The passage discusses the benefits of using comprehensive novel studies to reengage students and finish the school year strong. It provides tips and advice on how to effectively use these novel studies, such as reading the book aloud to students, using the book as a mentor text, and incorporating paired texts. The passage then introduces five specific novel studies that can be used: Flora and Ulysses, Tuck Everlasting, A Wrinkle in Time, Among the Hidden, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Each novel study is described in terms of the plot, activities, and ELA standards covered.
Flora and Ulysses Novel Study
This fantasy and adventure novel by Kate DiCamillo is about a squirrel named Ulysses who develops intellectual powers and befriends a girl named Flora, helping her be courageous and proud of who she is. The 5-week unit includes activities and ELA standards such as a comic book activity, comparing points of view, a Donut Shop economics game, and a SUPER Part of Me craftivity.
Tuck Everlasting Novel Study
Natalie Babbit's fantasy novel Tuck Everlasting is about a 15-year-old girl named Winnie Foster who runs away and meets a boy named Jesse Tuck. The 5-week unit includes activities and ELA standards such as an author study, flashback vs. foreshadowing, a WANTED poster craftivity, and a story sequencing craftivity.
A Wrinkle in Time Novel Study
This science fiction novel by Madeleine L'Engle follows a girl named Meg Murry who is transported on an adventure through time and space to rescue her father. The 5-week unit covers ELA standards like genre studies, an integrated social studies unit about the Cold War, symbolism, and a travel journal activity.
Among the Hidden Novel Study
This dystopian fiction novel by Margaret Peterson Haddix follows a boy named Luke Gardner, a third child in a world where only two children are allowed per family. The 4-5 week unit includes activities and ELA standards such as characterization, types of government, research projects, and reading comprehension questions.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Novel Study
J.K. Rowling's fantasy novel follows a boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique, magical powers. The 5-week unit includes activities and ELA standards such as a Golden Ball Launcher STEM Challenge, Greek Mythology, figurative language, and a potions informational comprehension activity.