by Kate DiCamillo
Illustrated by K.G. Campbell
DiCamillo, Kate. (2013).
Flora & Ulysses The Illuminated Adventures.
Somerville, MA., U.S.A.: Candlewick Press.
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading Level:
Lexile: 520L
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.1
Interest Level: 3-7th Grade
Genre: Fiction, adventure, comedy and humor
Description: squirrels, friendship, comic-book, superheroes
Delivery Suggestion: Independent reading, small group
Summary: Flora Belle Buckman, a natural born cynic who has read every issue of “Terrible Things Can Happen to You!” is just the person to save the squirrel who never saw the vacuum cleaner coming. Ulysses (the squirrel) is born again with superhero powers. Together they are off on their adventures as Flora discovers the possibility of hope and friendship.
Electronic Resources:
Flora describes herself as a natural born cynic. What do you think that means. Dr. Meescham says that “Cynics are people who are afraid to believe” (page 129). Do you agree with her description? What things does Flora do that show she is a cynic? What things show that Flora is not a cynic? What, if anything, makes you feel cynical at times?
Illustrated by K.G. Campbell
DiCamillo, Kate. (2013).
Flora & Ulysses The Illuminated Adventures.
Somerville, MA., U.S.A.: Candlewick Press.
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Reading Level:
Lexile: 520L
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.1
Interest Level: 3-7th Grade
Genre: Fiction, adventure, comedy and humor
Description: squirrels, friendship, comic-book, superheroes
Delivery Suggestion: Independent reading, small group
Summary: Flora Belle Buckman, a natural born cynic who has read every issue of “Terrible Things Can Happen to You!” is just the person to save the squirrel who never saw the vacuum cleaner coming. Ulysses (the squirrel) is born again with superhero powers. Together they are off on their adventures as Flora discovers the possibility of hope and friendship.
Electronic Resources:
- Flora & Ulysses http://www.floraandulysses.com/book.html if students enjoyed the book, this website offers many different types of resources to get a better understanding of the book. There are Q & A sessions with the author, teacher resources and information about the author.
- Teacher http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=34890&a=1 this website offers a wonderful array of lesson plans and book guides as well as book readings and trailers.
Vocabulary:
1. capacious -having a lot of space inside - 2. arch-nemesis- principal enemy of someone or something
- 3. treacle - flattery
- 4. sepulchral - of or relating to a tomb
- 5. malfeasance - wrongdoing especially by a public official
- 6. cynic - a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest
- 7. positing - to put in position or place
- 8. obfuscate - render obscure or unclear
- 9. unremitting- never relaxing or slackening
Teaching Suggestions:
- Use this book to teach about different points of view and what happens.
- Use this book to teach the difference between reality and fantasy in a story.
- Use this book to teach some of the unique features of comic books.
Comprehension Strategies:
- Before Reading:
- Anticipation Guide: Ask students to predict what the book could be about. Ask students what are superheroes? How do we identify them? Where do we find them?
- During Reading:
- Directed Reading - Thinking Activity: Flora refers to many of her skills that appear in her comics. What other things does Flora learn from her comics?
- After Reading:
- Response Writing: Describe the relationship between Flora and William Spiver. How are they the same and how are they different?
Flora describes herself as a natural born cynic. What do you think that means. Dr. Meescham says that “Cynics are people who are afraid to believe” (page 129). Do you agree with her description? What things does Flora do that show she is a cynic? What things show that Flora is not a cynic? What, if anything, makes you feel cynical at times?