LaRue Across America: Postcards From The Vacation (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
I've read several "LaRue" story books and this one may be my favorite. The humor was a bit more understandable for young readers (I feel like sometimes it has gone over their heads) and kids will like the dog/cat love/hate relationship! There is a map of the U.S.A. at the beginning and end of the book that we used to see where Ike and Mrs. LaRue had travelled. Although some of the places they visit are fictional, it was a springboard to talk about what that area of the country is like.School ties: social studies unit, United StatesHome ties: road trip! I have always enjoyed the LaRue books, because the dog has an very developed personality. Mark Overmeyer, who taught one of my writing classes, has used the LaRue books to teach letter writing. I think I might do that with this book. It would be fun to pose a problem to students or have them choose their own problem, similar to LaRue having to share his vacation with the cats. Then, students could begin writing letters, as he did. Other things that I enjoyed with this book were the map of their vacation on the inside cover and the incredibly descriptive pictures that added to the text. I had to purchase this book for my classroom for sure. Mark Teague is a previous Christopher Award winner in 200, for Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School.
What do You think about LaRue Across America: Postcards From The Vacation (2011)?
Yet another delightful outing with Ike the Dog!
—Zman
