Blog

    The Picture Man

     a One School—One Book selection

     paired with your school’spicture day.

Are you interested in a book that speaks to students across grade levels?

• Touches the heart, engages curiosity about technology, and promises to bring a smile?
• Supports K-5 Common Core and Essential Standards?
• Links to social studies, language arts, writing, science, and art?
• Blends simplicity and depth?
• Would be an appropriate One School—One Book selection?

The Picture Man opens discussion and exploration that can be used in teaching required skills, from comparing/contrasting (picture man photos/school or studio photos) to integration of media (art and text).  It opens ideas for writing, sparks curiosity about culture and lifestyle as suggested by photographs, and even links to science and the study of light and lenses—numerous topics for students to research and share with classes.  (Find ideas for teachers on the Study Guide.)     

What is One School—One Book?

One School—One Book offers students within a school the opportunity to read the same book and share learning experiences across grade levels.  Lessons and activities are adapted to individual grades in keeping with Common Core’s graduated skill objectives.

Activities can involve multiple grade levels (Grade 5 and K reading together, dramatic presentation for other grades, visual displays of class projects in common areas, etc.).

One School—One Book can include a visit from the author, who can share behind-the-book insights, build on information in the book, and respond to students’ questions.

At the project ends, books could be given to the students or sold to students for a portion of the cost, thus providing seed money for the next year’s selection.

Why use The Picture Man for One School—One Book?

• Most children enjoy getting school pictures and seeing themselves in other photos
• The book includes simple poetic prose in the story (fiction) and more complex text in end notes (non-fiction).
• It engages curiosity about inventions and photography.
• It can be adapted easily to dramatic presentation and other written response.
• It introduces numerous areas for research.
• It links to studies across curriculum.
• It can engage students and families in exploring personal and cultural stories.
• Between June 1 and December 1, it can be purchased at much-reduced rates.
• The author is willing to work with your school.

*A Suggestion:  Pair with school picture day.  Stir interest in the book by placing childhood photos of the staff on a bulletin board where students can guess who is who.

Special Offer from the author: 

Is your school interested in classroom sets or larger sets of books for a One School–One Book study?  If so, I can offer you  books for much reduced rates. Special Rate on The Picture Man:  $3.50 to $7.00, based on quantity (Retail hardcover, $16.95). Let’s discuss ways to work within your budget Read about Special Offers on all titles.

Special Book Rates for Schools

To order books or plan an author visit, contact Julia Taylor Ebel