Book+Review

This is about a young boy trapped with his mom in their apartment while riots explode in the streets below. He is comforted by his mom’s protective presence, while he watches with her while looters destroy local businesses. They are eventually evacuated, along with neighbors, when their home catches fire. Throughout the entire story, the extremely close relationship between the little boy and his mother is very evident. The interest level of this book would be PreK-Grade 3. However, grades 2 and 3 would be able to independently read the text. My suggested method for using this book would be to introduce a unit on prejudice and judgment since this text deals a lot with civil rights and the LA riots. I would do a whole group read aloud, and then follow up with a writing activity that would engage the students in thinking about the difference and similarities between students in the classroom. The students could also do a quick write about how they would feel if they were the young character in the story. I would definitely do a mini lesson with my class on the LA riots so they can connect it with real life and learn more about what they just read. This book would be kept in our classroom library for students to independently read when given the opportunities.
 * CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW: **
 * Introduction: **
 * **Title: **Smoky Night
 * **Author: **Eve Bunting
 * **Illustrator: **David Diaz
 * **Publisher: **Harcourt Brace & Company
 * **Copyright Date: **1994
 * What is the book about? **
 * What are the related subject areas, content concepts or vocabulary found in the book? **
 * The related subject areas include that of culture and history. This book revolves around racial tensions, symbolism, hardship, community, and social justice. Some vocabulary found in the text includes: hazy, rioting, shelter, staggering, Hooligans, yowling, and drifts.**
 * What NCSS Themes and PA Social Studies Standards does the Book Cover? **
 * The NCSS themes that are present are: Culture; People, Places, and Environments; Individuals, Groups, and Institutions; and Civic Ideals and Practices.**
 * <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">8.2.3.D: **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;"> Identify and describe how **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">conflict **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">and cooperation among groups and organizations have impacted the history and development of Pennsylvania.
 * <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">8.4.3.A: **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;"> Identify the elements of **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> culture **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;"> and **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">ethnicity. **
 * <span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Which grade level is it appropriate for? **
 * What is your suggested method to use this book in the classroom? **