Magic Tree House #51: High Time for Heroes



Last updated Monday, January 4, 2016

Author: Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrator: Sal Murdocca
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 0307980499
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2016

Synopsis: The Magic Tree House books, with their fiction and nonfiction titles, are perfect for parents and teachers just starting to get into the "Core Curriculum." With a blend of magic, adventure, history, science, danger, and cuteness, the topics range from kid pleasers (pirates, the Titanic, pandas) to curriculum perfect (rain forest, American Revolution, Abraham Lincoln) to seasonal shoe-ins (Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving). There is truly something for everyone here.

Note to readers:
•  The book is long and you will not be able to finish the book in the time period. Read as far as time allows.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is your favorite Magic Tree House story?
•  Jack and Annie's adventures take place during different time periods. What time period would you like to visit? (example: Dinosaur period, American Revolution, etc...)
•  Jack and Annie often visit different places. Where would you like to visit?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What is Florence Nightingale famous for? (founder of modern nursing)
•  Florence Nightingale was born in Florence, Italy, but raised in England. This story takes place in Egypt where Florence Nightingale visited. Find the different locations on a map in the classroom. Of the three locations, where would you like to visit? Why?
•  Florence Nightingale was the first to encourage washing hands in the hospital during the Crimea War in 1854. Why is it important to wash hands after treating sick or injured people?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a map of the different places Florence Nightingale visited or where Jack and Annie visited.
•  Draw a picture of where you would like to visit.

*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!