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Reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a powerful way to build classroom community, empathy, and inclusivity. It is a terrific story about a boy named Auggie who was born with a facial difference and is navigating school for the first time. As we read, we'll be engaging in discussions and activities that encourage students to reflect on what it means to be kind, how to stand up for others, and how to celebrate differences.
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis is a powerful historical novel set during the Great Depression, following a ten-year-old boy’s journey to find his father. Through Bud’s eyes, students explore themes of resilience, hope, and the importance of family. The book offers rich opportunities to build reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. It’s an engaging and meaningful story that supports key 4th grade literacy standards while sparking thoughtful classroom discussions.
Reading Skills Focus:
Character Analysis
Themes of perseverance, family, and identity
Vocabulary & Figurative Language
Connections with social studies and understanding the genre of historical fiction
Point of View: Explore first-person narration
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell, is a Newbery Medal-winning novel inspired by the true story of a Native American girl who survived alone for years on San Nicolas Island off the coast of California. The book offers a rich opportunity to explore themes of resilience, independence, and the relationship between humans and nature.
As we read, students will engage in thoughtful discussions, vocabulary development, and comprehension activities that support both literary appreciation and critical thinking. This novel connects beautifully to California history and geography covered this year, making it a meaningful interdisciplinary experience.
Reading Skills Focus:
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences
Determine the theme of a story and summarize the text
Describe characters, settings, and events using specific details
Analyze informational texts related to the historical and cultural context of the novel
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
Use context clues, affixes, and reference materials to determine word meanings and expand vocabulary
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan is a high-interest historical fiction novel that follows a young girl’s journey from a life of privilege in Mexico to the challenges of migrant life in California during the Great Depression. Students will explore themes of resilience, identity, and family through discussions, while building both empathy and literacy skills. We will engage in activities that analyze character development and reflect on the emotional growth of the protagonist.
Reading Skills Focus:
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what it says explicitly and when drawing inferences.
Summarize the text using main ideas and supporting details.
Describe the overall structure of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text.
Analyze how characters respond to challenges and how their traits influence the plot.
Identify themes and explain how they are conveyed through details in the text.
Use context clues, affixes, and roots to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
Participate in collaborative discussions to deepen understanding of the text.
An exciting historical fiction novel set during the California Gold Rush. Through the adventures of young Jack and his butler, Praiseworthy, students will explore themes of courage, resourcefulness, and friendship—all while gaining insight into a pivotal time in California history. This is often a fourth-grade favorite and the perfect way to wrap up our core novels for the year!
Referencing details and examples in a text when explaining what it says explicitly and when drawing inferences.
Determining the theme of a story and summarizing the text.
Describing characters, settings, and events in depth.
Understanding vocabulary and interpreting visual elements that support comprehension
The story also supports cross-curricular learning, especially in social studies, as it brings the Gold Rush era to life in an engaging and accessible way.
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