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Target® Story Builders 2009 literature selections
A STORY A STORY: AN AFRICAN TALE (ANANSE)
retold and illustrated by Gail E. Haley
(Africa / long ago)
(Caldecott Honor)
Grades 1–5
Curriculum
English-Language Arts / Literary Elements
English-Language Arts / Writing
History / Social Science
Themes
Using your wits, completing difficult tasks, sharing, helping others
Ananse, the famed African trickster spider, makes a bargain with the Sky God to obtain all the stories in the world, but first he must complete several nearly impossible tasks. Witness how Ananse outwits the forest animals and wins the fabled book of stories.
THE HUNGRY COAT: A TALE FROM TURKEY
written and illustrated by Demi
(Turkey / long ago)
(Christopher Award)
Grades 1–5
Curriculum
Social Science / Vocabulary
Themes
Helping friends, judging people
Meet Nasrettin Hoca, a friend to all. After corralling an escaped goat, Nasrettin Hoca attends a friend’s party in his dirty coat, and is shunned by his friends because of his appearance. However, after he changes into a fancy new coat, he is treated like a king and served a feast. To his friends’ astonishment, he begins to feed his coat. Discover how Nasrettin teaches his friends a valuable lesson about what really matters.
MEANWHILE
written and illustrated by Jules Feiffer
(American / Modern)
(California Young reader Award)
Grades 1–5
Curriculum
English-Language Arts / Vocabulary
Themes
Hard work, following dreams, honesty
Raymond loves his comic books! To his astonishment, he realizes that by writing the word “Meanwhile…” on his wall with a red marker, he can then be transported, by his imagination, to exotic worlds. He comes face-to-face with pirates, a Western posse and Martians. Take the ultimate journey with Raymond and experience the power of his imagination.
THE BALLAD OF MULAN
retold by Song Nan Zhang
(China / AD 386–534)
Grades 2–5
Curriculum
History / Social Science
Themes
Family, responsibility, respect of parents, courage
Mulan is one of the great legends from northern China. In a world dominated by men, Mulan, worries about her father’s failing health and his ability to serve in the army. She disguises herself as a soldier and takes her father’s place in the army. After many years of battle and hardship, Mulan returns home as a General and is honored by the Emperor. Mulan reveals her true identity and returns home to live in peace with her family.
FIRST DAY IN GRAPES
by L. King Perez, illustrated by Robert Castilla
(California / Modern)
(Pura Belpre Illustration Honor)
Grades 2–5
Curriculum
History / Social Science
Themes
Bullying, standing up for yourself
All year long, Chico’s family moves throughout California, following the harvests to pick fruits and vegetables. Every September, Chico begins the school year in a different school, and is often picked on by the other kids. Is it because he is new? Or because he speaks Spanish? Or both? Third grade promises to be different: he likes his teacher and she recognizes his excellent abilities in math. When fourth-grade bullies tease him, he surprises them with his own internal strength by using his math skill to outwit them.
RIDE LIKE THE WIND: A TALE OF THE PONY EXPRESS
written and illustrated by Bernie Fuchs
(American West / 1860s)
Grades 3–5
Curriculum
History / Social Science
Themes
Courage, self-confidence, facing your fears
Known for their courage, self-confidence, speed and willingness to face adversity, the riders of the Pony Express quickly became legendary heroes. Bernie Fuchs captures the spirit, strength and stamina of one young rider, Johnny Free, as he and his beloved pony, JennySoo, face an unusually dangerous journey. The story also depicts the strained relationship between the growing West and Paiute Native Americans who lived there.
RAISEL’S RIDDLE
story by Erika Silverman, pictures by Susan Gaber
(Europe / long ago)
Grades 3–5
Curriculum
English-Language / Literary Elements
Themes
Using your wits, overcoming hardships
This Jewish holiday-themed version of the Cinderella story features an independent-thinking heroine and places emphasis on wisdom and virtue rather than on outward appearances. Raisel is given three wishes by an old beggar woman, after offering her some food. Next thing she knows, Raisel is at the Purim festivities where she meets a young man and finds that he is her “prince.” Instead of passing the traditional glass slipper test, she turns the tables and challenges the “prince” (otherwise known as the rabbi’s son) with a riddle!
Grade recommendations based on the California Board of Education recommended reading list.
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