Titles and Descriptions - I

I Have Been in Danger
I Read It, But I Don't Get It: Comprehension Strategies for Adolescent Readers
Ice Story: Shackleton's Lost Expedition
Identities Series
Improving Comprehension With Think-Aloud Strategies
In Other Words: Canadian Student Thesaurus
In the Same Boat Series
Initiation
Inkheart
Inkonze: The Stones of Traditional Knowledge: A History of Northeastern Alberta
Inquiry-Based Learning Using Everyday Objects: Hands-On Instructional Strategies That Promote Active Learning in Grades
Into the Air: The Story of the Wright Brothers' First Flight
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster
Introducing Shakespeare
Introducing Shakespeare (CD-ROM)
Iqbal: A Novel
IRA Literacy Study Groups Series
Island: Book One: Shipwreck
Island: Book Two: Survival
Island: Book Three: Escape
Issues Collection Series

I Have Been in Danger (Print-Fiction). Foggo, Cheryl. (In the Same Boat Series). Coteau Books (FHW), 2001. 173 p. ISBN 1-55050-185-2 ($8.95 pbk.).

(SK) This adventure story is told in flashbacks by two sisters, Jackie and Sidney. On a camping trip, Jackie discovers boys, and when an argument breaks out, she cannot handle the peer pressure. Jackie forgets her sister and her best friend, Chris, when conflict arises. The narrative in the story shifts between Jackie and Sidney’s point of view. When Jackie wanders away from camp, it is Sidney’s instincts that help her find her sister.

This novel works nicely with a survival theme or discussions about decision making and stereotyping.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Personal and Philosophical Context
Other Use: Health Education: Grades 6 to 9

I Read It, But I Don't Get It: Comprehension Strategies for Adolescent Readers (Print-Non-Fiction). Tovani, Cris. Stenhouse Publishers (PPL), 2000. 140 p. ISBN 1-57110-089-X ($29.95 pbk.).

Many useful ideas for improving adolescent’s comprehension are included in this slim, highly readable volume. I Read It, But I Don’t Get It is organized into three parts. Parts 1 and 2 contain chapters that pertain to topics such as “Fake Reading,” “Connecting the New to the Known,” and “What’s the Plan?” Each chapter begins with a student quote and an anecdote involving a problem in reading encountered by the author in an actual classroom of adolescent students. The strategies presented in the book are based on research that defines the thinking strategies used by proficient readers. The roles of purpose in reading, motivation, and use of prior experiences constitute the basis for many of the strategies. In this way, the book is in line with currently held ideas regarding effective reading instruction. The notion that meaning in reading is constructed as readers interact with text is at the root of the strategies presented. Part 3 consists of three short appendices that contain forms to be used to facilitate implementation of the strategies presented in the preceding chapters.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts 10

Ice Story: Shackleton's Lost Expedition (Print-Non-Fiction). Kimmel, Elizabeth Cody. Clarion Books (ALL), 1999. 120 p. ISBN 0-395-91524-4 ($28.95 hdc.).

Kimmel’s account of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 doomed expedition to cross Antarctica relies on Shackleton’s memoirs and original photographs to recreate the events in exciting detail. Kimmel tries to put the story in historical perspective by comparing the exploration of Antarctica to the exploration of space. This reader friendly account of the quest to stand on the South Pole presents the background of the Antarctica explorers as well as an introduction to the crew members of the shipwrecked Endurance who survived months of frostbite, penguin stew, and boredom, while they hoped for rescue. The author’s storytelling shows Shackleton as a leader whose first concern was his crew’s safety. Many books have been written on this topic, but this suspenseful book brings to life the stark conditions that these explorers endured on this memorable expedition.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Environmental and Technological Context

Identities Series (Print-Anthology). Oxford University Press (OUP), 1998. Order numbers follow.

Recommended titles in this series include the following:

(CAN, WNCP) This integrated resource provides a variety of opportunities for students to learn how to use the six language arts. The three student anthologies, one for each of Grades 7, 8, and 9 feature a variety of print and visual texts in a number of genres and themes appropriate for average readers. Each anthology is organized into eight thematic units, some of which focus on a single genre and others on a variety of genres.

The teacher handbooks, one for each of Grades 7, 8, and 9, contain four main sections that include suggestions for unit planning, assessment strategies, sample units, and models for relating the text goals to English language arts learning outcomes. Also included in the teacher resource are rubric templates, graphic organizers, goal-setting sheets, story maps, and self-assessment samples.

Teachers should note that although this resource features a variety of texts, including a mix of literary and transactional texts, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis content is limited. Also, because of the contemporary nature of the materials in the student text, information may become dated. Further, teachers are advised to review any of the websites before referring students to them.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Language Resource

Improving Comprehension With Think-Aloud Strategies (Print-Non-Fiction). Wilhelm, Jeffrey D. Scholastic Inc. (SCH), 2001. 176 p. ISBN 0-439-21859-4 ($22.99 pbk.).

Researcher and teacher Jeff Wilhelm demonstrates strategies that enable students to make meaning of newly acquired information and difficult text. Think-aloud strategies provide an active, social experience that captures what sense students have made of text. Models of think-aloud strategies such as inferring, visualizing, and summarizing in the contexts of meaningful tasks and ways to assist students in the use of these strategies are presented throughout the resource.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades K to 5

In Other Words: Canadian Student Thesaurus (Print-Non-Fiction). Hughes, Patricia J. and Gould, Vera Dobson. Rubicon Publishing Inc. (MHR), 2003. 393 p. ISBN 0-921156-66-9 ($36.45 pbk.).

(CAN) This easy-to-read Canadian thesaurus has a limited word range of 7,000 entries that lack a certain depth and sophistication of language. Nonetheless, this resource is well-organized, with a systematic layout that uses colour as an organizational tool to separate the synonyms, antonyms, and main entries. This resource is clear, concise, and visually appealing. It could be used in the upper Elementary Level, Middle Level, or to support students in adaptive or modified programs in high school.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Language Resource
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades K to 5; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 20; English Language Arts 30

In the Same Boat Series (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the titles: Andrei and the Snow Walker, I Have Been in Danger, Little Voice, and The Water of Possibility.

Initiation (Print-Fiction). Schwartz, Virginia Frances. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd. (FHW), 2003. 268 p. ISBN 1-55005-053-2 ($22.95 hdc.). ISBN 1-55005-054-0 ($12.95 pbk.).

(CAN) The novel is based on the Kwakiutl transformation legend that centred on the belief that when the salmon were scarce, a warrior could call them back by diving into the water and turning into a salmon. Nano and her twin brother Nanolatch, children of a chief of the Kwakiutl nation on the Northwest Coast, are about to embark on their initiation into adulthood. Nanolatch is destined to become the chief, and Nano faces marriage to a boy from another nation and a life apart from her family. The twins’ father leads a war party that destroys a neighbouring village. The captive of the raid, Noh, is the daughter of a shaman, who has strong spiritual affinity to the Spirit World and to nature. The fate of the twins and Noh converge, thus altering their lives. Together, the young people work to save the nation from becoming extinct, in spite of the predetermined positions expected by the adults. This novel takes a look at the traditional roles that society expected in the 15th century and at the same time is a plea for the conservation of the endangered migrating salmon.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Environmental and Technological Context; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context
Initiative: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Content and Perspectives

Inkheart (Print-Fiction). Funke, Cornelia. Scholastic Inc. (SCH), 2003. 534 p. ISBN 0-439-53164-0 ($24.99 hdc.).

The arrival of a strange scarred man one stormy night reveals Meggie’s father’s ability to bring literary characters to life. His talent, however, has an unfortunate element: as a fictional character emerges, a real person is transported into the pages of the story. This was the fate of Meggie’s mother. Thus begins a desperate escape from the villains of Inkheart and a search for the author in hopes that an alternate denouement will be written. This exciting fantasy stretches the bounds of imagination.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Imaginative and Literary Context

Inkonze: The Stones of Traditional Knowledge: A History of Northeastern Alberta (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section.

Inquiry-Based Learning Using Everyday Objects: Hands-On Instructional Strategies That Promote Active Learning in Grades 3-8 (Print-Non-Fiction). Alvarado, Amy Edmonds and Herr, Patricia R. Corwin Press, Inc. (SAG), 2003. 197 p. ISBN 0-7619-4680-2 ($27.95 U.S. pbk.).

Inquiry learning through object-based inquiry is a strategy which can be applied at any grade level to promote active learning and student engagement. The resource provides an introduction to the concept for teachers and practical tips to actualize the strategy in the classroom. Activities are designed to encourage student reasoning, critical and creative thinking, and observation abilities. It also can be integrated into research as a process to initiate inquiry. The book provides several model units in each of the following subject areas: English language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades K to 5

Into the Air: The Story of the Wright Brothers' First Flight (Print-Non-Fiction). Burleigh, Robert and Wylie, Robert, illus. Harcourt, Inc. (RAI), 2002. unp. ISBN 0-15-216803-6 ($8.95 pbk.).

Into the Air: The Story of the Wright Brothers’ First Flight is a graphic novel that tells the story surrounding the first flight by the Americans, Orville and Wilbur Wright at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This visually appealing format gives some background information about earlier flight attempts around the world.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Environmental and Technological Context
Other Use: Science: Grades 6 to 9

Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster (Print-Non-Fiction). Krakauer, Jon. Knopf, Alfred A. (ULS), 1999. 368 p. ISBN 0-385-49478-5 ($21.00 pbk.).

Into Thin Air is a firsthand account of the tragic commercial expedition to Mount Everest in 1996 in which eight climbers died. Krakauer, a seasoned mountain climber and journalist from the United States, balances the view of the ego-driven mountain climbers, the underappreciated Sherpa guides, and the inexperienced amateurs’ desire to reach beyond one’s human limitations. Krakaeur investigates the catastrophe and what went wrong on the summit the day of the storm.

It would be interesting for students to compare Into Thin Air with The Climb and Touching My Father’s Soul (both annotated in this bibliography) to observe the different perspectives. Korman’s fiction Everest trilogy is also included in this bibliography.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Personal and Philosophical Context

Introducing Shakespeare (Print-Non-Fiction). Shakespeare, William. (The Global Shakespeare Series). Thomson Nelson (NEL), 1997. 96 p. ISBN 0-17-606610-1 ($24.95 pbk.).

This is an interesting overview of the life and works of Shakespeare. It also describes the impact of his writing on today’s language. Included are several speeches, scenes, and sonnets accompanied by cartoons, sidebar explanations and illustrations, and suggested activities for response.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Imaginative and Literary Context
Other Use: English Language Arts 10

Introducing Shakespeare (CD-ROM). (The Global Shakespeare Series). Thomson Nelson (NEL), 1997. ISBN 0-17-606656-X ($104.95).

This is an easy-to-follow, engaging look at the life, times, and works of Shakespeare. Included are 60 minutes of videos, in short segments, about varied topics related to London and Stratford in Shakespeare’s time, Shakespeare’s personal life and career, and the Globe Theatre. Included are timelines of world events during this era, brief summaries of 37 plays, and the full text of eight sonnets.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Imaginative and Literary Context
Other Use: English Language Arts 10

Iqbal: A Novel (Print-Fiction). D'Adamo, Francesco. Atheneum Publications (SHU), 2003. 122 p. ISBN 0-689-85445-5 ($24.95 hdc.).

This simple, moving tale will alert Saskatchewan students to conditions for children in many international contexts and may provide a spur for burgeoning activists. While each situation is not gruesome in its documentation, there are enough details to help students understand the appalling conditions of these children’s lives. The context and issues provide multiple instructional opportunities: life in a distant land, family structures and responsibilities, child labour, gender roles, and religious differences. Background knowledge of Islam would be helpful. This docu-novel, translated from the Italian version, adds a new dimension to the biographies of Iqbal Masih, a young activist who drew global attention to the appalling facts of contemporary child labour.
Suggested Use: Grade 8; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context
Initiatives: Gender Equity; Multicultural Content and Perspectives

IRA Literacy Study Groups Series (Kit). Please refer to the title: Vocabulary Module.

Island: Book One: Shipwreck (Print-Fiction). Korman, Gordon. Scholastic Inc. (SCH), 2001. 129 p. ISBN 0-439-16456-7 ($6.99 pbk.).

(CAN) This is the first of a series of three adventure books. Six troubled teens from various backgrounds are placed aboard a sailboat to learn about co-operation and teamwork. After the captain is swept overboard during a violent storm and the First Mate deserts the teens, they are forced to learn their lessons in a much more dramatic way than anyone anticipated. Korman does an excellent job of developing the six characters who are very different from one another.

This easy-to-read novel has a lot of suspense and action and will have special appeal for reluctant readers.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Environmental and Technological Context; Personal and Philosophical Context

Island: Book Two: Survival (Print-Fiction). Korman, Gordon. Scholastic Inc. (SCH), 2001. 138 p. ISBN 0-439-16457-5 ($6.99 pbk.).

(CAN) This is the second in an adventure trilogy about six troubled teens who have landed on an island after surviving a shipwreck. The suspenseful story places many challenges and obstacles in the teens’ way; therefore, they must draw on the lessons of co-operation and teamwork they had learned on the sailboat. The story combines physical, environmental, and personal conflicts to provide a context for learning and growing. The characters are believable, and the story is well-paced.

This easy-to-read action novel will appeal to reluctant readers.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Environmental and Technological Context; Personal and Philosophical Context

Island: Book Three: Escape (Print-Fiction). Korman, Gordon. Scholastic Inc. (SCH), 2001. 132 p. ISBN 0-439-16452-4 ($6.99 pbk.).

(CAN) The final book in the Island Trilogy wraps up the adventure and solves the mystery related to other visitors to the island. Outwitting the outlaws in order to save themselves draws upon the stranded teens’ personal and group resources. Each of them must also face and accept that she/he may never be rescued; and this deepens each member’s self-knowledge. The addition of a historical element adds an extra dimension to the suspense and may well motivate students to find more information.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Environmental and Technological Context; Personal and Philosophical Context

Issues Collection Series (Print-Anthology). Please refer to the titles: Biography, Futures, Gender Issues, Popular Culture, Values, and Wellness (see the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section).