For my self-selected project, I combined forces with Brittany to read two high interest texts in my content area. As Social Studies majors, we had a large pool of texts to choose from. Given our mutual interest in the Civil War, our final decision, thanks to Brittany's suggestion, fell on two novels from the same author. James L. Swanson, an award winning author and historian, has produces two texts for young readers. The first novel, Chasing Lincoln's Killer, followed the man, events and conspirators behind one of U.S history's most famed Presidential assassinations. The second novel, Bloody Times, continues the narrative from Lincoln's assassination to his funeral all the while chronicling the flight of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Both books presented wonderful narratives supported heavily by primary source documents.
Swanson's amazing use of primary source documents added validity to his interpretations. As a Social Studies teacher I would not hesitate to incorporate these novels into my curriculum. As a supporter of primary source document use in the classroom, I feel these texts are in line with my own teaching philosophy. Swanson was very successful in presenting, and explaining, his material, all the while providing the reader with an enjoyable narrative. Both books struck me as enjoyable, readable and accurate.
Rob, I enjoyed listening to your presentation about these books. I am enticed to pick up both of these books to read for two reasons. The first reason is that I agree these books seem very readable, especially given that they are about historical information that is often presented in a very dry and factual way. Secondly, I studied fine arts in Richmond, Virginia and lived there for five years. One of the first places I visited after moving to Richmond was Hollywood Cemetery and the grave of Jefferson Davis. His tomb is exquisite, a beautiful wrought iron structure with an old magnolia tree nearby. I remember sneaking in Hollywood Cemetery one evening with a group of friends at midnight to look for the ghost of Jefferson Davis. Thankfully, we never found what we were looking for and I didn't have the nerve to go back with them on Halloween.
ReplyDeleteHi Rob,
ReplyDeleteLike Maria, I really enjoyed your presentation as well.
I think it would be great if you gave your students opportunities to independently read this type of text at home, and then gave them chances to get together in class and hold book club discussions much like you and Brittany did. You could have guiding questions or roles for these discussions. I think that, if you let your students read high-interest texts such as this one, they would be motivated to finish them while learning a whole lot in the process.