For the Love of Autumn
by Patricia Polacco
(Realistic Fiction)
Summary
When Danielle, a student teacher, held Autumn for the very first time, she knew it was love at first sight. The tiny kitten melted her heart every time she laid in the middle of the papers she graded at night and curled up next to her on the couch as they drifted off to sleep next to the T.V.
Then, Danielle gets offered a job in Port Townsend on the sea where Autumn keeps up her kitten mischief. She starts her job at loves her new school and loves her kids. They ask her, like all kids do, "Are you married?" She replies, "No, not yet...but someday when just the right man comes along, I will be. I'll hear the sound of thunder, smell jasmine, and the wind will blow his hair and I'll know that he is exactly the one!"
One terrible, stormy night, Danielle's life changes forever. Will Autumn survive the storm in her new, unfamiliar town? Will Danielle find the man she's been waiting for?
Discussion Questions
1. In this story, Danielle is scared, worried, and ultimately very sad when Autumn is gone. For weeks she hopes for Autumn's return. Why do you think she ends up putting away Autumn's things? Have you ever lost something/someone you loved? Explain how that made you feel and how you acted.
2. If you were Danielle, how would you have towards the end of the story when the third note came? Why? (Can't be more specific because it would ruin the end of the book!)
Author's Website
http://www.patriciapolacco.com/
Other Books to Check Out
O'Conner, J. (2007). Fanny Nancy and the posh puppy. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Polacco, P. (2007). Ginger and Petunia. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
Shannon, D. (2006). Good boy, Fergus. New York, NY: The Blue Sky Press.
Wilhelm, H. (1988). I'll always love you. New York, NY: Dragonfly Books.
APA Citation
Polacco, P. (2008). For the love of Autumn. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
Just looking at the picture just draws me in to this book immediately! I would love to read this book to one of my primary groups next year. I really think kids will easily connect to this book. I really liked your discussion questions. They are well thought out and will make readers really reflect on the book :)
ReplyDeleteThis book would catch my class's attention because of the adorable kitten and a story with a great ending. I also like the connection you help the students make with your first discussion question. The read alike books you suggest give me a great idea of some books to start reading to my students next year.
ReplyDeleteI am already interested in this book because it is by Palacco. It sounds like a great story with several topics available for discussion with students. I like your question about losing someone/something special. This is a question that can sometimes be hard, but it shouldn't be overlooked. Young students need the opportunity to express their feelings about loss, and this book might provide the perfect seque for such a conversation.
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