Moon Over Manifest

Title: Moon Over Manifest

Author: Clare Vanderpool

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Copyright: 2010

Reading Level: Lexile 800

Summary:

This book is about a twelve year old girl named Abilene Tucker and her experience in a new town, Manifest during the depression. After Abilene cut her knee and had a near fatal three-day infection, Gideon, her father, decided to send her away where she can be better taken care off. Once in Manifest, she was welcomed by Shady, her father’s friend and Hattie Mae, the town’s reporter. With the help of two classmates, Ruthanne and Lettie, the towns diviner, Miss Sadie, and a box of forgotten artifacts, Abilene begins her journey into her father’s hometown past.

Suggested Delivery:

Independent reading followed by popcorn discussion.

Electronic Resources:

1- Clare Vanderpool- This website can be of use by both students and teachers after the reading. It includes a summary of the book, information about the author, activities and much more.

2- Your world- Useful for students to use during the reading. The book does not mention much about World War 1 but using this website can provide valuable information.

Teaching Suggestions:

1- Vocabulary- Depression, Satchel, Autumnal, Awnings, Diviner, Sycamore

2-Reading Strategies-

Before Reading: Have students complete a vocabulary card for each word. They should write the word on one side and on the other side have them write their own definition and draw a visual. Encourage students to do vocabulary cards throughout the reading to enhance their comprehension.

During Reading: Group students depending on their reading level. Every night, assign students to read two or three chapters and to write a reflection about what they read. The reflection should include what they learned and what they have questions about. In class, have students do a popcorn discussion about their reflection. Guide students and if necessary provide some modeling instruction.

After Reading: Provide students with the text from the back of the book and a black marker. Students will be using the found poems activity to create a poem that will explain something about the book. The poem can be about the main character, a scene they can imagine from the book or anything they found critical about the book.

3- Writing Activity- Have students rewrite their found poems. Have them explain why they chose those words or phrases and why they chose that topic.