Brooklyn Bridge by Lynn Curlee

Published by: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

This informational, fact filled picture book gives interesting insight on the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. From who created it, to why it was created, readers will better understand this monument in Brooklyn, NY. Built more than 100 years ago, this bridge has a great deal of rich history behind it and readers will feel part of it as soon as they open to the first page.

Suggested Delivery: Small group read-aloud
Reading Index:
Lexile: 1160L; Ages: 8-12

Teaching Suggestions:

Vocabulary: monumental, bristles, caisson, bedrock, insidious, anchorage, pulley system, recluse, dignitaries, recuperate, cradles.

Vocabulary Activity:
Students will draw their own bridge and include vocabulary in this drawing. They will point/arrow to the parts in the drawing as well as define the terms in relation to bridges and their structures.

Teaching Strategies:

Pre-Reading:
As a whole group, we will discuss the Brooklyn Bridge, why it is important, where it is located in relation to a map, and our prior knowledge of this bridge. We will present our vocabulary activities in which each student will show their drawings and refer to a master copy of a bridge and the terminology in reference to this bridge.


During Reading:
Students will write a list of facts in reference to the Brooklyn Bridge and will answer questions provided in relation to the story.

After Reading:
We will create a timeline of the creation of the bridge as addressed in the text, as whole class.

Writing Activity:
Students will write a short paragraph of what they have learned about the bridge, relating to what has been discussed in the book. They will include information on the creator of the bridge and his life as discussed in the text.

Web Resources:

Information on the book:
http://books.simonandschuster.com/Brooklyn-Bridge/Lynn-Curlee/9780689831836

Interactive Map of Brooklyn Bridge Park:
http://www.brooklynbridgeparknyc.org/visit/interactive-map/

Author's Website:  
http://www.curleeart.com/


Curlee, L. (2001). The Brooklyn Bridge. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

An American Plague by Jim Murphy

Published by: Clarion Books 


Beginning on August 3, 1793, this Nonfiction novel depicts the horrors experienced in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the epidemic of Yellow Fever. Telling the story of what it was like to live during such a terrifying experience, the novel examines life at the time and the conditions of the cities during an epidemic. Readers get a glimpse of how it is to live in an epidemic as well as the idea of the fast spread of disease.

Reading Index: Lexile: 1130L; Ages: 10-14

Suggested Delivery: Independent read or small-group read.

Teaching Suggestions:


Vocabulary:
Epidemic, Yellow Fever, plague, scavengers, meteorite, scourge, privy, bleeders, inquietude, fugitives, irrational. 

Vocabulary Activity: 

Have small groups of students research terms in relation to the Yellow Fever. Have these small groups then present to the class the terms, introducing the students to the concepts addressed in the novel. 

Teaching Strategies:


Pre-Reading: 

Create a KWL chart relating to the Yellow Fever and the history during the time of this epidemic.

During Reading: 

Have students answer questions concerning the information addressed in the book created by the teacher such as: what was the yellow fever? why and where did it happen? how did it affect people? what was going on in the world at the time? Have a discussion related to these questions. 

After Reading Activity/ Writing:

Students will write a narrative journal account as if they are present during this epidemic. They will address feelings and experiences similar to what has been expressed in the novel. The students will also explain what they would do in such a situation.

Students can also create a timeline of what occurred during the Yellow Fever. 

Web Resources: 


Resources/Activities: 
http://www.highsmith.com/pdf/librarysparks/2010/lsp_jan10_ll.pdf

Scholastic:

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3751212

Description of Yellow Fever:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002341/

Timeline of Yellow Fever in America:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/fever/timeline/

More About the Author and Novel:   

http://jimmurphybooks.com/americanplague.htm

Murphy, J. (2003). An American plague: the true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. New York: Clarion Books.