I Will Make Miracles



Last updated Sunday, September 5, 2010

Author: Susie Morgenstern
Illustrator: Jiang Hong Chen
Date of Publication: 2008
ISBN: 1599901897
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2010

Synopsis: With paintings reminiscent of Maurice Sendak, and a lyrical text that is concrete enough for elementary kids to grasp, Susie Morgenstern and Jiang Hong Chen tackle the question: What will you do when you grow up? Their little boy wants to make miracles: He would cure the sick, feed the hungry, jail the bad guys, and fill the world up with people who care and share. The story ends with a twist, bringing a very ambitious group of wishes back down to earth. (from Amazon.com)

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is the boy doing on the cover?
•  What is a miracle? (something special that happens)
•  Do you want to make miracles when you grow up?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What do you want to be when you grow up?
•  Can you really wake the sun or stir the ocean? Would that be fun?
•  How can you stop people fighting?
•  What would you do to help the world, the earth, your school, your family?
•  How does reading and writing help save the world?

Craft ideas:
•  Have the kids draw a picture of them saving the world or waking the sun or stirring the ocean. Show them different coloring techniques using pencils and crayons and markers—shading, outlining, patterns etc….
•  Bring ahead option, have the volunteers bring paint and create ink blots. Have the kids interpret the ink blots or color a picture using the ink blots.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!