Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Chasing Lincoln's Killer

By James L. Swanson

Genre: non-fiction

Grade: Seventh to ninth

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About The Author

Born on President Lincoln's birthday Swanson has a true love for our 16th president. Swanson attend the University of Chicago where he received degrees in history and then went to the University of California. Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, won the Edgar Award and is a New York Times bestseller. Click on the link to learn more! 

About The Book

After President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, Booth ran for 12 days. Booth thinking he was a hero for his actions was seen as a criminal, and will forever be known that way. The book is thrilling and suspenseful! Middle school students would greatly enjoy its energy! I know I couldn't put the book down. Being that the characters and events taking place in the book are all real, the  read becomes educational yet fulfilling to reader looking for action. It brings new life to a  non-fiction book. 

Lesson

Purpose: Students will be able to write a biography on a historical individual. Students will be able to define key parts in the book that are necessary to research/know when writing a biography. 

Pre-Assessment:  A short response test will be given. Who is president Lincoln? What did he do for our nation?  and why did it create so much controversy? What happened to him?

Lesson:  Before reading the book a biography will be explained, and all the necessary information that should be included. Make sure students are aware of the goal, being able to write their own biography.  Students will read the book, doing certain chapters everyday, class discussion and worksheets will follow up with the reading the next day. Be sure to point out key facts that should be mentioned in the biography, and having worksheets will help the students when they are writing their biographies. 

Post assessment: Another short response test will be given, asking students the same questions and the purpose of a biography. Student will also be asked what important information needs to be included in a biography. 

The Salem Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trials

By Matt Doeden

Genre: non-fiction

Grade: third to fifth

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About The Author

With 138 published books, Doeden is a successful author. Writing non-fiction books, he is now a freelance writer, and was an editor on the Capstone Press for 7 years. Doeden admits that his work is all over the place, writing about genetics, geography, sports, cars, nutrtion, and more, click link above for more. He has also focused on emergent readers, and ESL students, and appears to be a man of many talents. 

About The Book

This a a you Choose Book, meaning that is an interactive history book for young readers. It has 3 story paths, 39 choices and 13 endings! Students can decide to be three different characters: 1. They can can defend themselves against charges of witch craft 2. Try keeping a family together after their mother has been put on trial 3. Or they can accuse someone of witch craft. Based in a colony out of Massachusetts in 1692 readers can get a real sense of the time period. Ever story path is real person trials and tribulations during the Salem Witch Trials.  I found the book to be a great alternative to "typical" chapter books, as it gives it reader power and engages them in the reading process. 

Lesson

purpose: To understand the Salem Witch Trials by actively taking part in a trial

Pre-assessment: Having a formal discussion of the Salem Witch Trials, attached to a corresponding worksheet looking at when, how, and why.

Lesson: Students will read the text ( a certain amount of them should read each path way). Then go over important factual information during the Salem Witch Trials. Once done students will put on their on trial. They will have a judge, spectators or family, the accusing party, and the individual(s) put on trial. The students story paths will effect what they do in the trial as to help with background knowledge. When this is done students will then write a paper on the reading and the trial comparing and contrasting the two and answering how they felt in the trail (putting themselves in their characters shoes). 

Post assessment: Taking student notes on the trial, looking at the paper, and giving a test. 

To be a Slave

To be a Slave

By Julius Lester

Genre: Non-Fiction

Grade: sixth to eighth 

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About The Author

Lester has written adult and children's books, and was a professor at  the University of Massachusetts. He is also a winner of the Newberry Honor Book and has written 34 books and 200 essay's and reviews. Lester also has other hobbies such as, a photographer for the Civil Rights Movements, has recored two music albums, and has hosted radio shows. Click the link above for more information. 

About The Book

The book does an outstanding job of bringing the story of slavery to life. By using the testimonies of actual slaves, Lester gives the black perspective. Within some of testimonies  there is even the music that was song during labor. Through song slaves could make fun of the owners and keep a watch on the sun to get work done.

Lesson

Purpose: To know the history of slavery and what slaves has to endure.

Pre-assessment: Informal discussion about when slavery was, what they had to do, and how cruel their labor and owners were. 

Lesson: Students will read the text over a period of time, during which discussions and worksheets will be done.Then students will create a graphic organizer for an essay. Students will be answering the question, What was slavery? why did it exist? What did some of slaves have to endure? (giving at least 4 to 5 examples)

Post assessment: Discussion on slavery, looking at the packet of worksheets, and essay.