We will be taking a trip around the world this year! For Social Studies we will spend time on every continent and learn about people and cultures. I have selected our book of the week titles to coordinate with that study.

Our book of the week is the book we will read all five days. If you are familiar with Drs. Karen Erickson and David Koppnhaver’s Comprehensive Literacy: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write, I use our book of the week for guided reading strategies to build Nathaniel’s reading comprehension. Additionally, I might plan an art, craft, or cooking activity based on the week’s book.

I looked for a number of specific things as I selected the books. I wanted a main character to be a child or group of children. I wanted the story lines to be a bit more complex this year. I wanted evidence of location in the setting. I wanted beautiful illustrations that would give us pause and cause us to wonder about the world and the people who inhabit it. Nathaniel enjoys listening to us read chapter books like Charlotte’s Web now. He follows along well and exhibits good comprehension. I have also selected chapter books that we will read aloud as we study each continent. As Nathaniel’s comprehension skills continue to grow this year, I might switch and use the chapter books for our guided reading comprehension activities. I will continue to read from this list however, I want Nathaniel to experience each of these stories too. Because our book of the week list fits together so tightly with the reading we will do for social studies, you might be interested in those book titles.

First Week

The Colors of Us by Karen Katz

North America

Steamboat School by Deborah Hopkinson
That Book Woman by Heather Henson
Dawn Watch by Jean Pendziwol
Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Kaman’s Fish: A Tale of the Far North by Mechael Bania

Oceania and Polar Regions

Poles Apart by Jeanne Willis
Sophie Scott Goes South by Alison Lester
Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas by Lynne Cox
Bright Star by Gary Crew
Aqua Dog by Lisa, Van der Wielen

Asia

The Bicycle Man by Allen Say
Chandra’s Magic Light: A Story in Nepal by Theresa Heine
The Firekeeper’s Son by Linda Sue Park
The Empty Pot by Demi
Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog by Pamela S Tuner

Middle East

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams
Snow in Jerusalem by Deborah Da Costa
Day of Ahmed’s Secret by Florence Parry Heide
Sitti’s Secrets by Naomi Shihab Nye
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter

Africa

Rain School by James Rumford
My Rows and Piles of Coins by Tolowa Mollel
Mama Panya’s Pancakes by Mary Chamberlin
Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson
Grandpa Cacao: A Talke of Chocolate from Farm to Family by Elizabeth Zunon

Europe

In the Belly of an Ox: The Unexpected Photographic Adventures of Richard and Cherry Kearton by Rebecca Bond
Adele & Simon by Barbara McClintock
Hanna’s Cold Winter by Trish Marx
The Problem with Chickens by Bruce McMillan
Katje the Windmill Cat by Gretchen Woelfle

South America

Waiting for the Biblioburro by Monica Brown
New Shoes for Silvia by Johanna Hurwitz
Tap Tap by Karen Lynn Williams
Abuela’s Weave by Omar S Castaneda
Roberto’s Trip to the Top by John Paterson Jr

Read about our other ‘20-’21 curriculum choices:
Science
Bible and Character

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