Ron's Big Mission

Title: Ron's Big Mission
Author:  Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden

Illustrator: Don Tate
Type: Fiction
Approximate Interest Level: 2nd-6th
Publisher: Scholastic

Date of Publication: 2009
ISBN: 978-0545291460

Synopsis: A fictionalized account of Ron McNair's (African-American NASA astronaut) experience getting a library card at a time when only White children were allowed to check out books and take them home. 

Lesson plan link

Possible Teaching Points: 1) Jim Crow, 2) Civil Rights

Castle

Title: Castle
Author: David Macaulay
Illustrator: David Macaulay
Type: Historical Fiction
Approximate Interest Level: 4th-adult
Publisher: Sandpiper Houghton Mifflin
Date of Publication: 1977
ISBN: 978-0395329207

Synopsis: This book walks the reader through the construction of a castle in a fictional town in 13th century Wales.  The entire process from the planning of the castle to the clearing of the site to the testing of the castle's defenses is covered in great detail accompanied throughout by detailed pen and ink drawings of each step in the process.  The book is a Caldecott Honor winner.

lesson plan link

Possible Teaching Points: 1) architecture, 2) middle age history

Cathedral

Title: Cathedral: The Story of It's Construction
Author: David Macaulay
Illustrator: David Macaulay
Type: Historical Fiction
Approximate Interest Level: 4th-adult
Publisher: Sandpiper Houghton Mifflin
Date of Publication: 1973
ISBN: 0395316685

Synopsis: This book walks the reader through the construction of a gothic cathedral in a fictional town.  The entire process from the hiring of craftsmen to the clearing of the site to the opening of the cathedral is covered in great detail accompanied throughout by detailed pen and ink drawings of each step in the process.  The book is a Caldecott Honor winner.

Possible Teaching Points: 1) architecture, 2) middle age history