One of my favorite books to read with my 3rd grader is Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson.
The book is based on the events of the yellow fever plague of 1793. Almost 200 years after America was first settled.
The fictional story is based around the main character of 14, Matilda Cook and how her journey through the pandemic with her family really emphasizes the severity of our history’s tragedy.
Fever 1793 is a really great book for my kids because the chapters are about 3-5 pages, and it’s plot is climatic and to the point, so I don’t lose their interest. They always have lots of great questions. This book provides conversational opportunities to discuss the death topic and how to avoid events like this.
Every so often, I can take little breaks where we can discuss parts of the story. They answer questions like “Where is Matilda now? What’s happening in the latest chapter? Who is our main character? What month are they in now as the pandemic rages?”. Reading books in general just makes it easy for me to incorporate a lot of their curriculum and brush a variety of topics all in one sitting.
They learn a part of America’s history while learning parts of the story related to their English curriculum. They also learn how to think and ask questions. Develop their comprehension skills and use their imaginations.
Thank you so much for your interest in this post! If you would like to know about other good books for story time, comment below!
This post contains affiliate links that are of no risk or extra cost to you. With each purchase through these links you help support the Nature’s Natural Mamma Blog! Thank You!
Nature’s Natural Mamma