Polacco, P. (2000). The Butterfly. New York: Philomel.
Brief Annotation: Monique and Sevrine become best friends during a time of turmoil in their young lives. Based on a true story, the book chronicles the circumstances surrounding the girls’ first meeting and their enduring friendship during the Nazi occupation of Paris in World War II.
Genre: Historical fiction
Grade Level: Grade 1 through 5
Readers who will like this: Children who like true stories and stories of friendship, children studying the history of World War II and the French resistance, children who would benefit from reading what it means to be brave when confronted by adversity
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, The book contains wonderful illustrations by the author and heartfelt text based on actual events. As a leader of the French resistance, the author’s great aunt helped many escape to freedom from the Nazi regime. Monique, her daughter, becomes acquainted with Sevrine and her family as they hide in the basement of her mother’s house. Their friendship endures many obstacles, including when Sevrine’s safety is compromised and she is sent away. The two women remain friends to this day. The book provides historical information regarding true events, but it also provides children with positive examples of what it means to be brave and courageous in the face of horrible circumstances. A pre reading discussion to provide background context for the story would assist all students.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What does it mean to be courageous?
Reading Strategies Connection: Sketch to Stretch (Yopp and Yopp, p. 108). Following the reading, children use various shapes, colors and pictures to sketch what the story means to them. They can choose to focus on the story as a whole or on a particular issue within the story. Small groups form to discuss each child’s drawing. Peers are encouraged to offer their ideas of what each piece of artwork means to them in order for each child to gain additional self-perspective. The class reconvenes for a large group discussion as well as the sharing of sketches. This activity provides children the opportunity to think about, elaborate, interpret and make personal connections to the story. It also provides the teacher additional insight into the child’s comprehension of the story and if further explanations are needed.
This is a good strategies connection, if students converse with one another about their sketches. Sometimes activities like this are done independently, and then it loses its values in literacy development. As you've written it, looks like a great one for this book.
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