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.

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 Ship

Freedom Ship

by Doreen Rappaport

illustrated by Curtis James

About the book:

During the Civil War, young Samuel and his father work on a Confederate steamship out of Charleston, South Carolina. Samuel and his family are born slaves. Every day when they look beyond the harbor filled with Confederate ships, they can see the Atlantic Ocean, where the Union ships are, where their freedom lies.

In only they could somehow get there. On May 13, 1862, Samuel and his family take their chances and risk it all to be free. Based on a true incident, Doreen Rappaport’s riveting story gives readers a glimpse into history, while Curtis James’ stunning illustrations further illuminate this gripping and suspenseful adventure.

Author Interview:

1. How did you learn about this remarkable story?
2. What types of historical documents do you research when you’re writing a story like this one?
3. What advice do you have for young writers?

About the guide:

This guide includes discussion questions intended to provoke thought and insight into the themes of the book, which include freedom, family, risk and hope.

Pre-reading:

What do you think is the meaning of the title? How can a ship take someone to freedom?

Is the book set in this time period or long ago? What makes you think this? What clues do author’s use to tell us what the time period is?

Discussion guide:

1.      What is a slave? When did America have slavery?

2.      Who is telling the story? Where did he learn it?

3.      Who is the Union? Who are the confederates? What war are they fighting?

4.      Why would Samuel be free if he could only get to a Union ship?

5.      Why does Samuel’s mother tell him to do everything quietly? What could happen if he disobeyed?

6.      How do they get past the other ships and the islands that are guarded? What is the plan if they get caught? Why are they willing to do that?

7.      Why does Pap put on Captain Relyea’s clothing? Does it work?

8.      What do they do with Samuel’s white sheet? What does it mean?

9.      What do they give to the Union Army? Why?

10.  Would you be willing to risk everything for such a daring escape? Why or why not?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Write the dialogue between the escaping women and children hidden in the dark cabin below deck. What might they be whispering to each other? What hopes do they have for their new life?

Social Studies/ Geography:

Color a United States map from the 1860’s. Color the union states blue and the confederate states red. Place an X where this story takes place.

Art:

The color of freedom. Create two pieces of art, an abstract painting that uses colors, shape and design to represent slavery and a second piece that uses colors, shape and design to represent freedom. Explain your choices in a brief artist’s statement.

www.TracieVaughnZimmer.com

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.

www.TracieVaughnZimmer.com

Eleanor, Quiet No More

Eleanor, Quiet No More

by Doreen Rappaport

Illustrated by Gary Kelley

About the book:

A quiet girl, Eleanor was born to a life of privilege, but not one of love. When she couldn’t please her mother, she learned that it was better to disappear. “I wanted to sink through the floor in shame.” When she was a teenager, a special teacher encouraged Eleanor to use her voice and use it proudly. As First Lady of the United States, Eleanor was often criticized for her beliefs. But she still spoke up, to change things that needed changing and to help those who could not speak for themselves. Dorreen Rappaport lyrically combines poignant biographical details with Eleanor Roosevelt’s own words while Gary Kelley’s moving illustrations brilliantly re-create a true first in First Ladies and the world she helped make a little bit better.

About the author:

Doreen Rappaport has written numerous books for children, including Freedom Ship and The School Is Not White, illustrated by Curtis James and John’s Secret Dreams, illustrated by Bryan Collier. Her bookMartin’s Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. also illustrated by Bryan Collier, was a Caldecott Honor Book, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book, and an Orbis Pictus Honor Book for Outstanding Nonfiction. Ms. Rappaport lives and writes in upstate New York.

About the illustrator:

Gary Kelley is well known for both his fine art and his illustration work. He has received awards from the New York Society of Illustrators, American Booksellers Association, Print magazine, Los Angeles Society of Illustrators, the Bologna Book Fair and others. His clients include the New Yorker magazine, Rolling Stone, and many major publishers and advertising agencies. Mr. Kelley lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Discussion guide:

1. Describe Eleanor’s life as a young girl. Why was she so serious and sad?
2. Who “shocked” Eleanor into thinking? How? Has a teacher or other adult ever done this for you? Give an example.
3.  Why does the author, Doreen Rappaport, have quotes at the end of each page? Why was it important to include Eleanor’s own words? How do you know when Eleanor is speaking?
4. What shocked Eleanor in New York City? How did she try to help those who had so much less? How can you help others too?
5. What did Franklin love most about Eleanor? Do you agree with him that, “most people only pretended” to listen? How do you become a good listener?
6. Why was Albany a happier place for Eleanor to live? Have you ever moved and been happier?
7.  What issue helped Eleanor find her voice? How did she organize women to help?  How can we help soldiers today?
8. When did Eleanor finally stand up to her mother-in-law, Sara? How did it help her husband?
9. Explain how Eleanor became a voice for women. What did she want them to do?
10.  Do you think the author, Doreen Rappaport, admires the life of Eleanor Roosevelt? How can you tell? Do you also admire this First Lady?
11. What happened during the Great Depression? How did Eleanor help the President help the people?
12. How did Eleanor stand up against racism, too? How do you think her example helped others to take a stand?
13. Which illustration is your favorite? How do they help the reader know about the time period? Why do think he chose the colors he did?
14. Did everyone like Eleanor? Did she care? How did she become first lady of the world?
15.  What can you learn from reading about the life of Eleanor Roosevelt? Which quote in the book is your favorite? Why?

Projects:

Reading:

Create a character web based on the life of Eleanor Roosevelt. Brainstorm a list of adjectives to describe Eleanor (like brave) and then list examples from the book that support it.

Writing:

Write a response journal to the book or your favorite Eleanor Roosevelt quotation. What does it make you think about? Feel? How can you apply what you’ve learned to your own life story?

Mentor Text:

Study how the author uses quotes from Eleanor to enhance the story. How can you add direct quotations to enhance a connection between the reader and your topic? Where can you find quotations for your next piece

Math:

Research the cost of living during the Great Depression and the cost of similar goods and services now. Be sure to also find the average salary of Americans of each time. Compare.

Science/Health:

President Franklin Roosevelt was stricken with Polio. Research this disease and how vaccines have nearly eradicated it from Earth.

History:

Create a timeline of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life. On the top of the timeline list the most important events from her own life and on the bottom add important historical milestones.

This guide was created by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, a reading specialist at Endeavor Elementary and an award-winning children’s author. Visit her website at www.tracievaughnzimmer.com to find hundreds of other guides!