Booking Across The USA

Today I'm excited to be part of this AmAzInG blogging extravaganza 

hosted by Growing Book by Book 

and designed to celebrate a book that shines a light

 on the state in which each of us lives!

Click the graphic to get bookin'.

Since there are two other bloggers discussing books from Texas, I'm showcasing a creative masterpiece that's rich with food for thought about being who you really are and showing empathy for others woven into its storyline. Introducing . . .

The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller.

Click this book cover to go to the author's website.

Simple Synopsis: An unhappy, bored Kansas decides to throw a getting-to-know-you mixer during which Idaho and Virginia convince rest of the states to swap places to "see a new part of the country." What will happen as they each journey to their new spot on the map? Well, the states start out excited but wind up anything but united. Minnesota, for example, ends up with a sunburn from moving south and Florida suffers from frostbite from its move north. Their new homes quickly help them appreciate what they had and realize that they want to go back to where they belong, satisfied with who they are and eager to resume their place in the U.S. of A.

So how would I use this national treasure? 

First of all, I'd read it aloud, making sure to stop often and show my students all of the hilarious sidebar conversations that Ms. Keller has woven into the storyline. Let them predict how they'll feel about their new neighbors. How could an arid Arizona feel about switching with a soggy South Carolina? How would Alaska get along with neighbors on both sides? What might happen to a lactose-intolerant California when America's Dairyland, Wisconsin, moves next door? 
Secondly, there's a 300-piece puzzle that complements this book and is such a beautiful metaphor for making the pieces fit together when life feels disconnected. Type the sayings below to put in the puzzle center so students can discuss them while they're working on the puzzle. Ask: How do these words of wisdom connect back to the book? 
Be true to yourself.
The grass is always greener. 
Bloom where you are planted.
Green with envy.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Put yourself in my shoes.
Third, this title would be a great springboard to introducing the states and their capitals. I vividly remember loving those days in elementary school when we were studying the geography of the states, their capital cities, their birds, their flowers, their mottos. We got to color the maps and learn where the states were located and what wonderful things we'd see if we were to travel there, places like Mount Rushmore, The Badlands, Hershey Park, Andrew Jackson's home, Gettysburg, and other great monuments or historical markers. Have students each select a state to research. Let them make a travel brochure advertising all of the great stuff that their state is known for and/or has to offer. If there a favorite recipe that a state is known for, encourage students to make a sample and bring it in for extra credit.
Finally, talk about empathy and what it means to understand how another person feels. Encourage students to journal about a time when they wanted to switch places with someone because they thought that that someone had it better than they. Or, conversely, have them write about a television or book character or a historical figure whom they wouldn't want to switch places with and why. An exercise like this could help elevate their empathy. Before writing, talk about what the states learned by switching places with each other.
For enrichment, read the sequel The Scrambled State of America Talent Show, then hold a talent show of your own. Turn it into a service project by inviting the community and asking for a non-perishable food donation for admission.

Check out this book and prepare to 
laugh out loud while you
study a little geography,
 learn a few interesting facts, 
and enjoy a lot of silliness. 

Interested in finding out more about the book related to your state? Here's a complete list of the bloggers on board - thanks, Jodie!

Alabama: Everyday Snapshots

Alaska: Little Wonders’ Days

Arizona: Simply Kinder 

Arkansas: The Planted Trees

California: Juggling with Kids and The Outlaw Mom

Colorado: Learners in Bloom and Living Montessori Now

Connecticut: The Teacher Park

Delaware: Mama Miss

Florida: Teaching Stars

Georgia: Fabulously First

Hawaii: Teaching With Style 

Idaho: True Aim Education

Illinois: Growing Book by Book

Indiana: Teach Preschool

Iowa: Surviving a Teacher’s Salary

Kansas: KCEdventures

Kentucky: Chicken Babies 

Louisiana: New Orleans Moms Blog 

Maine: Country Fun Child Care

Maryland: Picture Books and Piourettes

Massachusetts: Mama Smiles

Michigan: Play DrMom

Minnesota: The Wise Owl Factory (free printable game too)

Mississippi: Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk

Missouri- Ready. Set. Read!

Montana: The Honey Bunch

Nebraska: The Good Long Road 

Nevada: Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts

New Hampshire: Elementary Matters

New Jersey: The Pleasantest Thing

New Mexico: Enchanted Homeschooling Mom

New York: What Do We Do All Day

North Carolina: Realistic Teacher Blog

North Dakota: ND HealthWorks

Ohio: Smart Chick Teacher’s Blog

Oklahoma: Herding Kats in Kindergarten

Oregon: Journey of a Substitute Teacher

Pennsylvania: Land of Once Upon a Time

Rhode Island: Smiling in Second Grade

South Carolina: Cookies and Kiddos and JDaniel4’s Mom

South Dakota: The Wise Owl Factory (free printable game too)

Tennessee: No Monkey Business

Texas: Curls and a Smile and Kid World Citizen

Utah: Teach Beside Me

Vermont: Burlington Vt Moms Blog

Virgina: Once Upon a Story and The Freckled Homeschooler

Washington: Home Learning Journey

West Virginia: This Week @ Great Peace Academy and Mamas Like Me

Wisconsin: Reading Confetti

Wyoming: No Twiddle Twaddle

USA: The Corner on Character

          Check out the Booking Across the USA Pinterest page {here}.