Literature Awards: Newbery 2004
These sites are about the Newbery Award, which is the world’s oldest children’s book award. Learn about the winning books for 2004. Includes author biographies, reviews, excerpts, and lesson plans.
Grades
- 2,
- 3,
- 4,
- 5
Links
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Kate DiCamillo video interview
Kate DiCamillo describes her journey in becoming a writer. She discusses her reaction to receiving the call from the Newbery Committee for "The Tale of Despereaux".
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Kidsreads: Kate DiCamillo
Here is a biography of Kate DiCamillo. Click on "The Tale of Despereaux" to read a review and an excerpt from this award-winning book.
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Celebrate Kate DiCamillo's birthday-March 25
Various writing activities are provided using characters from DiCamillo's books.
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The Tale of Despereaux: Fact or Fiction?
Students select a section of the book and research medieval times to compare the events which occur in the book and from history.
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Activities to Enrich "Tale of Despereaux"
This link provides rich literary activities to implement while reading "Tale of Despereaux".
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Exquisite Prompt Challenge
Use the prompts for writing activities while reading "Tale of Despeareaux". An explanation of the Exquisite Prompt Challenge is provided.
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Video Interview with Timothy Basil Ering
Students will enjoy viewing this interview of illustrator, Timothy Basil Ering. He created the art for "Tale of Despereaux".
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Talk It Up: "The Tale of Despereaux" by Kate DiCamillo
Here are some discussion questions about the book. NOTE: The discussion questions include spoilers, so make sure you have read the book before viewing the site.
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BookPage Interview: Kate DiCamillo
Read this article about the author of "The Tale of Despereaux."
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Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes
This link provides discussion questions and summary for honor book, Olive's Ocean.
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Olive's Ocean Extension Activity
Use these creative writing activities to further students' understanding of "Olive's Ocean".
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Kidsreads: Kevin Henke
Read about this Newbery Honor book author.
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Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site: Kevin Henkes
Read about Kevin Henkes and his books. NOTE: This site includes ads.
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"An American Plague" by Jim Murphy
Listen with students to the first two chapters of "An American Plague". Discussion questions are provided after listening. Next use the extension activities for nonfiction writing.
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Scholastic: Jim Murphy
Here is a biography of Jim Murphy. Click on "Interview Transcript" to learn about how he became a writer.
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Kidsreads: "An American Plague"
Read this student review of the Newbery Honor book by Jim Murphy.
Education Standards
