The Madman of Piney Woods

Elijah of Buxton

Bucking the Sarge

The Mighty Miss Malone

Bud, Not Buddy

Mr. Chickee's Messy Mission (Mr. Chickee's Series)

The Journey of Little Charlie

The Counterfeit Family Tree of Vee Crawford-Wong

This reproducible study guide to use in conjunction with the book The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 consists of lessons for guided reading. Written in chapter—by—chapter format, the guide contains a synopsis, pre—reading activities, vocabulary and comprehension exercises, as well as extension activities to be used as follow up to the novel.




In a homogeneous classroom, whole class instruction with one title is appropriate. In a heterogeneous classroom, reading groups should be formed: each group works on a different novel on its reading level. Depending upon the length of time devoted to reading in the classroom, each novel, with its guide and accompanying lessons, may be completed in three to six weeks.




Begin using NOVEL—TIES for reading development by distributing the novel and a folder to each child. Distribute duplicated pages of the study guide for student to place in their folders. After examining the cover and glancing through the book, students can participate in several pre—reading activities. Vocabulary questions should be considered prior to reading a chapter; all other work should be done after the chapter has been read. Comprehension questions can be answered orally or in writing. The classroom teachers should determine thee amount of work to be assigned, always keeping in mind that readers must be nurtured and that the ultimate goal is encouraging students' love of reading.




The benefits of using NOVEL—TIES are numerous. Students read good literature in the original, rather than in abridged or edited form. The good reading habits, formed by practice in focusing on interpretive comprehension and literary techniques, will be transferred to the books students read independently. Passive readers become active, avid readers.

Discover Your Child's Next Read

The Madman of Piney Woods

Christopher Paul Curtis, 2014

Elijah of Buxton

Christopher Paul Curtis, 2007

Bucking the Sarge

Christopher Paul Curtis, 2004

The Mighty Miss Malone

Christopher Paul Curtis, 2012

Bud, Not Buddy

Christopher Paul Curtis, 1999

Mr. Chickee's Messy Mission (Mr. Chickee's Series)

Christopher Paul Curtis, 2007

The Journey of Little Charlie

Christopher Paul Curtis, 2018

The Counterfeit Family Tree of Vee Crawford-Wong

L. Tam Holland, 2013