BASIC DOCUMENTATION
Book Title: Gooney Bird Is so Absurd
Author(s): Lois Lowry
Illustrator/Photographer/Artist: Middy Thomas
Publisher: Houghton Mufflin Harcourt
Copyright Date: 2009
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Brief Annotation:
While in Ms. Pidgeon’s class, the students are learning about poetry. Gooney Bird (and the entire class) use their distinct personality to create poems in the poetic styles she is learning. When a sad event happens to Ms. Pidgeon, the substitute tries to teach but cannot get past the individualism in the classroom. The book embraces the differences in each of us and creates an accepting atmosphere for everyone.
Your Rating (1-5) and why: 5
I loved this book. It is funny and touching yet it emphasizes the differences in everyone and how great that concept is. I liked how Lowry integrated the events in the story into the lessons of poetry the teacher was emphasizing. It is the reason I chose poetry as my main topic for class. I have read this book twice and cannot wait to introduce my future students to this book/series and poetry.
Readers who will like this book:
Students that enjoy poetry; those that dare to be different in any way; students who like to listen to silly things
Teaching Strategy from Tompkins :
#6 Book Talk (p. 14-15)
Book talks are introductions of books given to students to pique their interest into reading it. The book is introduced by displaying the book; giving a summery and reading a short excerpt aloud without giving away the ending.
I believe this is a great strategy for Gooney Bird is so Absurd because there are so many funny things written in the text that students can appreciate at its best by reading it themselves and using their own interpretation for making connections and mental pictures of the plot. I like the idea of presenting it as a book I enjoyed so that students will feel comfortable discussing it with me after they read it.
Question to ask about this book before a read aloud:
What is something you have worn totally different than everyone else?
Optional, but noted as extra effort:
1. Interest Level (age): 6-8
2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 3.3
Have you read other Gooney Bird books? She is such an amazing literary character--in the first book, the opportunities to teach about writing abound based on Gooney's storytelling ability.
ReplyDeleteI've always thought it would be interesting to look at girl characters in well-known series: Junie B Jones, Clementine, Gooney Bird, Mallory, and Ivy and Grace come to mind.
I haven't had the opportunitity but I agree...Gooney Bird is an amazing character.
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