This is an awesome book! It is an autobiographical picture book by Patricia Polacco. The story is so sweet, and it really speaks to the kids. I read it last year and did the activity described below. Some of the kids who were here last year have already been asking me if they get to do the same activity again this year. Last year I did it with 3rd, 4th, and 5th. This year I am leaving off 5th grade and completing a chapter book with them. The activity requires that I collect alot of "junk" so I've already gone to our resale store twice to find some things. I've also been saving TP/paper towel rolls for a year, not to mention ribbon rolls, cereal boxes, bottles/lids, etc.
In the story, the author is put into a "special" class. Other kids refer to this class as "the junkyard." Their teacher shows them that it's all a matter of perspective, and that "junk" can become something really amazing. She takes the class to a real junkyard where they select pieces of junk. The kids in the class create "Junkyard Wonders." There's more to it, but you need to read the book. It's pretty long for a picture book, but my kids stayed focused the entire time.
After reading the book to the library classes, I divided the kids into small groups and give them bags of "junk." They worked together to create something and then shared their creations. Last year I took 2 weeks for the entire lesson, and it felt very rushed; this year I gave it 3. I felt like it went much better.
Below are some of their unique creations:
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