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Our Gracie Aunt
Last updated Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Date of Publication: 2002
ISBN: 0786806206
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2006
Synopsis:
Johnson and his sister, Beebee, seem to be all alone in the world. Their mama has gone away many times before, but something tells them that this time she won't be coming back. Then a social worker comes and takes them to meet their Aunt Gracie. Beebee barely remembers her, and Mama never even told Johnson about her. They wonder where she's been all this time?and why she would want to take care of them. Warily, though, the children begin to trust Aunt Gracie. And in the process, they come to a better understanding of what it means to be a family.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you have a favorite relative? Who is it and why?
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How many people do you have in your family? What makes a family a ?family?"
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What was Miss Roy?s job?
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Who is Aunt Gracie? What is she like?
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What fun activities did Beebee and Johnson do with their aunt? Why does Johnson want to live with their aunt instead of their mom?
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All through the book, Johnson calls her ?Gracie aunt? instead of Aunt Gracie, like everyone else does. Then, at the very end, he calls her Aunt Gracie. Why do you think he changed?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Color in a bookmark for your mom to say thank you.
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*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!
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