Nory Ryan's Song
By: Patricia Reilly Giff
Summary:
12 year-old Nory Ryan and her family have always scraped by as Irish potato farmers. With her sister leaving for America, her father away fishing for the season, and a younger brother to take care of, Nory has her hands full. Life becomes even tougher when rotting odors start emanating from the potato crops. With no food, Nory must turn to extreme measures to ensure the survival of her family.
In addition to starvation, Nory and other villagers must deal with a cruel English Lord who would rather have sheep on his land.
Author Patricia Reilly Giff delivers an emotional masterpiece that will have readers running to the library for the sequel, Maggie's Door.
Teaching Tips:
1) Before reading, show students where Ireland is located on a map. Point out England's location in comparison to Ireland. Mention that at this time, Ireland was controlled by the English Crown.
2) Before reading, discuss how potatoes were not only a cash crop, but a source of income for the Irish. When the Irish potato famine struck, over one million men, women, and children of the eight million people in Ireland died.
3) As students are reading, have them discuss what this event must have been like from multiple points of view (i.e. Nory, Patch, Lord Cunningham, Father).
Additional Resources:
Book 2
Book 3
Ryan, I like that you've prepared the blog to follow a consistent format from entry to entry. I think readers will find it easier to read with a predictable format. I also like that you are including practical teaching suggestions for each book!
ReplyDeleteRyan, I like your suggestion about discussing the famine from different view points. Students will have to infer based on what they know from Nory. I know with the implementation of CCSS, perspective is one of the ELA standards. Thanks for this idea!
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