If you were anything like me as a child, you were thoroughly engrossed by The Boxcar Children. I still remember the excitement of wondering if Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny could make it on their own. What child does not delight in the idea of having a little home in the woods-- like playing house, only better! Making a "refrigerator" in a stream, foraging for food in the forest, a hunting for treasures in the dump, and rescuing a stray dog; nursing him back to health. I know I'm not alone; Gertrude Chandler Warner's story has beautifully enchanted generations of readers. Now, as a teacher, I have read this tale to my students and each time I have seen the same wonder.
Well, this collection of books has now been adapted into a graphic novel series. Graphic novels, you may know, are an excellent way to engage the struggling and/or reluctant readers in your classroom or home. They provide increased opportunities for visualization and may improve comprehension. And bonus, they are quite appealing to the less engaged reader. Check out this excellent article from School Library Journal for more info about graphic novels.
Anyway, back to The Boxcar Children! This newly adapted series by Shannon Eric Denton, illustrated by Mike Dubisch, brings to life our favorite characters and delights a new generation of readers. Each page relates the very same old story in this relatively new genre. Consider bringing this graphic novel version into your classroom library or maybe just your personal collection!
As I mentioned in a previous blog entry, I work with many ELLs and other students with limited English language development. I am including vocabulary words/phrases that I choose to frontload for my kindergarten students. Depending on the grade level you teach, your list may differ from mine.
Vocabulary: bakery, a "children's home," haystack, boxcar, brook, a dump, stew, spare, orchard, thrilled
Close Reading Questions:
How do we know the baker and his wife don't really want to help the Aldens? p. 7
Why did the children sleep so long? p. 8
Why did the boxcar make a good place to stay? p. 12
How do we know the children must have had some money? p. 14
What could Henry do with the hammer and nails? p. 20
Why do you think Dr. Moore wanted Henry to go to the Free-for-all? Think about what he just read in the newspaper. p. 23
I wonder how Dr. Moore knew just where to go. How could he have known? p. 25 (after the first frame)
What evidence do we have that Grandfather is rich? p. 30
Do you think the children will be happy living with Grandfather? What makes you think so? p. 31
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