Book Review: This or That History Debate: A Rip-Roaring Game of Either/Or Questions, by Michael O’Hearn

Why I Picked It Up:

We are always looking for engaging books for the elementary classroom, so when this came across one of my many searches. It reminded me of How They Croaked, by Georgia Bragg (one of my faves!), and so I quickly ordered it.

Why I Finished It:

It’s really addicting.  The book arrived after I had returned from picking up all my boys from school.  Typically, they are intrigued when I open the box, but leave shortly after they see what I bought.  This time, I couldn’t get rid of the kids.  Not for lack of trying either, I was trying to read the book and get a feel for it before I shared it, but that was not going to happen.  The kids were drawn in automatically and I couldn’t shake them.  Each page spread asks the reader to choose “this” or “that”.  Each page has bullet points and a short paragraph explaining what each side would be like.  Obviously, the choice is not cut and dry or easy to make, but it was impossible to not debate each page.  The boys also learned what haggis is.  It’s safe to say they will not be eating that any time soon!  We were engaged with this book for about an hour, before we realized we hadn’t done anything that needed to get done!

Who I Would Give It To:

Social studies teachers for sure.  However, I think parents should have this book to share and create interesting conversations at home.

Integration Ideas:

Reading Strategies

With a book like this, all the reading strategies will probably happen by accident!  Begin by teaching text features.  Have students picture walk the book to get a feel for the layout and text features.  Establish the purpose for reading, which is to decide which one you would prefer.  Have students summarize each choice.  Inevitably, students will be making connections between what they already know from other texts, the real world, and themselves.

Research & Discussion

When I work with students in research, I know that they are supposed to choose their own topics, but the students typically don’t know what they want to learn about.  A book like this will naturally spark interest in diverse topics.  By reading a page spread each day, students will grow interest through discussion.  I suggest just reading the title, Would you rather be an 1800s Inuit living in an igloo or be an 1800s Plains Indian living in a tepee?  Ask students to turn and talk and discuss what they would prefer.  Then read the bullet points on the page.  Allow time to discuss.  Then read the paragraphs out loud.  As you read, have students pull out main points.  Then allow more time for discussion.  After doing this with three different topics over a few days, students will for sure be more interested in one of the six topics.  This could be what they research.  There would be so much more to learn, given that there is limited information on each page.  Don’t forget the discussion, that’s what sparks interest with students and provides alternate perspectives.

Persuasive Writing

This book is naturally laid out for students to debate and write their own opinion.  With younger kids, allow them time to reflect in writing after discussing their point of view.  The discussion would be a type of prewrite.  It would help students think through their ideas and clear up problems in their thinking.  Not to mention, gain more perspective from other students.  Have older students write their opinion, provide a reason, then write an example to support their reason, and follow up by restating the opinion.

How will you use this book?