Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
By: Kadir Nelson
Published by: Balzer + Bray
Coretta Scott King Book Award 2012: Author Winner & Illustrator Honor
Informational
This story, written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson, tells the story of African Americans in America. Much like a timeline, the story follows the life and roles in society of African Americans from the beginning of our country. The story is told from the point of view of an African American woman who's ancestors can be traced back many generations in this country. Through the many different times of hardship and injustice, readers can also read and learn about the undying determination of African Americans in this country for their freedom and equality. As much as it is a historical reference, the story is also a tale of hope and inspiration.
Reading Level:
Grade Level Equivalent: 6.0
Lexile Level: 1050
Suggested Delivery:
Individual Read, Small Group Read
Electronic Resources:
http://www.kadirnelson.com/Books.html
This is the personal website of the author and illustrator of the book. There are tabs on the page to a store, his commisioned artwork, books, about the artist and news. Students can even contact the author and illustrator if they wish. This site could be used before reading to learn more about the author and his background.
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/books/Heart-Soul-Kadir-Nelson/?isbn13=9780061730740&tctid=120
This is a page from the publishing company about the book. There is a downloadable audio excerpt, as well as a video, a note from the author, a teacher's guide and a look at Nelson's artwork. This site could be used before reading to get some background information about the book. It could also be used during or after reading in order to enhance the story using the audio or video downloads.
Key Vocabulary:
lynch, Jim Crow, Mason Dixon Line, factory porters, suffrage, draft, Emancipation Proclamation
Comprehension Strategies:
Before Reading:
This book would accompany a Social Studies lesson during black history month very well. Before reading this story, have student fill out a K-W-L chart, either in pairs or on their own. Obviously before reading the story, students can only fill in the "K" and "W" columns. If you have been studying the topic in your class recently, students will have an easier time filling in the "K" column, otherwise there might be more questions they want answered in the "W" column.
During Reading:
Have students use the questions they had about the story to guide their reading. After students have come up with their "want to knows" about the story, type them up into question form to hand out to each student. As they read, students will be like detectives trying to find the answers.
After Reading:
Since students have been answering all of their questions along the way, filling in the "L" column on the chart should be fairly simple. Using all they learned, students can make a timeline with the important events from the story. Since this is a true historical timeline, they could be hung up in the classroom to reference back to during Social Studies lessons.
Writing Activity:
Have students write a letter to Abraham Lincoln during the war. Students can choose what side they want to be on and then encourage the President to take their side. Have them use specific details from the story.
Nelson, Kadir. Heart and soul: the story of America and African Americans. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2011. Print.
Reading Level:
Grade Level Equivalent: 6.0
Lexile Level: 1050
Suggested Delivery:
Individual Read, Small Group Read
Electronic Resources:
http://www.kadirnelson.com/Books.html
This is the personal website of the author and illustrator of the book. There are tabs on the page to a store, his commisioned artwork, books, about the artist and news. Students can even contact the author and illustrator if they wish. This site could be used before reading to learn more about the author and his background.
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/books/Heart-Soul-Kadir-Nelson/?isbn13=9780061730740&tctid=120
This is a page from the publishing company about the book. There is a downloadable audio excerpt, as well as a video, a note from the author, a teacher's guide and a look at Nelson's artwork. This site could be used before reading to get some background information about the book. It could also be used during or after reading in order to enhance the story using the audio or video downloads.
Key Vocabulary:
lynch, Jim Crow, Mason Dixon Line, factory porters, suffrage, draft, Emancipation Proclamation
Comprehension Strategies:
Before Reading:
This book would accompany a Social Studies lesson during black history month very well. Before reading this story, have student fill out a K-W-L chart, either in pairs or on their own. Obviously before reading the story, students can only fill in the "K" and "W" columns. If you have been studying the topic in your class recently, students will have an easier time filling in the "K" column, otherwise there might be more questions they want answered in the "W" column.
During Reading:
Have students use the questions they had about the story to guide their reading. After students have come up with their "want to knows" about the story, type them up into question form to hand out to each student. As they read, students will be like detectives trying to find the answers.
After Reading:
Since students have been answering all of their questions along the way, filling in the "L" column on the chart should be fairly simple. Using all they learned, students can make a timeline with the important events from the story. Since this is a true historical timeline, they could be hung up in the classroom to reference back to during Social Studies lessons.
Have students write a letter to Abraham Lincoln during the war. Students can choose what side they want to be on and then encourage the President to take their side. Have them use specific details from the story.
Nelson, Kadir. Heart and soul: the story of America and African Americans. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2011. Print.
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