Social Studies Mentor Text: Shackles

It's time to spend some money on some great mentor texts! Collaboration Cuties' Must Read Mentor Text is very dangerous!!!

 

 

I found this book at a local bookstore and I thought it would be perfect for children as an introduction to teach slavery.

Based on a true story, Shackles describes what happens when a group of boys search for buried treasure in their backyard on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. They unexpectedly dig up shackles, instead of the treasure they were hoping for, they are sad and confused. Mr. Green, their neighbor and friend who is African American comes over and tries to explain the painful hidden history of Sullivan's Island. It's amazing what history we have in our own backyards!

 

I think this book would be perfect for questioning, as your students will have many after reading Shackles. I plan to take my students' questions and have them research in groups to find the answers to their questions.

 

The illustrations are oil paintings, not sharp and clear like most children's books, but still beautiful. I wish the author would've included a historical note or fact page at the end of the book, like many historical fictions books.

 

Questioning is one of the things my class will be working on this week, so I'm linking up with my buddy Jennifer from Mrs. Laffin's Laughings for a Sneak Peek at my week!


Congratulations to Holly and Yashika for winning my Shout Out Cards!
Have a super week!