Blog Partner Discussion 5: Historical Fiction
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6. Your personal response to the book
7. Evaluate it in terms of its genre
8. Evaluate its literary quality
9. Evaluate its illustrations
10. Evaluate in terms of multicultural considerations including the credibility of the author and illustrator
11. Discuss for whom the book is intended and the ways in which it might be used in the classroom
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Andrea
ReplyDeleteThe book we selected for this genre just cracked me up. The Remarkable Ride of Israel Bissell as retold by Molly the crow by Alice Schick and Marjories N. Allen was a truly enjoyable historical fiction. The book was able to bring history to life through the use of comedy.
The book presented historical facts in a light hearted manner that most children should find fun and educational. The story in the book is retold by Molly the crow from her perspective. The illustrations though in black and white helped the text to present word of the 'call to arms'. The first read was not as eyeopening as the second. When I read the book a second time that was really when I laughed as I read.
This is a good read. Girl we have made some really good book selection.
Later
Connie
Ditto to the comment about us making wonderful book selections, Connie! Just looking at the cover of the book, "The Remarkable Ride of Israel Bissel" tells that it is filled with hilarious episodes.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like most about this book is that the author uses the crow to relate historical data to her young ones. What a wonderful way to teach children about history without boring them to pieces! As I examined the black and white illustrations, which was quite effective, I noticed that Molly, the crow was everywhere which was the reason she was able to give such an indepth account of Israel Bissell's ride.
Later.
Andrea you are so observant. Yes Molly was every where that Israel went. So she had first hand... 'I mean first winged knowledge' of the ride that Israel made. Children would enjoy learning history with a story like this. The account of the journey although accurate was filled with humour.
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations although in black and white provided additional information on the story as well as worked as asides to extend the plot. I think the illustrator used black and white to represent the idea of long ago.
What is your thought?
Connie
Connie,
ReplyDeleteDefinitely I think that the illustrator used black and white to depict the past and perhaps even to suggest a montage effect, and that's why I mentioned that the use of black and white was effective. When you think about it, when we watch those historical shows on the television, nine times out of ten, they are in black and white.
As to how I would use this book as a learning tool... I would perhaps turn this into an expository comprehension lesson. This would, without a doubt, expose my students to Israel Bissel's journey as he made the people of Boston through to Philadelphia aware of an upcoming revolution. In so doing, they would be gaining knowledge of historical facts in a pleasurable yet authentic way. What say youi?
Can't wait to hear...
Once again Andrea, I agree with you. This would really be used by the students to write an expository piece from the details that they have got from the story.
ReplyDeleteThat would really make an interesting lesson. The story that the illustrator told is quite funny and it was it that had the comedic effect not the texts, the text relayed facts. I enjoyed this historical fiction, but for me it was the illutrations more than anything else which made the story fiction........
On to modern fantasy.....
Connie
You know, Connie, I sanction all you have said. As I reread the book and re-examined the illustrations long and hard, I felt myself drifting to become a part of the pictorial. Usually, when you think of black and white, dull and boring floods your mind... but not so with this book. I'm sure if I colred the pictures, the whole efect of historical fiction would be lost. I wnder why Joel Schick wasn't considered for a Caldecott award?
ReplyDeleteIn your words... it's off to 'Modern Fantasy'.