Read Aloud Roundup: September 2011

I've decided to start posting each month about the books I choose for the Read Aloud program.

Some background:
I select books for the Read Aloud​ program run by Metropolit​an Community Foundation​, the social justice organizati​on at my church. Volunteers​ visit Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy each month and read to each classroom,​ then lead a discussion​ about the books. The books are then donated to the classroom libraries.​ Our message centers around themes of Diversity and Inclusion.​ Using granted funds and individual donations to the program, I purchase about 100 picture books each year and provide some simple questions to get the discussion started.



Here are the books that were read this month:

K
A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
- Why was the chair so important?
- If you saved up that much money what would you buy?

A Porcupine Named Fluffy by Helen Lester
- If you had a porcupine, what would you call it?
- Why was Fluffy's name funny?
- How did Fluffy's attitude about his name change?

1st
Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed
- If you were in Lina's place, what would you do with one sandal?
- What do you think it's like living in a refugee camp?
- Have you ever had a friend or family member move away? How did you feel?

Megan's Birthday Tree by Laurie Lears
- What does adoption mean?
- Do you know the story of when you were born?
- If you had something really important to save money for, what would it be?
- Why do you think Megan was worried about being forgotten?

2nd
I Have an Olive Tree by Eve Bunting
- Have you ever gotten a gift that was not what you expected? How did you feel about it? What did you say?
- If you could travel to another country, which one would you choose and why?
- Why did Grandfather give Sophia an olive tree?

My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits
- Do you know what your name means?
- Why does Yoon try out other names in class?
- If you could choose a new name, what would it be and why?

3rd
Now One Foot, Now the Other by Tomie dePaola
- Are there any stories you like to hear about when you were a little kid?
- Why was Bobby scared of his grandfather? Do you think he felt anything else?
- Imagine if you had a friend or a family member who couldn't talk or use their arms or legs. What are some ways you could spend time with them?

Oliver Button is a Sissy by Tomie dePaola
- What are some things that boys are "supposed" to like? What are some things girls are "supposed" to like? Why do people think that?
- How do you think Oliver felt when the other kids teased him? Do you think he changed his behavior because of it?
- If you were in Oliver's class, what could you do to make him feel better?

4th
Trouble Talk by Trudy Ludwig
- Has anyone ever shared your secrets without your permission? If so, how did that make you feel?
- Why do people spread rumors? What do they get out of it?
- What could you do in Maya's situation? Would you talk to someone about it or would you talk to Bailey directly?
- Maya thinks that maybe someday she might be able to trust Bailey again. What do you think would have to happen for that to be true?

4th/5th (classroom with two grade levels)
Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles
- Why did the swimming pool get filled in with tar?
- Why do you think John Henry wants to pick an ice pop for himself?
- What would be different in your life if your best friend wasn't allowed to go somewhere with you?

5th
Tea with Milk by Allen Say
- How do you do things differently when you visit a friend's house?
- Why do you think Masako's parents wanted her to be a "proper Japanese lady"? Do you think Masako could have changed their minds?
- Why were she and Joseph well suited to each other?