The Ghosts of Luckless Gulch by Anne Isaacs, Dan Santat Ill. NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008. ISBN: 13: 978-1-4169-0201-0. Q5/5P.

            This book will introduce students to America’s gold-rush times in the west through an American tradition – the “tall tale”. This larger then life book will captivate readers as Estrella Rivera gives young readers a Latina hero who travels the California country-side looking for her pets, and encountering ghosts! Perfect addition to 5th/6th grade lesson on the west, gold-rush or tradition of the "tall-tale".

-Christina Gendron 7/19/09

The Ghosts of Luckless Gulch by Anne Isaacs and Dan Santat, ill.  NY:  Antheneum Books for Young Readers,

     2008.  ISBN 978-1-4169-0201-0

Author of Swamp Angel has created another tall tale, this time centered around the California Gold Rush days.  History exaggerated enough to make a fun tale, while giving the reader an understanding of this time period.

Illustrations:  Acrylic and ink

Themes:  Tall tales, California Gold Rush

Curricular Connections:  Great for 4th-5th grade students.  Language Arts study of Tall Tales, History and Geography of California included.

Lesson Plan:

Audience:  4th grade students

Topice:  Tall Tales/California Gold Rush

As a companion lesson to learning about the California Gold Rush Days, students will hear story and then learn about Tall Tales.

Before reading the story the teacher will lead a discussion and chart students' comments on characteristics of a Tall Tale story.  After listening to the story, students will be asked to give specific details from the story that "proves" it is a Tall Tale.  Teacher will record these details next to the appropriate listing on the chart.  Students will then be dismissed to locate their own Tall Tale in the library.  Using a provided Tall Tale Checklist, students will then look for "proof" and record details such as:  exaggerations, problem main character needs to solve, super-human qualities of main character, impossible or humorous details of the plot, and how the main character solves the problem or overcomes the obstacles.  Students can be asked to share one or two details from their story with the class and all Tall Tales will be made available for student checkout.

4Q/4P

ggolden 7/9/09