The
following books are great to use when teaching letter writing. The
books for younger children are great for
illustrating the basics components of letters, as well as
how fun letter writing can be! And the books for older
children are effective in illustrating the
importance and power of
writing letters.
In the texting world that
we live in, students don't always understand the point and power of
letter writing. Sometimes it takes a compelling example of
letter
writing to demonstrate this. Try one of the books below the next time
you are teaching letter writing, and see if it sparks that inner writer
in your
most resistant students. It just might work!
Note: The interest age of the children's books listed
below increases as you move down the page.
We
also
have lists of best books for journal writing
or other language arts topics. To see the lists, clickhere.
Dear
Mrs. LaRue:
Letters from Obedience School
Summary: Ike is desperate to leave
dog obedience school so he embarks on a letter-writing campaign to his
owner, Mrs. LaRue, describing what a
terrible time he is having. Readers, however, know the hilarious
truth--the obedience school is a
puppy retreat, where dogs are pampered at every turn. The
illustrations perfectly complement this hilarious book that kids will
want read over and over.
Summary: Alex desperately wants an
iguana, but he can't seem to convince his mother. Told through an
exchange of letters between the two, this hilarious book is
complemented by comical and imaginative illustrations that perfectly capture the
extreme position of their negotiations.
Click,
Clack, Moo, Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
Summary: Barnyard animals unite
to improve their conditions in this hilarious book. Farmer Brown is
dumbfounded when his cows find a typewriter and
begin airing their grievances, like "Dear Farmer Brown, The barn
is cold
at night. We'd like some electric blankets. Sincerely, The Cows." When
Farmer Brown denies the cows' request, the cows go on strike.
Summary: Lydia is living temporarily with her uncle in the
city. She misses life on the farm, especially gardening with her
Grandmother, so she writes home often
about know how she is helping in her uncle's bakery and how the flowers
she has planted are growing. The story is told through her letters, and
in time, the reader can see how Lydia and her flowers have brighten
the lives of those around her.
Summary
A fairy tale spin-off, told through an exchange of letters. The three
little pigs are throwing a party to celebrate their new 'wolf-proof
home', but the menacing wolves are up to their old tricks, planning to
ambush the guests as they leave. In the end, however, the
surprise is on them. Illustrations with comical details and unique perspectives further ensure that
"this is fairy-tale fun at its best." (SLJ)
What kid doesn't love getting mail? (Yep, that's
us, getting the mail as kids.) I still remember when our 1st grade class wrote letters, put them in actual envelopes with
actual stamps, and walked as a class down to the mailbox to mail them.
That was just so much fun! If you are teaching letter writing, why not write to someone who will
write back and then really mail the letters. The kids will love it!
Thank You,
Sarah! The
Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving
Summary: For 38 years, Sarah Hale
wrote letters trying to encourage the government to make
Thanksgiving a national holiday. It wasn't until Lincoln was
in office that, perhaps persuaded by her arguments, the fourth Thursday
in November officially became Thanksgiving. This book is a
tribute to determination and the power of the pen!
Summary:
Part of the Depression-era series of American Girl books,
this book is great for teaching letter writing, compassion, and the
difference that
one person can make. When Kit donates her old coat to a child
at a nearby soup kitchen, she is moved by their plight, and writes a
letter to her local newspaper urging support for the children living at
the shelter. Includes color illustrations and an
appended history section.
Reading
Levels: Interest
Level-- Gr. 3-5 Difficulty Level--age 9-12
Coming
Next:
lesson ideas, DRA & Lexile, etc
Letters
from Rifka
By Karen Hesse
Summary:
Rifka and her family have fled Ukraine for a better life in
America. They've outwitted soldiers and endured typhus, but as they're
about to sail for America, Rifka contracts ringworm and is denied
passage. Her family continues on, and after a long recovery and her own
arduous journey, Rifka finally reunites with them. "Told in the form of
'letters' written by Rifka"...this novel "colorfully and convincingly
refreshes the immigrant experience."
(PW )
Summary:
When Leigh writes to an author to tell him that he 'licked' his book,
he never imagines that four years later, he'd still be writing to him.
But he keeps writing, at first to the real author and then just in a
diary but still addressed to Mr. Henshaw. Writing is what helps Leigh
understand the challenges in his life, like his parent's divorce. This
"first-rate, poignant story" is sure to hit home with many youngsters
in transition. (New
York Times Book Review)
Do
you know of some good books to use when teaching letter writing?
If
so, please let us know by completing the Suggest a Book form, located
in the top right hand column. Thank you!
What kid doesn't love getting mail? (Yep, that's
us, getting the mail as kids.) I still remember when our 1st grade class wrote letters, put them in actual envelopes with
actual stamps, and walked as a class down to the mailbox to mail them.
That was just so much fun! If you are teaching letter writing, why not write to someone who will
write back and then really mail the letters. The kids will love it!
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