a variety of papers, fabric, leaves; pipe cleaners- use your imagination.

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