A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Author:  Philip C. Stead

Illustrator: Erin E. Stead

Award: Caldecott Medal

Genre: Fiction

Grades: First/Second Grade

Theme:  Building strong social bonds and true friendships.

Quick Summary: Philip and Erin Stead's book focuses on a children's moral in building strong social bonds with people through friendships and dedication. A friendly zookeeper, who often makes frequent visits to see his good animal friends, unfortunately gets sick one day. However, through the importance of putting in the effort to show one cares for his or her friends, the animals decide to return the favor and visit their good friend--the zookeeper.

Pre-Reading Activities: Before reading this story, I would want to go over with my class the qualities that make a good friend or friendship. If my students are able to describe what a good friendship or a good friend entails, they will be more likely to display these qualities to their own friends in the classroom.

Post-Reading Activities:  After reading the story, I will want my students to summarize the key componets of the animals' friendships in the story. After further examining the story's theme, I would want my students to discuss with the class some of the things that they have done personally to be a good friend.

Assessment: Students will be able to demonstrate some qualities that present a positive and heavily friendship. This will be observed throughout the week and students will receive a "good citizenship" ticket for demonstrating a good friendship throughout the week.

-Overall, I enjoyed this book. This story will help young students look to promote a healthy friendship and care for their friends. If a friend puts in the effort for a sick friend, that friend will return the favor in another way in the future. This story's main message is to show that if you care and put in the effort for your friends when they need it, the same will be returned back to you.