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Lucky Beans
This book is specially designed in Amazon's fixed-layout KF8 format with region magnification. Double-tap on an area of text to zoom and read. Like so many people during the Great Depression of the 1930s, Marshall Loman's dad has lost his job. There's little money, but there are plenty of beans-in fact, Ma cooks them for supper every single night! Beans start looking better when Marshall sees the contest posted in the furniture store window. HOW MANY BEANS ARE IN THE JAR? WIN THIS BRAND NEW SEWING MACHINE! Ma needs that sewing machine-but how can Lomans possibly guess right? Then Marshall remembers something he learned in arithmetic class. Becky Birtha's engaging story, based on her grandmother's memories of Depression years in the African American community, is illustrated by Nicole Tadgell's expressive paintings.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2010
120 people want to read
About the author
Becky Birtha
17 books28 followersAs a writer, I'm the author of three books for adults: two collections of short stories and a volume of poetry. My short stories have been widely anthologized, and some of my writing has appeared in textbooks. More recently, I've written two children's picture books. I'm also a parent, a Quaker, was an adoption worker for many years, and currently live in Delaware County, PA, just outside Philadelphia. I enjoy visiting schools to share about my books.
As a reader, I got my first library card at age seven, and I still approach books in much the same way that I did as a kid. I go to the library a lot. I pick out books on the shelf by the author, or the topic, or-- yes, often, the cover. Usually I skip the jacket copy because I don't want the story spoiled-- I want to make up my own mind about the book. And though I've read plenty of adult books in my lifetime, I mostly read children's books these days-- probably because that's also what I'm writing these days. I'm especially interested in books by other African American writers and with African American, black, or biracial kids as characters. I read lots of picture books. Few things are better than having a bag full of picture books to savor, one a night, before going to sleep.
As a reader, I got my first library card at age seven, and I still approach books in much the same way that I did as a kid. I go to the library a lot. I pick out books on the shelf by the author, or the topic, or-- yes, often, the cover. Usually I skip the jacket copy because I don't want the story spoiled-- I want to make up my own mind about the book. And though I've read plenty of adult books in my lifetime, I mostly read children's books these days-- probably because that's also what I'm writing these days. I'm especially interested in books by other African American writers and with African American, black, or biracial kids as characters. I read lots of picture books. Few things are better than having a bag full of picture books to savor, one a night, before going to sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 26, 2017
Lucky Beans is a clever, engaging, and touching picturebook set during the Great Depression of the 1930s and based on true events.
Becky Birtha's entertaining story masterfully incorporates lessons on American history, racial discrimination, and math, while Nicole Tadgell's realistic and expressive watercolor illustrations bring the text to life:
Becky Birtha's entertaining story masterfully incorporates lessons on American history, racial discrimination, and math, while Nicole Tadgell's realistic and expressive watercolor illustrations bring the text to life:
January 9, 2018
During the Great Depression, there wasn't many resources, but the Loman's made the best of it, and it ended okay for them.
May 21, 2018
Summary : This book is about a little boy and his family meeting ends meet. Since his father isn’t working, he now has to share rooms, eat beans everyday, and wear worn out clothes. In the book it shows the struggles they encounter but one day the little boy sees a contest. The contest was about guessing how many beans are their in a jar. He knew who would be the best person to win this contest and so he tells his mother. He knows his mothers knows everything about beans since she cooks them everyday . The winner would get a sewing machine, which is what the family because of their worn out clothes. Find out if she wins or not !
While reading this book I notice their was a topic that was brought up, which was racism. The boy ask the store owner if only whit women can enter the contest since her mother is African American. This made feel sad while reading the book but a teacher can have a good lesson from that small part of the story.
The illustrations were beautiful, very bright colors and soft colors were used. No white space is seen and the expressions are represented strongly. I like that each character has their own different type of clothing some wear hats some scarfs etc. it really expresses each character as an individual .
I would read this to pre-K and make them learn their numbers using beans. I would read this to 1st graders and make them make their own jars and guess the number of beans. For 2nd graders I would talk to them about racism and make them draw their own families to share with class. This will help students understand that’s everyone is different but should be treated the same .
I didn’t find any weaknesses, only strengths. The lesson of people not having much teaches kids to be humble. Another strength is the lesson of racism and how they mad it fit into this story line. Lastly, the colors of the illustrations.
While reading this book I notice their was a topic that was brought up, which was racism. The boy ask the store owner if only whit women can enter the contest since her mother is African American. This made feel sad while reading the book but a teacher can have a good lesson from that small part of the story.
The illustrations were beautiful, very bright colors and soft colors were used. No white space is seen and the expressions are represented strongly. I like that each character has their own different type of clothing some wear hats some scarfs etc. it really expresses each character as an individual .
I would read this to pre-K and make them learn their numbers using beans. I would read this to 1st graders and make them make their own jars and guess the number of beans. For 2nd graders I would talk to them about racism and make them draw their own families to share with class. This will help students understand that’s everyone is different but should be treated the same .
I didn’t find any weaknesses, only strengths. The lesson of people not having much teaches kids to be humble. Another strength is the lesson of racism and how they mad it fit into this story line. Lastly, the colors of the illustrations.
November 21, 2022
The children's literature Lucky Beans is about a young child who is part of an African American family and lives in the 1930s. The book shows how most families of this race had to live during the Great Depression. Lucky Beans explores the process of how pots and pots of yucky beans eventually turned into lucky beans that helped this family to win a great sewing machine. One of the main messages of this book is that the African American community had a rougher life without all of the luxuries that some other different races had a better chance of owning. Another message is that using mathematics and critical thinking skills can help you achieve better items in life. The main genre of this book is historical fiction since this book is about a slightly fictional story from the 1930s. One important lesson children can learn is that mathematics is useful in a wide range of aspects of life. They could also learn that during the great depression, even though the goal was equality for all, not all races had the same chance to have some of the non-necessary luxury items. This book was a WOW book for me because of its relation to mathematics and the time when the events took place. I also enjoyed how the whole story regarded a bunch of beans, from bean soups to bean jar guessing.
One of the main literary devices that the author of this book uses is informal diction, which makes the book sound realistic to the 1930s speaking style. There were also some slight uses of colloquialism throughout the book. The author also created the book with no unnecessary or accidental bias, and it only states the facts of that time era. There are only some words and phrases that may be considered "bias", but it is only used to match the reality of the times of the Great Depression. Besides this accurate representation of the 1930s, there were not any other types of "bias".
One of the main literary devices that the author of this book uses is informal diction, which makes the book sound realistic to the 1930s speaking style. There were also some slight uses of colloquialism throughout the book. The author also created the book with no unnecessary or accidental bias, and it only states the facts of that time era. There are only some words and phrases that may be considered "bias", but it is only used to match the reality of the times of the Great Depression. Besides this accurate representation of the 1930s, there were not any other types of "bias".
January 9, 2018
This book gives you a good look into what the Great Depression was like
July 27, 2021
This is a great, positive, well-written book about an African American family during the Great Depression. Based on a true story!
February 28, 2023
Students can create and discuss their own lucky items or possibly bring in items from home the next day for show and tell.
March 2, 2018
This book takes place during the Great Depression. Marshall is frustrated with his family’s financial situation- he has old worn-out clothing, his dad is out of work, his house is crowded with too many relatives, and he has to eat beans every night for dinner. One day Marshall sees a jar of beans estimation contest in a store window with the prize being a sewing machine his mother has been wanting. Marshall and his family work together to figure out how many beans would fit in a jar that size.
The book references President Roosevelt and gives readers an understanding of one family’s experience in the Great Depression. Additionally, the book has strong math connections as Marshall and his mother use measurement, multiplication, and estimation for the contest.
I think this book would be ideal for 3rd to 4th grade students working on multiplication. Students could try a similar math experience of estimation through measurement.
The book references President Roosevelt and gives readers an understanding of one family’s experience in the Great Depression. Additionally, the book has strong math connections as Marshall and his mother use measurement, multiplication, and estimation for the contest.
I think this book would be ideal for 3rd to 4th grade students working on multiplication. Students could try a similar math experience of estimation through measurement.
November 6, 2020
Lucky Beans by Becky Birtha received the following awards:
2013 Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award
CCBC Choices 2011
2010 BookLinks Lasting Connection;
2012-2013 Show Me Readers Award Nominee List (Missouri)
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2010
Smithsonian Magazine 2010 Notable Books for Children
This book is appropriate for grade levels K-2. During the Great Depression, Marshalls dad lost his job, so there is no money, but plenty of beans. His mother cooks them every single night. Marshall sees a contest posted where he could win a new sewing machine for his mom if he wins. He remembers things he learned in arithmetic class and wins the contest for his mother! I personally love this book. It introduces culture and race into the classroom. It also introduces historical context within the time of the Great Depression when families lost their jobs and couldn't make it buy. Children will be introduced into Marshall's hard life with living day by day just making it bye. It will also teach kids to use their past knowledge to achieve something else in their lives. In my classroom I will create a center or contest in the classroom where students will have to guess the number of an object in a jar. I wouldn't want to create competition so if someone guesses the number correct they will be able to do a share and tell in the classroom, or tell the class how they guessed their number correctly. We will start class discussion on how everyone guessed their number based on observation etc.
2013 Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award
CCBC Choices 2011
2010 BookLinks Lasting Connection;
2012-2013 Show Me Readers Award Nominee List (Missouri)
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2010
Smithsonian Magazine 2010 Notable Books for Children
This book is appropriate for grade levels K-2. During the Great Depression, Marshalls dad lost his job, so there is no money, but plenty of beans. His mother cooks them every single night. Marshall sees a contest posted where he could win a new sewing machine for his mom if he wins. He remembers things he learned in arithmetic class and wins the contest for his mother! I personally love this book. It introduces culture and race into the classroom. It also introduces historical context within the time of the Great Depression when families lost their jobs and couldn't make it buy. Children will be introduced into Marshall's hard life with living day by day just making it bye. It will also teach kids to use their past knowledge to achieve something else in their lives. In my classroom I will create a center or contest in the classroom where students will have to guess the number of an object in a jar. I wouldn't want to create competition so if someone guesses the number correct they will be able to do a share and tell in the classroom, or tell the class how they guessed their number correctly. We will start class discussion on how everyone guessed their number based on observation etc.
March 27, 2018
The story "Lucky Beans" is very enjoyable. It is obvious the family is poor and the setting is during the Great Depression, you an tell from the narrator mentioning a speech from Franklin Roosevelt. The narrator complains of always eating beans for dinner. The story also begins with his coat that has wear and tear. As much as he hates beans he finds a way that they interest him as he passes a furniture store that involves a contest where he must guess how many beans are in a jar. He knows his mother would love to win the prize which is a sewing machine that they could never afford. He also uses what he learns in school amount measurement and estimates to assist his mother in finding out how many beans are actually in the jar. The story ends with his mother entering into the contest and winning the prize. She uses the prize to make money by creating things and selling them for profit. The father also find work as well.
This story definitely fits the category of historical fiction. It mentions a time period that is familiar through history which is the Great Depression, however the story itself is fictional. The illustrations in the book are colorful and match the text which allows the reader to get a better understanding of what is going on in the story. I also enjoyed the message of the book. I believe the message to ultimately be " nothing beats a failure, but a try" by taking a chance at the contest the family one even against the odds.
This story definitely fits the category of historical fiction. It mentions a time period that is familiar through history which is the Great Depression, however the story itself is fictional. The illustrations in the book are colorful and match the text which allows the reader to get a better understanding of what is going on in the story. I also enjoyed the message of the book. I believe the message to ultimately be " nothing beats a failure, but a try" by taking a chance at the contest the family one even against the odds.
May 1, 2018
1. 2013 Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award
CCBC Choices 2011
2010 BookLinks Lasting Connection;
2012-2013 Show Me Readers Award Nominee List (Missouri)
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2010
Smithsonian Magazine 2010 Notable Books for Children
2. Kindergarten-5th grade
3. Lucky Beans takes place during a very difficult time in the United States, the Great Depression. Marshall's family is one of the many struggling families and can only afford to eat beans. Marshall may not be a big fan of the beans at first, but what they do for his family in the end leaves him grateful.
4. I thought that this was a good book, it touched on economic issues along with racial issues that took place during this time period. This book was decently long making it more difficult for younger readers to read. The illustrations were nicely done and did a good job showing what was going on in the story.
5. I would use this book to teach my class a lesson on how fortunate people with money are to be able to buy different foods for their families. My school does a food drive so incorporating this book while that is going on would be a good way to inspire the student's to bring in donations if they can. This book also speaks about making predictions, I could do an activity with my class where we filled up a jar with something and everyone made a prediction.
CCBC Choices 2011
2010 BookLinks Lasting Connection;
2012-2013 Show Me Readers Award Nominee List (Missouri)
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2010
Smithsonian Magazine 2010 Notable Books for Children
2. Kindergarten-5th grade
3. Lucky Beans takes place during a very difficult time in the United States, the Great Depression. Marshall's family is one of the many struggling families and can only afford to eat beans. Marshall may not be a big fan of the beans at first, but what they do for his family in the end leaves him grateful.
4. I thought that this was a good book, it touched on economic issues along with racial issues that took place during this time period. This book was decently long making it more difficult for younger readers to read. The illustrations were nicely done and did a good job showing what was going on in the story.
5. I would use this book to teach my class a lesson on how fortunate people with money are to be able to buy different foods for their families. My school does a food drive so incorporating this book while that is going on would be a good way to inspire the student's to bring in donations if they can. This book also speaks about making predictions, I could do an activity with my class where we filled up a jar with something and everyone made a prediction.
May 7, 2017
“LUCKY BEAN”: is a science, cultural, historical book written by Becky Birtha. I learned that this is a story based on the true story of author grandmother’s life and it was so beautiful to be told. The book is about the life in the 1960 century when every family has a only bean to eat, and people feel so sick when they have to eat beans every day, and most importantly there was nothing anyone can do about it. The country is in the middle of the Great Depression, and the father of Marshall's character is out of work, by jointed a game to the mathematical talent Marshall won the game and brought home a sewing machine by estimating the correct number of beans are in can.
I evaluate this book as 4 stars because it perfectly demonstrates the introduction of Great Depression in the 1960's, but it also shows the plight of the people of the time, especially Americans. Enlarged. It also mentions racial discrimination as well as multiplication. I think this is a good book for children from 8-10 years old, because in the book I can find a bit something about counting, although it mentions more about wetness and depression. I really like it because the story is told by the author in a very realistic way with real characters through their own learning experience.
I evaluate this book as 4 stars because it perfectly demonstrates the introduction of Great Depression in the 1960's, but it also shows the plight of the people of the time, especially Americans. Enlarged. It also mentions racial discrimination as well as multiplication. I think this is a good book for children from 8-10 years old, because in the book I can find a bit something about counting, although it mentions more about wetness and depression. I really like it because the story is told by the author in a very realistic way with real characters through their own learning experience.
November 6, 2024
I thought this was such a great book! The author did a great job of touching on elements of this period of time in this country and I liked that the author not only noted the depression, but racial issues that were faced at this time. This book had such a sweet ending and made me so happy.
I would use this for read aloud's in my classroom and would recommend this book to all of my students. Even though it is a picture book, I think this is really good imagery of what people faced during this time period. The story knocks of points about the depression, and racial issues. I could see myself using this in a social studies unit, but I could also see myself using this for a math unit about estimation and measuring. I loved how this book showed how Marshall and his mom worked together to problem solve and find out how many beans were in the jar. If I was reading this to them, I would have students also try to guess how many pieces of an item were in a jar. Using a similar method as the story.
I would use this for read aloud's in my classroom and would recommend this book to all of my students. Even though it is a picture book, I think this is really good imagery of what people faced during this time period. The story knocks of points about the depression, and racial issues. I could see myself using this in a social studies unit, but I could also see myself using this for a math unit about estimation and measuring. I loved how this book showed how Marshall and his mom worked together to problem solve and find out how many beans were in the jar. If I was reading this to them, I would have students also try to guess how many pieces of an item were in a jar. Using a similar method as the story.
August 6, 2018
Please read this to the group, family, children, adults. I loved this book when I first read it and got it for my Meeting's religious ed shelf... and recently saw a chance to get a copy for myself. I am torn about keeping or giving it to a local youth program's reading shelf. It's a great story about a family that persists, a kid that is generous and hard times - depression era, when the President of the U.S. actually cared about how the community of the US would survive and acted to help. I love that it's mama who figures out a math problem and that it's based on an actual event in the author's family.
I also love the way many publishers now add about the book and author on the final pages, as does this one.
Stories like this, reflecting wisdom, hope, and in the reality of real struggle, are so important.
I also love the way many publishers now add about the book and author on the final pages, as does this one.
Stories like this, reflecting wisdom, hope, and in the reality of real struggle, are so important.
October 6, 2024
Marshall is stuck eating beans, which he’s not fond of. It’s the Great Depression, and his family has no money coming in. A local store is holding a contest with a large jar of beans, where people have to guess an estimate of how many beans are inside. The winner will receive a brand-new sewing machine. People mistakenly believe that only white women can enter the contest, but Marshall inquires and finds out that his mom is eligible to guess and win. At home, Marshall and his family do calculations using beans, water, and various containers to come up with a count. Winning a new sewing machine would help his family immensely. I loved the blend of history and fiction, along with the likable characters in Marshall’s family. The story and illustrations are highly engaging. The back matter reveals that the book is based on Great Depression stories from the author’s grandmother.
June 23, 2017
This book is loosely based on the happenings of the author's grandmother during the Great Depression. It follows Marshall, a young boy, and his family. His father lost his job and because money is tight, his mother makes beans to eat quite frequently. His dislike for beans comes in handy when a local shop is offering a free sewing machine to the person who can guess the number of beans in a jar. Using estimation, Marshall and his family come up with the winning guess.
I liked this story, even more once I found it was based on a true story. This story would be good for both social studies and mathematics discussion, I feel. Also, it touches on racial discrimination with one woman's protest of Mrs. Loman's winning.
I liked this story, even more once I found it was based on a true story. This story would be good for both social studies and mathematics discussion, I feel. Also, it touches on racial discrimination with one woman's protest of Mrs. Loman's winning.
April 28, 2019
Lucky Beans by Becky Birtha, this is a traditional fantasy book, like so many people during the Great Depression of the 1930s, Marshall Loman's dad has lost his job. There's little money, but there are plenty of beans-in fact, Ma cooks them for supper every single night! Beans start looking better when Marshall sees the contest posted in the furniture store window. How many beans are in the Jar? Win this brand-new sewing machine! Ma needs that sewing machine-but how can Lomans possibly guess right? Then Marshall remembers something he learned in arithmetic class. With this book children can do different activities such as drama, art, writing or science.
May 1, 2018
Category: Historical Fiction
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 1 - 3
Summary: Story takes place in the Great Depression era, following the family of a boy named Marshall. His father loses his job, his mom needs a new sewing machine and all they eat are beans. But knowing beans might just be a good thing for Marshall as a Bean counting contest is posted. Does Marshall guess right?
Review: This story is a great example for historic events during the Great Depression. It shows hardship, love and family.
Activities:
1. Have students take notes on the settings, feeling and characters in the story
Awards: N/A
Grade Level: 1 - 3
Summary: Story takes place in the Great Depression era, following the family of a boy named Marshall. His father loses his job, his mom needs a new sewing machine and all they eat are beans. But knowing beans might just be a good thing for Marshall as a Bean counting contest is posted. Does Marshall guess right?
Review: This story is a great example for historic events during the Great Depression. It shows hardship, love and family.
Activities:
1. Have students take notes on the settings, feeling and characters in the story
Read
June 25, 2019Summary: This story is based on people in during the Great Depression of the 1930s and how they lived. Dad lost his job and mom cooks for the family. The family tries to win a contest on how many beans are in the jar that is at the furniture store. What will happen if they win? Will they get the sewing machine mom really wants?
Review: This story gives students a perspective of how life was back during the great depression. There are expressive paintings of illustrations as well as descriptive details on each page.
Review: This story gives students a perspective of how life was back during the great depression. There are expressive paintings of illustrations as well as descriptive details on each page.
December 6, 2019
I give this book 4 stars because I thought the book was very interesting. The story happening in the Great Depression. Marshall's mom made beans ever day. Marshall didn't like having beans everyday. His dad was out of work for months and there was no money. Marshall shared a room with his little brother and sister. Marshall wanted to win a sewing machine for his mother. To win the sewing machine he had to guess the number of beans that were in a jar. Mr. Kaplan said there were 53,280 beans in the jar. Marshall's guess was correct and he won the sewing machine and the beans.
May 10, 2022
The story Lucky Beans was written by Becky Birtha. This historical fiction book is about a family of color during the great depression. Children 4 to 8 years old will enjoy reading it. The local furniture store is holding a contest. To win you only need to guess how many beans are in the jar. Marshall and his family worked together to try to win the contest. You get a feeling of how poor this family is by the number of people who have moved into the house, because there is little food in the cellar where there was plenty of food the winter before, and because they have beans for dinner so often. Becky Birtha brings authenticity to her writing by writing about the economy and referencing President Eisenhower on the radio. She also touches on racial views/problems. Nicole Tadgell is the illustrator of this book. Nicole Tadgell brings Lucky Beans to life with her well-drawn characters. She uses illustrations of cars, the canning jars, clothes, the black and white tile floor, and the sewing machine as visual reminders of the things people had and used during the depression. I am giving this book four out of five stars. If there were more references to the great depression either in pictures or words, I would have given it five stars. I believe that reading this book may spark an interest in a similar counting contest.
February 28, 2018
Little boy growing up in the depression. He is tired of beans. Then he sees a prize of a sewing machine if someone guesses how many beans are in a giant crock. Using what he learned in school they counted beans into a quart jar and then figured out how many quarts were in the crock. They were only off by 13 beans and his mother won the sewing machine. Things got better after that because his mother could sew for money. But there were still a LOT of beans to eat.
April 12, 2019
Lucky Beans is by Becky Birtha, the story is about a little boy (Marshall Loman), and his family trying to survive during the great depression. This book show racism, also this book does a great job with counting. This book would not only be a good book to learn about racism, but also a good book to learn about math.
Marshall's father has lost his job, Marshall now has to share a room with his brother, eat beans everyday, and wear worn out clothes. In the book it shows the struggles they encounter but one day the Marshall and his brother sees a brand new sewing machine. Marshall and his brother know they can't afford the sewing machine.
The next day Marshall and his brother pass by the store that had the sewing machine but now you win it through a contest, by guessing how many beans are in a jar. Marshall knew who would be the best person to win this contest this would be his mother. So, later that day Marshall goes home and tell his mother about the contest. Needless to say Marshall's mother won the sewing machine.
I notice while reading the book that their was a little racism. The boy ask the store owner if only white women can enter the contest since her mother is African American. This made me feel very sad that people acted the way they did back then. This could be turned into a good lesson to teach students one day.
This book was a very heart breaking story but a easy read. There are lots of great meaningful moments throughout the book. This being said I have always loved a good book that teaches people how to work hard and to never give up. This is why I rated the book the way I did. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read it.
Marshall's father has lost his job, Marshall now has to share a room with his brother, eat beans everyday, and wear worn out clothes. In the book it shows the struggles they encounter but one day the Marshall and his brother sees a brand new sewing machine. Marshall and his brother know they can't afford the sewing machine.
The next day Marshall and his brother pass by the store that had the sewing machine but now you win it through a contest, by guessing how many beans are in a jar. Marshall knew who would be the best person to win this contest this would be his mother. So, later that day Marshall goes home and tell his mother about the contest. Needless to say Marshall's mother won the sewing machine.
I notice while reading the book that their was a little racism. The boy ask the store owner if only white women can enter the contest since her mother is African American. This made me feel very sad that people acted the way they did back then. This could be turned into a good lesson to teach students one day.
This book was a very heart breaking story but a easy read. There are lots of great meaningful moments throughout the book. This being said I have always loved a good book that teaches people how to work hard and to never give up. This is why I rated the book the way I did. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read it.
April 28, 2019
Marshal and his family are struggling during the Great Depression. He eats a lot of beans at home and he sees a contest for guessing the number of beans in a jar, and thinks back to math lessons at school which allow him to make a close guess and win a sewing machine so his mother can sew for money. I give this five stars because it can show students how the things we learn in school can really help in real life when applied.
April 20, 2018
This book was so cute. It had a lot of different aspects to it that could be used in multiple classrooms with multiple subjects. It had math, history, life lessons and the list goes on. Very diverse in its content. I loved it.
Lexile: 600L
Guided Reading: O
Traits: Ideas, Organization, Presentation
Lexile: 600L
Guided Reading: O
Traits: Ideas, Organization, Presentation
April 23, 2019
This book touches in on real-life events such as the great depression and racism in the 1930s. This book is illustrated very well that helps to bring the text to life. You are able to feel the young boy and his families struggle to simply survive. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5 stars because of the powerful meaning, and illustrations that I enjoyed.
February 15, 2018
Love this account of an African American family’s experience during the Great Depression. The math Marshall and his mom use to solve a raffle riddle (measurement, multiplication, and addition) provide additional opportunities for teachers to make connections throughout the day.
April 9, 2018
I really liked this book and what it has to offer young readers. It provides many different lessons for children, but is also easy for young readers to follow.
Six +1Trait: voice, organization, idea
DRA Level: 34
Lexile: 600L
Six +1Trait: voice, organization, idea
DRA Level: 34
Lexile: 600L
April 5, 2019
Great book related to the Great Depression. Lots of different aspects to this story. Keeps students engaged with cute pictures and a fun yet realistic book to read.
Traits: Ideas, Organizations, Presentations
F&P: I
AR: 1.7
Traits: Ideas, Organizations, Presentations
F&P: I
AR: 1.7
June 4, 2019
Lucky Beans
This book is during the great depression. A little boy named Marshall is an African American child that uses guidance from his mother to guess how many beans are in a jar. If he answers correct he is able to win a new sewing machine in a contest.
This book is during the great depression. A little boy named Marshall is an African American child that uses guidance from his mother to guess how many beans are in a jar. If he answers correct he is able to win a new sewing machine in a contest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews