The Undefeated
Writer: Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Genre: Poetry, Autobiography, & MultiCultural Books
Award: Caldecott Medal
Reading Level: 1-4
Summary: A tribute to influential African Americans from the past that shaped the pathway towards emancipation. This book provides autobiographies of the trials many had to endure eventually leading to the civil rights movement.
Interdisciplinary Uses:
Social Studies- Students will research significant events pertaining to the civil rights movements and use their knowledge to create a digital timeline
English Language Arts- Inspired by the poetic nature of the book, students will create their own poems
A Single Shard
Writer: Linda Sue Park
Illustrator: Jean and Mon-sien Tseng
Genre: Novel & Historical Fiction
Award: Newbery Medal
Reading Level: 5-8
Summary: Set in 12th century Korea, a ten year old orphan learns from a master the importance of hard work through pottery.
Interdisciplinary Uses:
Art- Students can create their own pottery inspired by the novel
Geography- Students will learn about the geography of Korea and how certain factors lead to high levels of poverty and homelessness in the area at the time.
