Title: The Can Man
Author: Laura E. Williams
Illustrator: Craig Orback
Publisher: Lee & Low, 2010
FICTION
Audience: 5-9
Theme: Charity and generosity, Homeless people
Opening line: "The homeless man slowly pushed his battered shopping cart down the sidewalk. At the corner, he stopped and poked through the garbage with a long stick."
Synopsis: A boy who wants a skateboard sees a homeless man collecting cans and realizes that there is money to be made by taking cans to the recycling center.
Why I like this book: I'm a big fan of recycling, so that part of the plot is an instant winner with me. I also think the boy in this story is a great role model for kids. The illustrator chose to paint a biracial family, which is also a nice choice. I think the cityscape he paints is cleaner than most I've been to (!), but otherwise the story feels very realistic. Kids want things that they can't always afford, and it's nice to see the main character taking the initiative to earn some money himself. The ripple effect of the boy's actions at the very end are a nice bonus. (I don't want to give the ending away!) When I picked up the book, I didn't realize all of the awards it had won.
Activities/Resources: While the author doesn't have teaching materials available for this book, there is a great interview with Mr. Orback and Ms. Williams on the Lee & Low website that discusses The Can Man. I learned there that the man in the sporting goods store is a self-portrait of the artist!
The internet has many sources of information about homelessness. The link to one site that gathered a number of child-appropriate lesson plans and activities is Durham Opening Doors Homeless Prevention & Services in Durham, North Carolina.
This time of year there are many organizations collecting canned goods or looking for volunteers to purchase holiday gifts for the less fortunate. Making this a family activity is a worthwhile experience.
Start a gratitude bowl. During the week leading up to Thanksgiving every day each member of the family can write down something they were thankful for (or dictate it to someone who can write for them). At Thanksgiving dinner, take turns reaching into the bowl and reading the papers out loud.
This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF
Wishing you the joy of home and friends and family this Thanksgiving.
A book after my own heart. I am always looking for books dealing with homelessness. Am curious how it ends. Have an idea. But, this sounds like an excellent classroom read. Like your activities. It is the perfect time to involve kids in helping with food drives for the holidays -- and all year long.
ReplyDeleteI can PM you the end, Pat!
DeleteA good way to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Thanks for sharing this one, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jarm. Books are quiet tools of strength.
DeleteA great way to celebrate the season of thanksgiving. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie. A lot to be thankful for here.
DeleteWhat an interesting treatment of a tough subject. Very timely. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGood evidence that many subjects are accessible to kids if done well.
DeleteThis book sounds absolutely wonderful, Wendy. I'd really like to read it. We have few, if any, books on our list relating to homelessness, so this is a valuable addition. I love your activities, too. Thank you so much for sharing this one - perfect right before Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteI shared it so folks hopefully have time to get it before all of the winter holidays, although we can focus on sharing year-round.
DeletePredictable or not, you can't have too many titles about compassion. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Joanne.
DeleteGreat activities to do with this book and during this Thanksgiving season.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stacy. Families with older kids may want to help out at a soup kitchen, too.
DeleteSounds very good! I agree the timing is perfect...right before Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful review! I just wanted to let you know that the publisher, Lee & Low Books, also created a full classroom guide to go with this title: http://www.leeandlow.com/p/the_can_man_tg.mhtml
Hope some of your readers find it helpful!
Best,
Hannah
Thank you for this, Hannah. Have posted the guide information on my FB page and shall add it in a tweet.
DeleteI'm so glad you reviewed this book. The temperatures are so mild here in San Diego that we see quite a few homeless people all year long. My four year old, in particular, is very curious about them and this book might be a great conversation starter for her and I.
ReplyDeleteIt is suitable for that age. Words and imagery are all gentle although the subject is serious.
Delete