Tall tale characters like Pecos Bill, Slue Foot Sue, and John Henry put a fun new twist on teaching history, geography, and literature through these engaging activities. Tall Tale Trading Cards instruct about the great rivers, a timeline chronicles the effect of the nation's railroads, and a giant geography poster game makes learning the states a snap!

11 Leveled Stories to Read Together for Gaining Fluency & Comprehension

Foster fluency and comprehension with students in grades 2–3 using Partner Read-Alouds: Tall Tales. This 64-page book contains high-interest, low-readability passages that make reading fun. It includes 11 leveled stories, each for 3 days of reading together. Day 1 provides an opportunity for teachers to discuss new vocabulary words and the elements of tall tales. Day 2 allows for students to read, switch roles with their partners, and complete the Checking for Details question sheet. Day 3 instructs students to switch roles again and complete the Thinking About the Story question sheet. The book supports NCTE standards.

The perfect addition to every family’s home library and just right for sharing aloud, American Tall Tales introduces readers to America’s first folk heroes in nine wildly exaggerated and downright funny stories. Here are Paul Bunyan, that king-sized lumberjack who could fell “ten white pines with a single swing”; John Henry, with his mighty hammer; Mose, old New York’s biggest, bravest fireman; Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind, who could “outgrin, outsnort, outrun, outlift, outsneeze, outsleep, outlie any varmint”; and other uniquely American characters, together in one superb collection. In the tradition of the original nineteenth-century storytellers, Mary Pope Osborne compiles, edits, and adds her own two cents’ worth—and also supplies fascinating historical headnotes. Michael McCurdy’s robust colored wood engravings recall an earlier time, perfectly capturing all the vitality of the men and women who carved a new country out of the North American wilderness.

Eight exciting classic American Tall Tales! This collection includes the famed stories of Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, Stormalong, Mike Fink, Davy Crockett, Johnny Appleseed, John Henry, and Joe Magarac, with evocative illustrations by Richard M. Powers.

Meg's family has moved a lot because of her father's drinking. Meg arrives in her town longing to find a real friend, someone she can talk to and write stories with. When she and Grace join forces to write a book, she's thrilled that she has finally found someone who likes her for who she is, who trusts her and confides in her. But she can't tell Grace about her father. Even though she hates to lie, Meg can't resist telling tall tales about her family and her life to Grace and other kids. For Meg, friendship turns out to be the key to telling the truth, and also to a better life for her family.