Thematic Unit: Picture Books about Perseverance

Theme: 

In order to teach a thematic unit, students must first understand the theme being studied.  Define perseverance for the students.  I chose to explain it as continuing to do something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.  I illustrated the definition for students by explaining how my youngest son has persevered through guitar lessons.  From a young age he wanted to be a rock-star and when he turned 6 he was able to begin lessons.  He did it for a week, before the tears began.  He realized it was difficult and wanted to quit.  After a lengthy conversation and a lot of required practice, he realized he was quite good and now enjoys practicing every day.  He persevered through the difficulty of learning how to play guitar in order to become successful.  Once I shared this story with the students, they had time to share stories of times they have persevered.

Resources:

Choose resources or texts with characters who are persevering.  As students read through the texts have the students discuss how the character persevered.  Make sure they use text evidence to support their points.  Students should also make connections between the texts and the students own experiences.

A Few Book Ideas

Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton, by Meghan McCarthy

I am not sure how I went through life without knowing about his empowering woman!  She began life obsessed with planes and dared to become a pilot, even though that was “a man’s job.”. She continued through life breaking records in race-car driving and boat jumping, she even trained to be the first woman in space.  This is a fast moving picture book that illustrates how Betty Skelton persevered through her life to do what she wanted to do and become a pilot.  Her attitude is always positive and empowering.  In the back of the book are fun facts, quotes from Betty, a time line, and selected references.

This is a great addition to the perseverance unit, but also a great picture book for woman in history, biography, or a nonfiction collection.

• Author’s Website
• Book Trailer
• National Aviation Hall of Fame

Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans, by Phil Bildner

This story is loosely based on the story of a true man, Cornelius, who was a sanitarian worker in the French Quarter.  The author heard stories of this man and created this story, so perhaps more like a legend or a tall-tale, this story exaggerates the greatness of this man.  That being said, it has a beautiful spirit.  It begins with a powerful quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. about putting your heart into everything you do.  In this powerful story, Cornelius not only has a “glass half full” outlook on life and a spirit that is lifting to everyone he comes in contact with, but he also demonstrates perseverance through one of the worst natural disasters to hit America, Hurricane Katrina.

This book is great for science, music, and elementary classrooms.  I would also add it to a folktale unit.

• Author’s Website
• Book Trailer made by Texas Students

Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream, by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan

I love this book!  I first found it when I taught second grade in Austin ISD.  It is a story about Michael Jordan by his mom and sister.  Now, as a parent of a small, basketball loving, twelve year old, I have a new love for this book.  We’ve read it a lot together.  In this story, little Michael is small and not doing well on the basketball court.  His mom tells him to pray and put salt in his shoes to grow.  While doing this and waiting for results he works hard and practices.  This book is an obvious addition to the perseverance unit.  What a great way to have students realize that hard work and determination are extremely important in order to achieve success.  The message is clear and kids connect to the story.  I’m fairly sure my son has been putting salt in his shoes every night.  Look for him in about 10 years!

Just a great book for any classroom, especially great for sports fans.

• About the Author
• Micheal Jordan’s Hall of Fame Speech 

For other book possibilities click here.

What is your favorite book where a character perseveres?