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The Gardener |
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| Summary |
When Lydia Grace's father loses his job during the Great Depression, she is sent to the city to live with crabby Uncle Jim. As she adapts to her new surroundings, she works hard, but her greatest challenge is to feel accepted by her uncle. Always cheerful and involved with making the world a more beautiful place, she constructs a wonderful surprise for him that finally brings a smile to his face. |
| Background Building/Vocabulary | Give background about what the Great Depression was to help build understanding. This is a Caldecott Honor book (see medal on cover), which is awarded to an illustrator for best illustrations during the year it was published. Note that the format of this book is that it is told through letters. Many children never have received a letter. |
| Pillars of Character Discussion Points |
Responsibility, Caring and Citizenship * Hard work
and perseverance pay off in time. |
| Questions for Discussion | 1.
Have you ever been away from home? What was it like? 2. How does Lydia Grace use what she knows best? 3. In what ways do you think Lydia Grace is a giving and caring person? 4. What actions show that Lydia Grace is responsible? 5. How can people make the world a better place? |
| Other Books | About
making the world a better place: Cooney, Barbara. Miss Rumphius. Viking, 1982. Hest, Amy. Jamaica Louise James. Candlewick, 1996. Wyeth, Sharon Dennis. Something Beautiful. Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 1998. About gardening: Doyle, Malachy. Jody's Beans. Candlewick, 1999. Martin, Jacqualine Briggs. The Green Truck Garden Giveaway. Simon & Schuster, 1997. |
Read Aloud
Tips
Reading aloud and discussing books is of prime importance for
young students as they develop literacy skills. Hearing stories helps students
develop comprehension skills, critical thinking skills and understanding of
themselves and others. It is also a fine opportunity to discuss the actions
and decisions of characters in stories as they encounter life's problems. Students
will come to you with a wide variety of lanuage skills and backgrounds experiences.
Their experience will be enriched by the way you approach a book, helping them
understand new concepts, setting the stage for the story and discussing aspects
related to developing good character: the habits that we encourage to become
thoughtful and caring citizens. It is always a better experience if you have
been able to read the book ahead of time and have some ideas about what to talk
about.
Set the stage by building
background before reading. • Explore the illustrations. • Wonder together.
• Have a good conversation. • Enjoy the story together. • Let
the student take the lead. • Ask about the student's experiences and share
your own. • Develop an atmosphere that is safe for sharing ideas.