You know a great book when you read one. I'll mention three fantastic books that have engaged 2nd graders on up to adults to write creatively, share their stories with each other, and then perform their polished tales to eager listeners. Please reply with other titles that you would like to add to this growing list.
 The SOS File by Betsy Byars, Betsy Duffey, and Laurie Myers Excerpt from page 1: Have you ever needed to call 911, but you didn't have a phone? Have you ever needed to run, but your legs were like spaghetti? Have you ever needed to yell "help!" but your throat was dry with fear? For fun and extra credit write your story and put it in this file. Mr. T. Magro |  Birthday Surprises: Ten Great Stories to Unwrap, edited by Johanna Hurwitz Ten popular authors, such as Jane Yolen and James Howe, were asked to write a story based on receiving a present that was empty. |  The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups by David Wisniewski The truth is revealed in this hilarious "true" stories revealed behind all those grown-up rules such as Grown-Up Rule #31: Eat your vegetables or Rule#42: Comb your hair. This is the first of two Secret Knowledge books that D. Wisniewski wrote and illustrated. Perfect tales to model for a liar's contest/Tall Tale contest. |
These three books act as mentor texts to engage students in reading, writing their own versions, and then performing these tales through the craft of storytelling. Each book contains a variety of stories to connect with everyone. My students have had more fun working together and honing their ELA skills while celebrating their products through storytelling! I've included a few examples of "tall tales" my 4th grade students created from David Wisniewski's The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups.
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