children's literature
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
By Mordicai Gerstein
This award winning Caldecott Medal book was written in memory of the Twin Towers. In this story, which takes place in 1974, Mordicai Gerstein puts various city object's measurements into perspective in relation to the tall Twin Towers. Accurate mathematical vocabulary terms such as time, height, weight, distance, etc. are included as well as a great memorial of our beloved Twin Towers. These real life examples of measurement are explained and compared as main character Philippe Petit takes an adventurous and humorous journey to the top of the Twin Towers, where he dances on top of the wires. The story flows very well, as the author uses great description, humor and illustrations to guide the reader through the true story of Philippe 's adventure.
Fry Readability is a way to level books so that the content of the story is appropriate for the reader. To do this, we take three sections of the story (100 words per section) and calculate the number of sentences and syllables in those 100 words. These numbers are than compared in a graph to find the average grade level that would be most appropriate for the book. For this particular book, the Fry Readability Level is at about a fifth grade level.
Instructive Suggestions for Parents
How to read this book with your child?
By Mordicai Gerstein
This award winning Caldecott Medal book was written in memory of the Twin Towers. In this story, which takes place in 1974, Mordicai Gerstein puts various city object's measurements into perspective in relation to the tall Twin Towers. Accurate mathematical vocabulary terms such as time, height, weight, distance, etc. are included as well as a great memorial of our beloved Twin Towers. These real life examples of measurement are explained and compared as main character Philippe Petit takes an adventurous and humorous journey to the top of the Twin Towers, where he dances on top of the wires. The story flows very well, as the author uses great description, humor and illustrations to guide the reader through the true story of Philippe 's adventure.
Fry Readability is a way to level books so that the content of the story is appropriate for the reader. To do this, we take three sections of the story (100 words per section) and calculate the number of sentences and syllables in those 100 words. These numbers are than compared in a graph to find the average grade level that would be most appropriate for the book. For this particular book, the Fry Readability Level is at about a fifth grade level.
Instructive Suggestions for Parents
- While reading this book with your child, pause at various measurement vocabulary words and review the definitions and conversions. For example, when the story states that the throw was 15 feet too short, ask your child how many inches or yards that would be? Resources to use: pencil, paper, ruler
- Some of the vocabulary in this book may not necessarily be familiar to your child. Ask students about the following vocabulary terms: plummeted, frantically, gasped, astonishing, imprinted, etc. Work together with your child to come up with a definition of unfamiliar words. Use the sentence, pictures, or other resources to create a definition. Ask your child why they think the author used that word or have them come up with their own sentence using this new vocabulary word. Resources to use: dictionary, pencil, paper, online
How to read this book with your child?
- I recommend reading this book with your child. If your child seems to be struggling, parents can read longer sections. Share the book with one another and have your child hold the book and follow along.
- Listen to the book on tape in the car. This way you can still talk about the book and share the experience together.
- Ask questions throughout the book to confirm understanding. Ask questions such as: "What do you think will happen next?" "Can you think of a time you did something that you weren't supposed to do?"
- Relate the book to your child's own life.
Counting on Frank
By Rod Clement
This humorous book is about a boy, Frank, who likes taking everyday objects and comparing them to each other. Clement's humorous play on words creates a story that children enjoy. This story primarily focuses on non-standard units of measurement, which helps students create mental images and comparisons. Non-standard units of measurement are measuring with everyday objects (not a ruler or scale). Standard units are also discussed such as hours, minutes, feet, inches, etc. The story flows very well, following along with Frank's day. As the story progresses, Frank encounters different opportunities to compare objects. The illustrations are a great representation of Frank's comparisons.
Fry Readability is a way to level books so that the content of the story is appropriate for the reader. To do this, we take three sections of the story (100 words per section) and calculate the number of sentences and syllables in those 100 words. Then, these numbers are compared in a graph to find the average grade level that would be most appropriate to share with students. For this particular book, the Fry Readability Level is at about a fourth grade level.
Instructive Suggestions for Parents
How to read this book with your child?
By Rod Clement
This humorous book is about a boy, Frank, who likes taking everyday objects and comparing them to each other. Clement's humorous play on words creates a story that children enjoy. This story primarily focuses on non-standard units of measurement, which helps students create mental images and comparisons. Non-standard units of measurement are measuring with everyday objects (not a ruler or scale). Standard units are also discussed such as hours, minutes, feet, inches, etc. The story flows very well, following along with Frank's day. As the story progresses, Frank encounters different opportunities to compare objects. The illustrations are a great representation of Frank's comparisons.
Fry Readability is a way to level books so that the content of the story is appropriate for the reader. To do this, we take three sections of the story (100 words per section) and calculate the number of sentences and syllables in those 100 words. Then, these numbers are compared in a graph to find the average grade level that would be most appropriate to share with students. For this particular book, the Fry Readability Level is at about a fourth grade level.
Instructive Suggestions for Parents
- While reading this book with your child, brainstorm various examples that relate to your child's life. When Frank compares his dog to his bedroom, have your child do the same with his or her pet or a favorite toy.
- Some of the vocabulary in this book may not necessarily be familiar to your child. Ask students about the following vocabulary terms: endanger, competition, humpback, slightly, instance, workings, etc. Work together with your child to come up with a definition of these words. Use the sentence in the book, pictures, or other resources to find an answer. Ask your child why they think the author used that word or have them come up with their own sentence using this new vocabulary word. Resources to use: dictionary, pencil, paper, online
- Have the child guess the number of objects before moving onto the next page. See how close his or her guess was and then talk about it.
- Go around your house and practice measuring with non-standard units (ex. paperclips, toys, pencils, etc.).
How to read this book with your child?
- I recommend reading this book with your child. If your child seems to understand the humor and non-standard units then allow them to read the story to you.
- Ask questions throughout the story to ensure that your child is comprehending the story.
- Pay attention to how your child reacts to each situation. If they do not know one of the objects being used, explain to them or give them a similar example that they would better recognize.
- Use manipulative objects to follow along with in the story. Try and find as many of the objects in the story around your house as possible.