Notable Trade Books in the High School Classroom

Example Lesson Plans for Notable Social Studies Trade Books

Questions from the Framework for Using Picture Books in the High School Classroom:

Step 1: Meet the Creators

Who wrote/illustrated this text?
Why is this story important to them?
What other perspectives are there on this topic? Teachers can facilitate conversation on this topic by providing reviews of the text from multiple perspectives. Are there any reviewers who critique the book? If so, why?

Step 2: Comprehension Check

Step 3: Illustration Inquiry

Who/what is shown in the illustration?
Who/what is missing?
Why do you think the illustrator created the image this way?
- Examine specific colors, techniques, etc.
Why is this illustration important?

Step 4: Compare with Primary and Secondary Sources

What facts did you learn only from your textbook?
What facts did you learn only from the picture book?
- What about from the reviews? From the primary and secondary sources?
What conflicts do you find in these sources, if any?
Which sources were more valuable and why?

Step 5: Take Action, Reflect and Apply Learning

Write to the author & illustrator asking questions about their work.
Rewrite a portion of the text from a different perspective, or revise a portion for accuracy.
Draw an illustration from a different perspective.
Summarize the text in creative ways:
- Create a documentary, music video, book trailer, dance, play, short story, or song to represent this story.

Applying Knowledge

Taking Action

Write to local community groups, politicians, or school leaders to advocate for change.
Publish students’ songs/videos/recordings of their research in action.
Update a relevant Wikipedia page adding content based on your investigation.
Write to textbook companies regarding suggested additions for the next edition.

Freedom Soup by Tami Charles