I wrote this book partially based on my own life
experience. When I entered first grade in
Manhattan, I was the only boy in the entire elementary school who was
Chinese. I did not realize that until I
moved to Queens in the middle of third grade.
Little did I know that my new neighborhood was very different. On the first day of my new school, I shyly entered
the classroom and I was surprised to see other Chinese boys like me. Many would think a person in that new
situation would feel very comfortable being surrounded by others who are alike.
But, coming from a different experience, I wasn’t sure how to feel just like
Hank in the story. In essence, I
substituted my racial difference with a uniquely-favorite color in the story so
that young students will be able to relate.
The fourth grade teacher I shared this with thought the
book was outstanding. After a first
draft, she reminded me that first and second graders, my intended audience,
should be exposed to more challenging text than I had originally wrote. So, I increased the length of some sentences
and deliberately left some pages without an image.
Like me, ELA teachers can create their own books through
Book Builder to incorporate any specific issues or learning objectives. Depending on the grade level, it would be an
engaging exercise to have students create their own story to enhance writing
skills. They can be creative and share a
story based on their experience or hobbies.
I hope teachers can use my story to help their students
understand there are more ways to feel special than just one. This will help build their self-confidence
and develop their character. The book
can also begin a discussion on the unique qualities we each have and how we should
respect each other’s differences.
I hope you enjoy this book: More Than One Way to Be Special
Hi Henry!
ReplyDeleteThe link that you posted isnt working for me. :( It took me a while to figure out how to post a link...when you publish your book, there should be a small button to "share" the book. I just "shared" the link and emailed it to myself. Then check your email, and there should be a link that you can post to your blog. If you did that... that maybe its the browser that Im using. I hope that helps!
Your book sounds like it will be great! I like how you can take a life experience and turn it into something that more students can relate to in a story! Great idea!
Thank you so much, Amy, for alerting me of the broken link. I replaced it with the way you did it and it is now working properly.
ReplyDeleteHi Henry!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your book, it's clearly written and every child (person) can feel with Hank. I also love the illustrations you chose they make the book come to life! This is a great way for teachers to show their students that everyone has something special about them- a wonderful self-esteem booster! I was wondering why some pages were missing pictures and then I just read your post! I think it's a perfect fit for 1st and 2nd graders. It might be challenging but they'll continue reading because it's interesting.
Great job!
Thanks so much, Brocha! I hope I will be able to share this with a class one day and let each student identify what is special about themselves. I think they will realize commonalities and develop respect for each other's differences.
DeleteHenry what a wonderful book! It was simply written but had so much to say. I am sure that your intended audience will receive the moral of the story.
ReplyDeleteHi Henry! I enjoyed reading your book! I was waiting till the end to find out how else Hank was special. I liked all the pictures you found to go along with the story as well. Great job Henry!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the comment, Nikki Jo!
DeleteGreat job! Thank you for making and sharing a book of your life experience. Using color to depict the unique experience can easily help young children to relate to. I am sure the book will stir up great conversations among kids. I just wish that it has your voice reading the story (asking too much?!!!). If you have iPad, the app Book Creator is free to download and easily record your voice. It was great that you shared with the ELA teacher and she loved it. Maybe you could read it in her class and implement a mini-lesson using your book. One quick catch: on the last page, the last sentence. "Hank learned that (there) are....." ;D
ReplyDelete"Hank learned that are more ways than one to be special."
I enjoyed reading the book you created. It has a great message for young children especially the competitive ones. I can see myself using this book in class :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Fatima. I hope to be able to show this to a future class to generate discussion around respect for each other's differences.
Delete