7th Grade
The following novels are the recommended readings for 7th grade.
Race to The Sun
Lately, seventh grader Nizhoni Begay has been able to detect monsters, like that man in the fancy suit who was in the bleachers at her basketball game. Turns out he's Mr. Charles, her dad's new boss at the oil and gas company, and he's alarmingly interested in Nizhoni and her brother, Mac, their Navajo heritage, and the legend of the Hero Twins. Nizhoni knows he's a threat, but her father won't believe her.
When Dad disappears the next day, leaving behind a message that says "Run!", the siblings and Nizhoni's best friend, Davery, are thrust into a rescue mission that can only be accomplished with the help of Diné Holy People, all disguised as quirky characters. Their aid will come at a price: the kids must pass a series of trials in which it seems like nature itself is out to kill them. If Nizhoni, Mac, and Davery can reach the House of the Sun, they will be outfitted with what they need to defeat the ancient monsters Mr. Charles has unleashed. But it will take more than weapons for Nizhoni to become the hero she was destined to be . . .
Timeless themes such as the importance of family and respect for the land resonate in this funny, fast-paced, and exciting quest adventure set in the American Southwest.
This Novel is alined with StudySync Unit 1 In Pursuit
Two Old Women
Based on an Athabascan Indian legend passed along for many generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River Valley in Alaska, this is the suspenseful, shocking, ultimately inspirational tale of two old women abandoned by their tribe during a brutal winter famine.
Though these women have been known to complain more than contribute, they now must either survive on their own or die trying. In simple but vivid detail, Velma Wallis depicts a landscape and way of life that are at once merciless and starkly beautiful. In her old women, she has created two heroines of steely determination whose story of betrayal, friendship, community and forgiveness "speaks straight to the heart with clarity, sweetness and wisdom" (Ursula K. Le Guin).
The following resources are available to assist with the teaching of the novel Two Old Women by Velma Wallis. The Opi Model Unit provides suggestions for teaching this novel. Additionally, the Two Old Women Active Reading provides another approach to teaching this novel which includes Active Reading Strategies and multimedia clips for engagement. For a Montana Connection you might consider reading the short story How a Young Brave Survived as told by Adeline Mathias. This is an oral story of a Kootenai youth who survived in the 18th century. This story was sent to all libraries.
This Novel is alined with StudySync Unit 2 The Powers That Be
What do people mean when they talk about a “just” society? The term implies fairness—but to whom? The people who rule the society? Those who work to keep it alive and flourishing? These questions have been debated by scholars, philosophers, writers, and politicians for hundreds of years—but that doesn’t make them any less relevant to today’s society. Today, students are exposed to any number of fiction or nonfiction narratives of people striving to create what they see as a just society. As students read or watch these stories, they must constantly analyze their themes (or messages) to determine the motivation behind the struggle to develop and uphold a just society.
Throughout this unit, students will investigate the principles of a just society by exploring different cultures and eras and diverse points of view.
Two Old Women Active Reading
two_old_women_study_guide2.docxtwo_old_women_resources.docxOPI Model Unit
The following resources are available to provide background knowledge on Joseph Medicine Crow and to assist with the teaching of the novel Joseph Medicine Crow Counting Coup Becoming a Crow Chief on the Reservation and Beyond. The OPI Model Unit provides suggestions for teaching this novel. The video clips can be used to enhance instruction to include an oral retelling of the event surrounding Dr. Medicine Crow counting coup in WWII and also provide contemporary footage of him receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Two Old Women.pdf
Counting Coup
This Novel is alined with StudySync Unit 3 Justice Served
Is it easy to defend your rights? Not always. It takes a lot of strength and determination to challenge rules, beliefs, or ideas that you think are unjust. Throughout history, people have been denied certain rights or have been treated poorly because of such things as their religious beliefs, ethnicity, background, or the color of their skin. While these struggles are not proud points in history, great leaders have emerged who took a stand and became a voice for the people. These men and women risked everything to defend their rights and the rights of others, and they did not back down until change happened.
Throughout this unit, students will explore human struggle, determination, and the fight for human rights.
Picture a Crow Indian elder, his wizened eyes catching yours in the ancient flicker of firelight. His mesmerizing stories span the ages, from Custer to World War II to the 21st Century. He is the last traditional chief of his people. He is over 90 years old. Now picture that same man lecturing at colleges nationwide, and addressing the United Nations on the subject of peace.
Counting Coup is a vibrant adventure narrative, bringing Native American history and culture alive for young readers. Joseph Medicine Crow's story illuminates the challenges faced by the Crow people as hurricanes of change raged through America. His epic story and its lessons are an essential legacy for us all.
alcatraz_indians_of_all_tribes_newsletter__1_.pdfAdditional StudySync Resources
The First Americans
by The Grand Council Fire of American Indians
Non-Fiction, 1927
History of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan
by Andrew Blackbird
Non-Fiction, 1887