Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Macaroni Boy

Macaroni Boy
By: Katherine Ayres
Published by Delacorte Press
Copyright 2003

Macaroni Boy is a book based on issues that occurred during the great depression in Philadelphia. The book focuses in on the life of Mike Costa, a sixth grader, who's family owns a food warehouse that is struggling due to the depression. But Mike starts to notice something strange when hobos and rats start dying in the street. Michael also becomes concerned when his Grandpap is starting to have the same symptoms as the hobos. So he goes on a search for the cause of the deaths and sickness, using the rats he captures in the basement of the warehouse. Mike runs into troubles and bullies on the way but he soon discovers what the problem is. 

Historical, Detailed, Quick, Humorous, Realistic

Reading Level/Lexile
4th Grade, 1st month/700L

Suggested Delivery
Independent Read, Small Group

Electronic Resources
  http://www.katherineayres.com/  
This is the authors main website where she posts all books she has written including poetry books as well.  This website also has updated information about the author, her blog, teacher tools, and ways you can contact the author. This allows the students to learn more about the author and her other pieces of work.

http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/GreatDepression.html
This website describes what the Great Depression was and what happened during this time period. This will allow students to learn more about this historic time and be able to relate more to the story and Mike Costa. 

Teaching Suggestions
 1. This book can be used to teach the class about the Great Depression.
2. This book can be used to teach kids about bullying and the negativity that comes with it.
3. The book can be used as an independent read for advance students.  

Vocabulary
1. depression
2. vandalism
3. shantytown
4. hobos
5. famished
6. Great Depression

Before Reading
The students will do a research project on the Great Depression, which focuses mainly on hunger. They will have to come up interesting facts about this time period that they will then share with the entire class. 
 
During Reading
During reading the students will draw a comic strip of the book, with each picture being a scene within the chapter. This will allow the students to focus in on the important topic in that chapter and it will also help the students who struggle with comprehension, because it will allow them to follow the story line.

Writing Activity/After Reading
After reading the book the students will break into small groups and write a short story on "Macaroni Boy" in Andy Simms point of view. This will allow the students to look in a different perspective but they will have to use the same story and plot.    
  
Ayres, K. (2003). Macaroni boy. New York: Delacorte Press.

No comments:

Post a Comment