Welcome to the first installment of the TCM Summer Reading Blog series. This summer, I will write about books I have read, particularly for late elementary and middle school students.
Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World, by Mildred Pitts Walter, is an endearing tale about ten-year old Justin and the lessons he learns from time spent with his favorite guy- Grandpa. Justin is the only male in his household, and often feels he cannot do anything right- especially clean his room or cook. He thinks cleaning and cooking is "women's work", and insists that this is why he is no good at it. Grandpa swoops in and teaches him lessons of family history, work ethic, and manhood. Grandpa lives on a ranch in the midwest, which is Justin's favorite place in the world. Justin begins to learn what makes him and the members of his family special, as his grandfather teaches him about his family history, including a family recipe: biscuits in a skillet
This is a story about self-esteem, and how to deal with your emotions. He is often frustrated and quickly gives up when he faces a challenge. His grandfather quickly realizes this and offers his wisdom to Justin, as he knows Justin greatly looks up to him; he appears to be the dominant male figure in his life. His grandfather teaches him that real men emote and real men rope cattle just as easily as they bake biscuits. Lovely indeed.
Another aspect of this narrative that I love is the history readers learn about the Black Cowboys. His grandfather weaves in stories about their families migration from Tennessee to the midwest post-slavery, and shows the bravery that is apart of his bloodline. This is a book that encourages young boys to have pride in themselves and their history, and to always try your best to do the right thing This book encourages young boys to be diligent and have love for self, a critical message in this day in age.
Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World, by Mildred Pitts Walter, is an endearing tale about ten-year old Justin and the lessons he learns from time spent with his favorite guy- Grandpa. Justin is the only male in his household, and often feels he cannot do anything right- especially clean his room or cook. He thinks cleaning and cooking is "women's work", and insists that this is why he is no good at it. Grandpa swoops in and teaches him lessons of family history, work ethic, and manhood. Grandpa lives on a ranch in the midwest, which is Justin's favorite place in the world. Justin begins to learn what makes him and the members of his family special, as his grandfather teaches him about his family history, including a family recipe: biscuits in a skillet
This is a story about self-esteem, and how to deal with your emotions. He is often frustrated and quickly gives up when he faces a challenge. His grandfather quickly realizes this and offers his wisdom to Justin, as he knows Justin greatly looks up to him; he appears to be the dominant male figure in his life. His grandfather teaches him that real men emote and real men rope cattle just as easily as they bake biscuits. Lovely indeed.
Another aspect of this narrative that I love is the history readers learn about the Black Cowboys. His grandfather weaves in stories about their families migration from Tennessee to the midwest post-slavery, and shows the bravery that is apart of his bloodline. This is a book that encourages young boys to have pride in themselves and their history, and to always try your best to do the right thing This book encourages young boys to be diligent and have love for self, a critical message in this day in age.
Instructional Considerations
The text is written at a 620 Lexile level (2nd-3rd grade). Students can read story aloud with a focus on fluency as well as vocabulary and comprehension.
Attached is a lesson plan from the Desoto Public School District (Kansas). It contains essential and useful vocabulary word lists, text dependent questions, and a writing prompt.
The text is written at a 620 Lexile level (2nd-3rd grade). Students can read story aloud with a focus on fluency as well as vocabulary and comprehension.
Attached is a lesson plan from the Desoto Public School District (Kansas). It contains essential and useful vocabulary word lists, text dependent questions, and a writing prompt.
Enjoy! Keep reading this summer! Remember, summer should be a time when you still #cultivateyourmind
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