The Book Tree

How to Teach This Book

The Book Tree explores the importance of the written word and what happens to a community when books are banished. Get students thinking and talking about all the places reading happens and why words are important in your community. Design a walking field trip together to explore and Read Across your neighborhood! Ask a local restaurant, theater, library, health center, and others to host your students, discuss why words (in all different languages) matter, and read aloud. If distances are too great, recreate your neighborhood with stations set up by local businesses or organizations throughout your school or school grounds. Conclude your Read Across adventure with:

• the dedication of a neighborhood tree as your community’s Book Tree
• a reading of The Book Tree under your Book Tree
• decorating the tree with colorful hanging tags featuring titles and authors of readers’ favorite books.

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. Where are some places that you like to read?
2. Why are books and stories important?
3. What would a world without books be like?
4. If someone told you that you couldn’t read something or talk about an idea, what would you do?
5. If you planted a book tree, what kinds of books would you try to grow?

Additional Resources for Teaching About the Importance of Books

• Inspire student writing and “book gardening” with Rashin Kheiriyeh
• The Book Tree Resources from Wander, Ponder, Write
• Kwame Alexander, Gene Luen Yang, Jesse Holland and NEA President Lily Eskelsen García create a poem about books