Category: Book Units

Welcome to my index blog page, where I share book units for 3rd through 6th graders! Reading novels helps students develop their literacy skills, imagination, and critical thinking abilities. I create resources to help teachers and parents guide students through studying books in a fun and engaging way.

Each post on this blog page includes novel study samples and teaching ideas with various activities, such as printable handouts, YouTube videos, and hands-on projects like recipes and art activities. On my blog page, you can find many options for novel studies to do with your child at home or in the classroom.

Learning should be enjoyable, and I design my book units to be educational and entertaining.

I hope this index blog page will inspire and motivate you to explore the wonderful world of novels with your readers. Happy reading!

The Indian in the Cupboard

The Indian in the Cupboard

The Indian in the Cupboard is a fast‑moving fantasy that hooks readers from the very first chapter. When Omri discovers that a simple plastic figure can come to life, he’s thrown into a world where imagination, responsibility, and friendship collide. This classic middle‑grade novel is perfect for lessons on character development, point of view, and …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=3902

Ella Enchanted Activities

Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted is a Cinderella story with a twist. When Ella is born, a fairy named Lucinda gives her the gift of obedience. Now, whenever anyone gives Ella an order, she must follow it. At first, Ella’s mother and their cook protect Ella. When Lady Eleanor dies, Ella’s father remarries. As you can imagine, this causes …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=3816

The Giver Teaching Ideas

The Giver

Enjoy these five teaching ideas to use with your novel study of The Giver, You’ll find novel study samples and a great symbolism activity.

Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=3818

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Teaching Ideas

The Best Christmas Pageant

If you’re planning to use Barbara Robinson‘s hilarious book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with your students this holiday season, check out this collection of teaching ideas and cross-curricular activities. Mrs. Armstrong breaks her leg, so Mother must direct the Christmas pageant. Everything goes wrong when the Herdmans, the worst kids in the history of the world, are the only ones to …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=3809

The One and Only Ivan Activities

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is a beautifully written, Newbery‑winning novel told from the perspective of Ivan, a silverback gorilla living in a small circus‑themed shopping mall. Written in a journal‑like format, Ivan reflects on his past, his present life in confinement, and his hopes for the future. Ivan lives at the …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=3800

Mixed-Up Files Activities

Mixed-Up Files

Do you need a Mixed-up Files activity or two to add to your From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg unit? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here you will find Mixed-Up Files activities including maps, printables, and novel study samples.   Summary Claudia is a few weeks shy of …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=3320

Paintbrushes & Arrows by M.C. Finotti

Paintbrushes & Arrows

I’m thrilled to welcome M.C. Finotti, author of Paintbrushes & Arrows: A Story of Two Girls in St. Augustine in 1875, as a guest blogger today. Her novel is a thoughtful blend of real people, historical events, and heartfelt storytelling that teachers will enjoy sharing with their students. Interesting Feature Rotating  Perspectives and Points of …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=3779