by Lee Bacon
Bacon, Lee (2012).
Joshua Dread.
New York, NY., U.S.A.: Delacorte Press.
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Reading Level:
Lexile: 700L
Grade Level Equivalent: Not yet calculated
Interest Level:4-7
Genre: Fiction
Description: superheroes, villains, superpowers, middle school, friendship
Delivery Suggestion: Independent reading, small group
Summary: Joshua Dread has a life that is far from ordinary, he is the son of the super villains the Dread Duo. After having moved from place to place Joshua is happy to have finally settled down in the town of Sheepdale. But that’s when strange things begin to happen to him. Joshua learns that he has the power of spontaneous combustion. When his parents are taken by smoke creatures, Joshua will have to partner with Sophie the daughter of his parent’s archenemy and his “ungyfted” friend Milton. Will Joshua, Milton and Sophie be able to save Joshua’s parents and the rest of the super villains or will they be to late?.
Electronic Resources:
Joshua Dread is all about super heroes and super villains. With a partner students will work collaboratively to create their own super hero story. Individually they will complete the ending.
Bacon, Lee (2012).
Joshua Dread.
New York, NY., U.S.A.: Delacorte Press.
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Reading Level:
Lexile: 700L
Grade Level Equivalent: Not yet calculated
Interest Level:4-7
Genre: Fiction
Description: superheroes, villains, superpowers, middle school, friendship
Delivery Suggestion: Independent reading, small group
Summary: Joshua Dread has a life that is far from ordinary, he is the son of the super villains the Dread Duo. After having moved from place to place Joshua is happy to have finally settled down in the town of Sheepdale. But that’s when strange things begin to happen to him. Joshua learns that he has the power of spontaneous combustion. When his parents are taken by smoke creatures, Joshua will have to partner with Sophie the daughter of his parent’s archenemy and his “ungyfted” friend Milton. Will Joshua, Milton and Sophie be able to save Joshua’s parents and the rest of the super villains or will they be to late?.
Electronic Resources:
- Students http://www.toondoo.com/ A lot happens in a chapter of this book. Students could use this resource to create comic strips out of their favorite chapters or for chapters that they are struggling with.
- Author http://www.leebaconbooks.com/ This Website has information about the other books written by the author as well about the author himself.
Vocabulary:
1. apocalyptic - describing the complete destruction of the world. - 2. annihilation - to destroy
- 3. catapulted- to fling far
- 4. enforcement - the act of compelling observance with a law, rule
- 5. teleported - to travel across space and time instantly
- 6.duo - group of two
- 7. comatose- of or in a state of deep unconsciousness
- 8. volatile - liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
Teaching Suggestions:
- Use this book to teach character development.
- Use this book to teach elements of science fiction.
- Use this book to teach descriptive writing.
Comprehension Strategies:
- Before Reading:
- Anticipation Guide: Joshua starts by saying how hard middle school is. Imagine how much harder it would be to be in middle school and have your parents be super villains. Write your thoughts down in your journal.
- During Reading:
- Fishbowl Discussion: Joshua is struggling with the idea of becoming friends with Sophie because she is the daughter of his parent’s archenemy. Write down what you think Joshua should do.
- After Reading:
- Opinionaire: How has the relationship between the Dread Duo and Captain Justice changed throughout the book? Support your ideas with evidence from the text.
Joshua Dread is all about super heroes and super villains. With a partner students will work collaboratively to create their own super hero story. Individually they will complete the ending.