I came across a book that does not fit UAN's HEAR program or Suggested Reading List but I still think is worth recommending. It would align well with study of the early 1800s in a social studies or language arts curriculum with fifth or sixth graders. The book is "Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog" by Elisa Carbone and illustrated by E.B. Lewis.
The book is lovely with evocative watercolors including the center illustration which shows the dog, Zeus, saving the boy (who has runaway from slavery in Virginia, now West Virginia, toward freedom in Ohio) from drowning in the Ohio River. The pace and tone of the book invite you to read and re-read it. Best of all, it's based on a true historical event and shows how dogs can sense what people need. It's a story of bravery, perseverance and loyalty.
Be forewarned: The book does include a brutal scene in which James and Zeus defend themselves from dogs who have been trained by slaveholders to attack. If you decide to use this book, please take time to talk about that scene and how dogs have been (mis-)used as attack animals. Compare and contrast Zeus with the attack dogs and invite students to describe the differing behaviors and speculate on how and why a dog can become a tool for violence, or a companion. This could lead to a broader discussion of violence versus kindness (James changes during the story) and oppression versus freedom.
The Animal Welfare Institute has offered complimentary copies of "The Boy Who Loved All Living Things: The Imaginary Childhood Journal of Albert Schweitzer". Schweitzer encouraged a reverence for life; the story imagines how that reverence developed. To order a copy, send an e-mail to Alexandra@awionline.org.
Conveying the message about spaying and neutering can be hard to do without losing children in the abstract idea of litters of kittens and puppies.
With "Hey Bossie, You're a Spokescow!" White Mountain Animal League in Franconia, New Hampshire teaches the definition of spay/neuter and introduces the importance of limiting litters by using a "spokescow." The fantastical element of a genuine cow speaking out on behalf of animals brings a sense of whimsy to the issue that allows the message to hit home.
"Hey Bossie, You're a Spokescow!" is available from www.spokescow.org. The illustrations are beautiful.
