American Revolution

My Brother Sam is Dead

By James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

Summary:

My Brother Sam is Dead is a powerful, heart wrenching, and thought provoking look at the American Revolution.  Tim Meeker faces some difficult choices when his brother Sam joins the Rebels.  Tim's father, and most people who live in their town are loyal to the King.  The brutal truth of war and it's effect on families is explored as Tim struggles to decide what side of the war he belongs on.  

Teaching Tips:

1) At the end of the book, James and Christopher Collier include a "How much of this book is true" section.  Upon completion of this book, students should read this section to understand fact from fiction.

2) Discuss with your students why this book has been so controversial.  Ask them what elements in the book would cause people to ban it.  

3) Students can keep a question journal as they read the story.  As Tim struggles to decide his role in the war, and which side he is loyal to, students can write questions that they have regarding the events of the story.  These would be great discussion points to have as a class.  

Additional Resources:

My Brother Sam is Dead Teaching Aides

Quizes, presentations, and various other activities that would be beneficial to a book study.

Scholastic Resources

Resources to aid in the teaching of the novel.

Web English Teacher Lesson Plans

Lesson plans created by English Teachers.

Alcatraz Prison-1935

Al Capone Does My Shirts
Gennifer Choldenko

Summary:

     It is 1935, and Moose Flanigan and his family move from Santa Monica to Alcatraz Island when Moose's father is hired as an electrician and a security guard.  His sister, Natalie, has a severe form of Autism and is slated to attend a special school is San Francisco.  After only two days, Natalie is kicked out of her special school.  

     Now, Moose must balance watching Natalie, trying to make friends in his new school, and dealing with an overly zealous Warden's daughter who is constantly scheming plots that involve the dangerous criminals of Alcatraz Island.  

Teaching Tips:

1) This book really was a diamond in the rough for me.  I went into it expecting a story about criminals and Alcatraz and instead found a beautiful tale of a family.  I found myself fascinated with how Autistic children were treated in 1935.  This book would is a great piece of literature for students who have had experience with classmates who have Autism.  

2) The author's note at the end of the story provides great insight by Gennifer Choldenko.  Students should enjoy hearing about what aspects of the story are fact, and which parts are fiction.  

3) If students enjoy this story, there are two more books in the series that they might be interested in reading; Al Capone Shines My Shoes, and Al Capone Does My Homework.  

Additional Resources: