Mature Topics and Books in the Program

by Sarah Collinge | Mar 10, 2020 1:36:15 PM

Are you reviewing the student books in the Read Side by Side Reading Program? All texts in the program have been thoroughly read and reviewed by our staff.  In this blog you will learn how titles were selected, what our criterion was for selecting (and not selecting) certain titles.  You will also be alerted to titles in the program that might be considered mature content.

Books in the Read Side by Side Reading Program have been selected for their quality, exposing all students to award-winning, rich literature.  Texts are selected according to:

  • Qualitative Level
  • Quantitative Level
  • Reading and Task Demands
  • Developmental Appropriateness
  • Genre
  • Topic and Theme
  • Interest
  • Preparation for Middle School and High School Reading

Below you will find specific notes on text selection by grade level, as well as links to reviews on Common Sense Media.

Third Grade Titles

Titles in the third-grade scope and sequence introduce students to conflict; in the home, in school, in the community, and in the world.  Students will read scenes with mild violence and tension.  An effort was made to avoid books with foul language.

Units 3-5 explore the topic of the civil rights movement. Be aware that when reading historical fiction, the words 'blacks' and 'negroes' will sometimes be used to indicate the African American people and community. In context of the text, these terms are not meant to be derogatory.  When selecting books for these units, an effort was made to avoid books with the 'n' word and shocking imagery.

Third Grade Read-Aloud Titles

maniac mageeOf the read-aloud titles for third grade, the one that might raise a red flag is the book Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli. The topic of the book is racism, and segregation.  Jerry Spinelli intentionally uses exaggeration to get a reaction from the reader.  He wants to reader to shout, "That's not right!"  

 

Third Grade Book Club Titles 

Of the third grade book club titles, the only title that might raise a red flag is Swindle, by Gordan Kormansimply because the book is about a heist.

Fourth Grade Titles

Titles in the fourth-grade scope and sequence introduce students to themes of right and wrong, westward expansion, and the pioneering spirit.  

Units 1 & 2 explore the difference between right and wrong, and in these books the main character begins by making some bad choices.  

Units 3-5 explore the topic of westward expansion and ask students to question the impact of westward expansion on people, cultures, and the environment.  Be aware that when reading historical fiction, the word "Indians" will be used in the text to indicate the Native American or First Nations people and community.  In the context of the text, this term is not meant to be derogatory.

Fourth Grade Read-Aloud Titles

Some mature content will be introduced in read-aloud titles, including mild use of foul language (Shiloh, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor).  Lessons will guide teachers in how to address mature topics and foul language with students.

castle in the atticThe 2nd unit of study in fourth grade teaches the genre of fantasy.  Some religious groups may be opposed to the teaching of fantasy in schools.  Books in this unit do include magic, magicians, witches, dragons, and magical creatures. Rest assured, the reader's attention is drawn to the author's use of  humor and the themes of respect, loyalty, compassion, honesty, and bravery.

streams to the riverOf the read-aloud titles for fourth grade, the one that might raise a red flag is the book Streams to the River, River to the Sea, by Scott O'Dell. This book tells the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition from the perspective of Sacagawea. Students will later evaluate the historical accuracy of this book (in book clubs) and come to the understanding that though the events are factual, Sacagawea's thoughts and feelings are inferred by the writer and may not be accurate. This book has not been reviewed by Common Sense Media but may raise concern due to the following topics: abduction (Sacagawea is abducted from her home), scalps (a scalp hangs from her abductor's horse), polygamy (Native Americans practice polygamy), sex (after Sacagawea is married, she learns she is pregnant), domestic abuse (Charbanneau hits Sacagawea). 

Fourth Grade Book Club Titles

Some mature content will be introduced in the book club titles: stealing (in Shoeshine Girl by Clyde Robert Bullathe main character's friend steals a dress, in How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor, the main character steals a dog).  It is assumed those reading above grade level have greater maturity to handle mild foul language.  Lessons will guide teachers in how to address mature content and foul language with students.

Fifth Grade Titles

Titles in the fifth-grade scope and sequence introduce students to themes of survival, human rights, the American Revolution, and slavery.    

Units 3 & 4 explore the topic of slavery and human rights.  Throughout these units, the emphasis is not on African American slavery but on the topic of slavery as a whole (African Americans, indentured servants, women, and children).  The topic of slavery, past and present, is addressed.

Be aware that some of the content, including visual imagery in unit 4, may be unsettling to students. Lessons will guide teachers in how to address mature topics and unsettling imagery with students.

Fifth Grade Read-Aloud Titles

chainsOf the read-aloud titles for fifth grade, the one that might raise a red flag is the book Chains, by Laurie Halse Anderson. This book tells the story of the American Revolution from the perspective of an African slave girl. This book may raise concern due to the following topics: abduction (Isabel's parents were abducted from their home in Africa), abuse (Isabel is branded, Madame Lockton is hit by her husband), criminal punishment (Isabel attends a hanging), alcohol (Isabel serves alcohol to her master).  

Fifth Grade Book Club Titles

Some mature content will be introduced in the book club titles.  It is assumed fifth graders, especially those reading on and above grade level, have greater maturity to handle more difficult content.  (Mature content is also difficult to avoid at higher text levels.)  Lessons will guide teachers in how to address mature topics with students.  

lyddieOf the fifth grade book club titles, in the historical fiction book Lyddie, the main character becomes a bobbin girl at the Lowell factory.  Conditions there are difficult, and in one scene Lyddie is groped by her employer.  It is known that one of Lyddie's roommates has a boyfriend.  Later in the text, the roommate is pregnant.  (This book has not been reviewed by Common Sense Media.)  

Sixth Grade Titles

four perfect pebblesTitles in the sixth-grade scope and sequence introduce students to themes of the American Dream, immigration, human rights, and the Holocaust.  Lessons will guide teachers in how to address mature topics and imagery as well as foul or racially triggered language with students.  The book that will likely raise the most concern is Four Perfect Pebbles because it is a memoir about the Holocaust and genocide.

Concluding Thoughts

To teach deep reading, teachers must utilize texts that invoke thoughtfulness.  To encourage engagement and collaboration, teachers must utilize texts that 'get students talking'.  While the Read Side by Side Reading Program seeks to increase student's engagement with complex text, we also want to be sure that texts are developmentally appropriate for students.  We take great care in selecting rich, quality, and appropriate text and hope that you will trust us as your partner in this work!

Written by Sarah CollingeFIN_ALT_Sara_Stack_114

Founder & President

Read Side by Side Publications, LLC.

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