There had never before been a murder in Plymouth colony. In a community founded on such high ideals and strong principles, the very idea was unthinkable, but the facts were undeniable: John Newcomen had been shot and killed by someone. But by whom? When Governor William Bradford voices his suspicion of John Billington, somewhat of an outsider whose penchant for public drunkenness makes him an easy scapegoat, his own son rushes to the man’s defense. Twelve-year-old John Bradford understands what it’s like to live outside of his father’s good graces. It seems to him that every little mistake earns a harsh reprimand, but nothing he could ever do would win his father’s approval. This historical novel brings together the drama of a murder mystery and the complexities of the relationship between a father and his son to provide a glimpse of what life might have been like growing up in the young colony as it too struggled to determine its course and its identity.

A Killing in Plymouth Colony

Children's Books

Hurst, Carol Otis

Otis, Rebecca

Literature & Fiction

HMH Books for Young Readers

In this valuable resource, Hurst and Otis bring together the methods and philosophy for the extensive use of trade books in the middle school curriculum. Novels, picture books, and non-fiction materials are summarized and extended within the context of themes, literary study, and focus books for discussion and activities in the classroom and library. Eighteen fully developed themes enable educators to bring literature into other areas of the curriculum. In addition, 29 literary works are explored through further activities and discussion, again reaching into many curriculum areas. A section on literary study that includes symbolism, foreshadowing, and flashbacks helps teachers guide students to an analytical level in their reading and writing. Both teachers and students will greatly benefit from this useful resource!

Using Literature in the Middle School Curriculum

Teen & Young Adult

Linworth

Discover 15 great books to read with kindergarten through second graders to explore social issues central to their lives. Thematic topics include the give and take of friendship; bullies, pests, and teasing; isolation and reaching out across generations; families, and working together.
Written by renowned experts on using children's literature in the classroom, this book features:
<ul>
<li>Comprehensive summaries of the books</li>
<li>A variety of group activities for increasing understanding</li>
<li>Questions and topics for prompting good discussions</li>
<li>Lists of thematically-related stories</li>
</ul>
Also included are general guidelines for using literature in the classroom, facilitating good book discussions, and choosing meaningful related activities. "An extremely useful book! After 15 years in the classroom, I discovered lots of new books plus some great activities and ideas for sparking lively discussions." — Terry Kayne, 1st/2nd Grade Teacher

Friends and Relations K-2 (Responsive Classroom Series, 4)

Politics & Social Sciences

Sociology

Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc.

Renowned experts in the field of children's literature recommend eight outstanding books for the upper elementary grades focusing on themes of friendship and family. Ranging from picture books to novels, these selections are rich with possibilities for exploring topics such as loyalty, empathy, conflict, courage, fairness, responsibility, and diversity.Each book recommendation includes:<ul>
<li>A detailed summary of the book</li>
<li>A variety of activities for enhancing understanding</li>
<li>Suggestions and techniques for facilitating in-depth discussions</li>
<li>An annotated list of thematically-related books</li>
</ul>

Friends and Relations 3-5 (The Responsive Classroom Series, Vol. 4)

Northeast Foundation for Children

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Books by Otis, Rebecca