BASIC DOCUMENTATION
Book Title: The War with Grandpa
Author(s): Robert Kimmel Smith
Illustrator/Photographer/Artist: Robert Papp (cover) Richard Lauter (Illustrator)
Publisher: Yearling
Copyright Date: 1984
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Brief Annotation: Grandpa comes to live with Peter and his family and must move into Peter’s room-which makes Peter move into the worst room in the house. Peter loves his grandfather but wants his room back. Peter begins to implement ideas to get his room back. After several attempts-Peter and Grandpa hold ‘peace talks’ and try to devise a plan that will be pleasing to everyone.
Your Rating (1-5) and why: The book was funny yet never went over the top of hurting anyone physically or mentally. It is a funny-light hearted book about the issues some families face and the ways children view it.
Readers who will like this book: Children whose relatives have moved in; boys; children that enjoys playing tricks on others;
Teaching Strategy from Tompkins:
#36 Reading Logs (pp. 100-102)
Reading logs are journals that students keep while listening to or reading books. I like the idea of using this strategy with this book because it has many opportunities for students to make connections, present their own ideas and focus on vocabulary and plot. It is also a wonderful opportunity to intigrate writing and reading together (and maybe a little art).
Question to ask about this book before a read aloud:
What would cause ‘you’ to go to war with your grandpa?
What would the ‘war’ consist of? Or How would the war procede?
Optional, but noted as extra effort:
1. Interest Level (age): 7-10
2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 4.5
3. List awards
1. Alabama Camellia Children's Choice Award, Award Categories: Grades K-1, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-6, 1989, Grades 3-5
2. California Young Readers' Medal, Award Categories: Primary Grades K-2, Intermediate Grades 3-6, Middle School/Junior High Grades 6-9, Young Adult Grades 9-12, 1990, Intermediate, Grades 3-6
3. Georgia Children's Book Award, Award Categories: Picture Story Books Grades K-4, Story Books Grades 4-8, 1989, Grades 4-8
4. Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, Award Categories: Picture Book, Intermediate, Middle Grades, 1987, Grades 4-6
5. Kansas William Allen White Children's Book Award, Award Categories: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, 1987, Grades 4-8
6. Missouri Mark Twain Book Award, Award Category: Grades 4-6, 1987, Grades 4-6
7. Nebraska Golden Sower Award, Award Categories: Primary Grades K-3, Intermediate Grades 4-6, Young Adult Grades 6-9 , 1987, Intermediate, Grades 4-6
8. Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award (Includes Alaska, Idaho, and Montana; Alberta and British Columbia) , Award Categories: Junior Division Grades 4-6, Intermediate Division Grades 7-9, Senior Division Grades 10-12 , 1987, Youth Division: Grades 4-8
9. South Carolina Children's Book Award, Award Category: Picture Book Award, Children's Book Award,Junior Book Award, Young Adult Book Award, 1986, Children's Book
10. Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award, Award Categories: Grades K-3, Grades 4-6, Young Adult, 1988, Grades 4-6
11. Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, Award Category: Grades 4-8, 1986, Grades 4-8
4. Does this book have a book trailer?
http://photopeach.com/album/h9pka1
I was surprised to see how many awards this book has won, but it's been around a while, and it's still in print, which tells you something about its popularity (and the timelessness of the theme). Speaking of theme, I think "grandparents" would be a great choice for thematic study. You could look at it from different cultures and time periods. Just a thought!
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