classroom resources
Please scroll down to find themes, resources and teachers’ comments linked to each book.
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English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers might be interested in my easy reader How to Make Money When You’re Twelve (published by Caramel Tree Press for students learning English in Korea). My Orca Currents novels Manga Touch and Siege may also appeal to older ESL students. Many of my novels have been enjoyed by adult students of English in Japan.
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Discovering Emily and Emily’s Dream
Themes: Emily Carr, Canadian art and artists, self-expression, Canadian/British Columbia history, 19th century life
For ages 7-10 (both Emily books work well with grades 3-4 in particular and have also been used with adult ESL students)
Resources:
– Click here for a downloadable teachers’ guide to Discovering Emily from Orca Books
– Click here for a downloadable teachers’ guide to Emily’s Dream from Orca Books
– Discovering Emily and Emily’s Dream are also available to read online through Tumble Books
– Good website on Emily Carr’s home, family and art: Emily Carr at Home and at Work
Comments
There are so many kids like Emily Carr who have a spark somewhere inside them, but it doesn’t always show up in school. [Discovering Emily] inspired me to look for that spark in the kids I deal with every day.
– Annette Fung, teacher, British Columbia
[The grade four students] all seem to be captivated with Emily, and have looked for websites about her early life and her later work. [The books have] been a stepping stone to looking at other Canadian artists and their work. . . .The set has filled my language arts needs extremely well as a read-aloud for the class and a point for discussion.
– teacher, Newfoundland
Jacqueline Pearce’s books, particularly The Reunion and the Emily Carr stories, have been ideal for use with my adult students of English. The language, while simple enough for my students to grasp, is rich with descriptions of Vancouver Island’s history and environment, and the personalities of the characters are so real. My students laugh and nod as they get to know the characters, and they learn about the expressive qualities of the English language, something they could never find in most text books.
– Jean-Pierre Antonio, Suzuka International University, Japan
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Themes: friendship, World War II, multicultural experience and customs, Japanese Canadians, Sikh Canadians
For ages 7-10
Nominated for a 2003-4 Chocolate Lily Award
Resources:
– Click here for a downloadable teachers’ guide to The Reunion from Orca Books
– The Reunion is also available to read online through Tumble Books
– Background on the town of Paldi on Vancouver Island, where the story takes place. Canadian Encyclopedia article on Japanese internment in Canada during WW II. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) article on Japanese internment.
Comments:
I started to read [The Reunion] one evening and couldn’t put it down until it was finished. Not only did I enjoy the story, but I was fascinated with the local history. [The] book has deepened my appreciation for my community.
– teacher-librarian, Vancouver Island
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Themes: human-animal bond, bullying, responsible pet care, dogs, friendship
for ages 8-12
Nominated for a Langley Book of the Year Award, 2008
Resources:
– Click here for the teachers’ resources section of the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) website
– Dog House Blues has also been published by Scholastic Canada (2008) as part of its Social Responsibility Book Club – Bully-Free Zone in the Moving Up with Literacy Place resource for grade 4-6 classrooms. The book is available as part of a classroom set with this resource package. More info here.
– copies of the book can also be ordered through the author (see contact info)
Comments
The students are captivated with the characters, they empathize with the situations, and they make observations as we read.
– teacher, Newfoundland
Dog House Blues would be an excellent addition to school, classroom and public libraries.
– Resource Links
This novel provides a realistic examination of the feelings and actions often shown by bullies and people they hurt. . . . this is a recommended read for any girl who is dealing with bullying.
– Canadian Materials
This is a story full of hope, friendship and humour, with believable characters both animal and human.
– Canadian Children’s Book News
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The Truth About Rats (and Dogs)
Themes: human-animal bond, responsible pet care, rats and other small animals, stereotyping, multicultural experience, Chinese New Year celebrations
For ages 8-12
Nominated for a 2008 Hackmatack Award
Resources:
– Click here for the teachers’ resources section of the BC SPCA website
– Good website with information, activities and lesson plans related to Chinese New Year: Teacher Planet – Chinese New Year
– Website with info on the animal currently being celebrated (it was the Year of the Rat in 2008) and links to other sites about Chinese New Year: Current Chinese New Year
Comments:
The story is above average, the characters are well developed and the plot moves along at a good pace. . . . I enjoyed the well-rounded Conner character who played soccer, rode BMX, yet played piano, and joined the school animal club.”
– Canadian Materials
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Themes: teen relationships and issues, urban nature and wildlife
For ages 12 and up (especially 12-15)
Canadian Children’s Book Centre Our Choice selection 2004
Comments:
[The stories] depict realistic responses to challenges, through the eyes and voices of teenagers. . . . Will encourage dialogue about important issues for young people.
– Steve Lloyd, high school teacher
These short stories work well when you don’t have time to do a complete novel study. . . . a great way of generating class discussion around teen issues, as well as themes relevant to humane education and relationships between people and urban wildlife. “The Door” and “We’re In” are particularly powerful stories about people and animals.
– Paula Neuman, Humane Educator, BC SPCA
Teachers and students will find [these stories] useful for assignments requiring a short story that reflects the Canadian experience.
– Canadian Materials
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Themes: friendship, belonging, travel, Japan
For ages 10-14 (high interest, low vocabulary)
Listed in Resource Links “best of 2007” and a starred selection in the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s “Best Books for Kids and Teens 2008.”
A French version of this novel is also available: L’effet manga
Resources:
– Click here for information about Orca’s resource guide for the Orca Currents Series.
Comments:
This is a great introduction to how Japan is experienced today. The characters have their strengths and weaknesses, which young readers can identify and grow with.
– Nichola Ogiwara, Nikkei Heritage Centre
This is another excellent title in a superb series for older students with low reading skills.- Resource Links
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Themes: War of 1812 (Canadian and US history), war, friendship, going without technology, moving beyond first impressions
For ages 10-14 (high interest, low vocabulary)
Resources:
– Click here for information about Orca’s resource guide for the Orca Currents Series.
– General background on the War of 1812 in the Canadian Encyclopedia, and War of 1812 re-enactment website (includes links to articles and documentary videos). Old Fort Erie info on Parks Canada website.
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