Suggestions for middle grade teaching tips like Blackout Poetry, an Escape Room, and much more
I don’t write enough about nonfiction, especially for upper elementary and middle grade readers. At NCTE’s 2024 convention – Heart, Hope, & Humanity – I had the great fortune to listen to authors and educators share great books and teaching tips around three nonfiction books.
Why Longform Nonfiction?
Excellent middle grade nonfiction acts in certain ways for readers. It invigorates readers, it provides interactive opportunities for students, and it’s often personal and gritty for readers of all ages.
When the writing is really good, it gets to the point quickly, which is something young readers can engage with immediately. The great books are invitations into other worlds and the topics get kids excited about concepts and reading.
What follows are three books for any reader interested in courageous nonfiction that offers tons of information. Educators: read to the end for some teaching tips!
Candace Fleming, author,
speaks at NCTE 2024 in Boston
Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown
by Candace Fleming
Nine hundred well-meaning, seemingly innocent individuals were indoctrinated and convinced to drink cyanide at Jonestown. Filled with fascinating first-person accounts, author Candace Fleming traces Jim Jones’ life from his childhood to his ending in South America. Read about those who fell under his spell, as well as those who fought back.
Fleming uses three main characters to examine social dynamics at the time. According to Fleming, the portrayal throughout the book is “purposeful.” The narrative is meant to challenge and shock the reader. This story is driven by a strong narrative force.
I am currently reading this book, and I’d like to give a shout out to Net Galley for the Advanced Reader Copy!
The Wild River and the Great Dam: The Construction of Hoover Dam
and the Vanishing Colorado River
by Simon Boughton
In this debut longform nonfiction text, readers are given a front row seat to one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the United States – the construction of the Hoover Dam. And, with it, the loss of the Colorado River.
This book taps into many different types of reader interests due to its inclusion of a timeline, map and list of dams, detailed notes, extensive sources and photo credits.
With a 20-year drought hitting the area in contemporary times, this story is more important than ever.
The Salt Thief: Gandhi’s Heroic March to Freedom
by Neal Bascomb
In a struggle for India’s independence, Gandhi took on a campaign of nonviolent protest and revolutionary action.
The following is an excerpt from Goodreads: “Gandhi led a small band of his followers on a grueling march from his ashram in western India to the Arabian Sea. After 24 days and 241 miles under a withering sun, the marchers arrived on the Dandi seashore. There, Gandhi scooped up a handful of salt to protest the much-hated British salt tax, demonstrating to the world the injustice of Britain's yoke and setting the stage for a popular national uprising.”
Neal Bascomb, author, said the following about writing the book: “Do you have something new to say? Do you have something important to say? Say it. Write it.”
Teaching Tips
School Library Journal offers Teen Librarian Toolbox as part of its blog network, and it features a Mind the Middle section. Check it out for middle grade and young adult book recs!
Looking for an interactive activity? Check out these 10 ideas for an escape room!
Don’t forget poetry! Try copying a provocative section of the text and have students use Blackout Poetry to make sense of the events or make it personal to a character.
Looking for some writing and discussion prompts to dig deeper? Check out this graphic from the presentation at NCTE.
Credit: Cyndi Giorgis, Arizona State University &
Marie A. LeJeune and Micah Walker, Western Oregon University
Nonfiction is so different today than when I was a kid. SO THANKFUL for today's engaging books! I write both picture books and middle grade nonfiction. And I love to hear how educators use nonfiction in their classrooms. On my blog I have an interview with a college professor as well as thoughts from an 8th grade teacher. NF really is valuable in ALL classrooms! Thanks for shedding some light on it today!
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