HIT: One book, one theme

[Kathleen Cool <Kathleen.Cool@USM.EDU>]

Thanks for all the great ideas on my One book, theme request.  I am not sure
what we are going to do yet, but I know all your ideas will help us decide.  I
had a lot of requests for a hit, so here it is.

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Although this lists mostly Public Libraries you may pick up some ideas!


http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/one-book.html

"ONE BOOK" READING PROMOTION PROJECTS
"One Book" projects (community-wide reading programs), initiated by the
Washington Center for the Book in 1998, are being introduced across the
U.S.A. and around the world. See below a state-by-state listing of past and
current "one book" projects.

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Over the years we have used these for school wide themes related to
year long reading incentive activities:

Oceans of Opportunities  (used fish and marine graphics, art teacher
worked with kids and turned the all-purpose room into a aquarium
decorated with different kinds of marine critters on the walls and
hanging from the ceiling)

Dig into Reading (a mining theme)

Exercise Your Mind (sports theme)

We didn't do a one book approach but you might get some ideas to adapt
from the book "Ready to Go Reading Incentive Programs for Schools and
Libraries" published by Neal Schuman.

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One of my friends shared the book Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by
Emily Pearson.  We plan to challenge the teachers and the students to
perform random acts of kindness.  We don't have a theme, but that is the
premise.

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We do something similar with a Book-of-the-Month program throughout the
year.  We select books using Nancy Keane's web site and focus on specific
character traits or lessons.  For example, we used Horton Hatches the Egg
and discussed patience for one month (we usually use Dr. Seuss books in
March to tie in with Read Across America). We've also used The Lorax
(environment) and The Sneetches (prejudices) by Dr. Seuss.  Other books
we've used include Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse (listening/following
directions), Hooway for Wodney Wat (teasing), The Very Busy Spider
(perseverance), Mr. Lincoln's Way (racism), Enemy Pie (friendship), Stand
Tall, Molly Lou Melon (teasing), Swimmy (individualism), The Giving Tree
(sharing/giving), etc.  We've been doing this for 3 years now so there are
so many we've used.  We announce the Book-of-the-Month at the beginning of
each month and then I focus on that author in library and read other works
by them.  I list activities that parents can do at home in our newsletter
once a month also.  It's been pretty well received although there are
those teachers who feel they don't have time for something else.  I try to
help them realize this doesn't have to be anything extra - they can tie it
in with their writing, reading, sometimes science, social studies, math,
etc.  Good luck!!!
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I wonder if a chocolate theme would be fun.  You could read Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory, or the Chocolate Touch or Chocolate Fever, or use the M &
Ms books....
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Many years ago my husband suggested that his elementary school choose a book
and a theme for their open house in the spring. He chose Miss Rumphius and the
theme was making the world a more beautiful place. It was a huge success.
Please do post a hit if you get enough suggestions!
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I did Elisa Kleven's The Lion and the Little Red Bird for a K-5 school one
year.
It's a sweet tale of multi-lingual friendship, art and graphic foreshadowing.
Can spin off in many directions to address developmental differences K-5. Do
post a hit once you've compiled your suggestions.
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I don't know of any book that could bridge easily those grades.  How about an
author instead.  Many authors have books which span these grades and reading
levels.  Off the top of my head I can think of Judy Blume, Beverley Cleary, and
Dr. Seuss (the older kids could discuss the themes of war and recycling).
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Kathleen Cool
Elem. Librarian
Ressie Jeffries Elem. School
Front Royal, Va 22630

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