Glory Be



Last updated Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Author: Augusta Scattergood
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 0545331803
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2013

Synopsis: As much as Gloriana June Hemphill, or Glory as everyone knows her, wants to turn twelve, there are times when Glory wishes she could turn back the clock a year. Jesslyn, her sister and former confidante, no longer has the time of day for her now that she’ll be entering high school. Then there’s her best friend, Frankie. Things have always been so easy with Frankie, and now suddenly they aren’t. Maybe it’s the new girl from the North that’s got everyone out of sorts. Or maybe it’s the debate about whether or not the town should keep the segregated public pool open. (Amazon.com)

Note to readers:
•  You may want to read the inside cover &/or the synopsis to the kids first. You may need to explain racial segregation of public pools, schools, etc before or during reading. Or you could point it out as Gloria discovers more about it.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Just by looking at the cover, what do you think this story is about? When does this story take place? Where?
•  How would you feel if you weren't able to go to certain places because of your race?
•  Do you and your best friend agree about everything? How do you resolve your differences?

Vocabulary:
•  segregated - Racial segregation is a kind of formalized or institutionalized discrimination on the basis of race, characterized by their separation from each other.
•  primped - groomed oneself very carefully; preened
•  emporium - a large retail store selling a wide variety of goods
•  Yankee - a person who lives in, or is from, the US
•  on one's high horse - to be conceited or snobby
•  hankering - a yearning for something or to do something
•  moseyed - walked in a very relaxed, unhurried manner
•  moony-eyed - with eyes wide-open, as in infatuation or wonder
•  ignorant - lacking knowledge, information, or awareness
•  opinionated - holding stubbornly and often unreasonably to one's own opinions

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Who was your favorite character? Which character did you think you are most alike?
•  Were you surprised at Gloriana's father's reaction to her letter? Why or why not?
•  How do you feel about segregation?
•  Do you have any siblings? How do you treat them/How do they treat you?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a book cover that foreshadows the events of the story.
•  Make a paper chain with your favorite events of the story.
•  Write a list of books you would like to read this summer. Draw pictures of activities you would like to do this summer.

*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!