Taffy of Torpedo Junction (Historical Fiction Chapter Book)

"Taffy of Torpedo Junction" is a great piece of historical fiction written by Nell Wise Wechter and illustrated by Mary Walker Sparks. It is an adventure story about a girl named Taffy living in the Outer Banks of North Carolina during World War II. With the company of her pony and puppy, Taffy stumbles upon a mystery as she wanders through the area. Taffy soon realizes that what she has found are enemy spies, and she lends her hand to the Coast Guard. Taffy nearly gets in trouble, but the authorities arrive in time to help her and capture the spies. This is a great piece of historical fiction because the author uses authentic dialect in the dialogue throughout the book. The book also gives readers a sense of what life was like for some Americans during World War II. The sotry is largely told from the perspective of someone their age, so students would most likely be able to make self-to-text connections. This book would also be great for supplementing social studies instruction for fourth grade since it is based in North Carolina.

Dirt on their Skirts (Historical Fiction)

http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/611022/Hedgecock335

"Dirt on their Skirts" is written by Doreen Rappaport and Lyndall Callan and illustrated by E.B. Lewis. I would definitely use this book in a classroom. It is a great piece of historical fiction because it highlights how communities in the US changed during World War II. This book also serves to altar the common misconception of heroes. I would use this book to help break the stereotype that sports heroes have to be men.

Finding Home (Nonfiction)

"Finding Home" written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Alan Marks is a unique piece of nonfiction literature. The story is about a koala mother who is wakened by the smell of smoke. Her home is destroyed, but she must find a way to find food for and protect her joey. In an effort to save herself and her joey, she embarks on a journey. She encounters humans and dogs in her attempt to find shelter and food. The koala also attracts the attention of people who help her cross a busy highway to find a new home. I would definitely use this book in a classroom to discuss the different types of nonfiction. This story is almost disguised as a piece of fiction because it tells an enjoyable story that is not bombarded with facts. "Finding Home" was inspired by the real-life story of a koala named Cinders. I would also use this book to study descriptive imagery.