Mockingbird

Author: Kathryn Erskine

Publisher: Puffin, copy write 2011

Page Count: 256

Lexile: 630L

Overview: 

"Caitlin has Asperger's. The world according to her is black and white; anything in between is confusing. Before, when things got confusing, Caitlin went to her older brother, Devon, for help. But Devon has died, and Caitlin's dad is so distraught that he is just not helpful. Caitlin wants everything to go back to the way things were, but she doesn't know how to do that. Then she comes across the word closure- and she realizes this is what she needs. And in her search for it, Caitlin discovers that the world may not be black and white after all."--Barnes and Noble 

Suggested Delivery: Individual Reading

Words or Phrases to Describe the Book:

1. Discovering Oneself

2. Family Bonds

3. Aspergers Syndrome

4. Loss of Family Member

5. Diversity 

Electronic Resources:

1. Asperger Syndrome

http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/asperger.html
This article explains what asperger syndrome is, and how it first was discovered.  While the article may be difficult for some students to read, there is a listening feature, where the article will be read out loud.

2. Arthur

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9eATBV-_lg

This video clip is part of a show called Arthur. In it, they explain how people with Aspergers feel, in ways that children can relate to.

Key Vocabulary: 

1. Asperger Syndrome

2. Widow

3. Closure

4. Remorse

5. Sympathy
6. Tragedy

Reading Strategies:

Before:  Many students will have never heard of Aspergers Syndrome.  Gaining some knowledge of this syndrome before reading the book will help the students understand Caitlin a little more.  Use the two electronic resources above before reading.  Some students will connect more with with the scientific terminology, while some students will connect more with the familiar Arthur character.  Therefore, it is important to use both resources.

During:  While reading, students will be encouraged to write down words, sentences, or ideas which they found interesting.  After reading for that day, students will then use journals to write a reflection on the day's reading.  This reflection can include predictions, connections, or feelings.   

After: As students finish reading, have them answer the following question on an exit slip in order to be able to monitor their comprehension: "Why did donating the Eagle Scout project help Caitlin, her father, and the whole town?"

Writing Activity: After reading this book, students should have a newly found knowledge and understanding of Aspergers.  Have students work in groups of three or four to create a creative writing project to explain Aspergers.  This projects can include posters, a short story, poems, or other writing based ideas.

Resources:
Adolescent Literacy. (2012). In Classroom Strategies. Retrieved October 19, 2012, from http://www.adlit.org/strategy_library/

Barnes and Noble. (n.d.). In Mockingbird. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mockingbird-kathryn-erskine/1100180037?ean=9780142417751

Erskine, K. (2011). Mockingbird. New York, NY: Puffin.

Scholastic. (n.d.). In Mockingbird. Retrieved October 19, 2012, from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/mockingbird