A is for Abigail

Author: Lynne Cheney

Illustrator: Robin Preiss Glasser

Copyright: 2003

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, New York

Age Level: 9-12 and up

Reading Levels:

o        Fountas & Pinnell –  Nonfiction

o        Lexile – Adult Directed 1030

o        Accelerated Reader – 6.3

Pages: 48 (hard cover)

Genre: Nonfiction /U. S. History

 

“That you may rise to honor and to fame, the ornament of your country and the blessing of your parents is the ardent wish of your friend and humble servant, Abigail Adams” – from A is For Abigail

Suggested delivery: Read aloud or read in partners

Links:

• Publisher’s Website
• http://books.simonandschuster.com/A-is-for-Abigail/Lynne-Cheney/9780689858192
• http://www.SimonSaysKids.com  
• To Purchase the book, reviews, information
• http://www.amazon.com/Abigail-Almanac-Amazing-American-Women/dp/0689858191
• Questions & Answers with Lynne Cheney
• http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/mai_cheney_lynne_qa.html

3 teaching suggestions - using the book with students in grades 4-6

1.   Character Study and Character Traits Displayed by each – Graphic Organizer

2.   Themes – Look for patterns or themes in the book and make a list (i.e. civil rights, equal rights for women…)/ Favorite Quote – what does it mean to you?

3.   Contributions to Society – select your favorite contribution or accomplishment, explain why, and map where they were born &/or lived.

Key Vocabulary:  

1.   pewter

2.   barley

3.   foment (a rebellion)

4.   bound (by any laws)

5.   devised

6.   homesteaded

7.    broke colts

8.    frigate

9.    traverse

10.  exposed

11.  denounced

12.  investigative journalism

 Before Reading Strategy:  SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review)

During Reading Strategy:  Jigsaw/Partner Reading/Read-Pair-Write

After Reading Strategy:    Bio-poem, About/Point graphic organizer strategy

A writing activity that requires the students to respond to the text to demonstrate inferential comprehension – Character Report, choose an amazing woman and research her to then write a report about her to present to the class.

Awards, Reviews, Honors or Mentions:

• Arizona Young Reader’s Award (Nominated, 2006)

Other Books by the Author or that may follow:

o   America: A Patriotic Primer, 2002

o   When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots, 2004

o   A Time For Freedom, 2005

o   Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America, 2006

o   We the People: The Story of our Constitution, 2008

Topics from book: Alphabet Books, Careers, Community life,

Politics, U.S. – American History, Woman’s Studies, Biography, Family Childhood & Education, History & Social Studies, Social Issues, Travel & Places