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Firegirl
b y To ny A b b o t t
Common Core ConnectionsFifth Grade Focus
PB 978-0-316-01170-9
Many books can meet most, if not all, Common Core Standards.
However, we have found that some books speak strongly to a few
standards. These one-page applications connect a focused text and the
Common Core Standards as written for fifth gradersleaning on the
texts literary strengths.
5.RL.5
This standard asks students to explain how chapters or scenes fit together to develop the structure
of a particular story. As students read Firegirl they will want to keep track of how Toms feelings
and thoughts change. Students might find it useful to create a story map connecting key events
with Toms changing perspective. This will help students focus on concrete events as well as start
making connections to some larger themes in the story.
5.RL.1
A key standard for fifth graders is to quote accurately from the text when explaining what the
text says and when drawing inferences from the text. This is a significant development from
fourth grade, when students refer to specific details and examples in the story. Firegirl offers
many opportunities for students to notice specific language that Abbott uses. Teachers can model
noticing these quotes by writing examples on chart paper posted in the room for students to
reflect on.
5.RL.6
As they read the story, students should talk about how Tom views events in the story and how
this differs from other characters viewpoints. Thes standard asks students to describe how a
characters point of view influences his description of events. It might be interesting to look closely
at a scene and discuss how Tom and Jeff might each describe the event very differently. For
example, in chapter 7 when Jeff burns his toy Batmobile, Tom describes the scene:
The smell of burning plastic filled my nose. I arched back from it.
Its just like that girl, Jeff said carelessly.
Enough already. What a jerk. (p. 39)
5.RL.4 and 5.L.5
These standards ask students to determine the meaning of figurative language, especially similes
and metaphors. Throughout the story, Tony Abbott uses figurative language to show characters
feelings and develop themes. A teacher might create a chart for students to record different similes
and metaphors from the text. In particular, students might notice powerful images of heat and cold,
fire and ice:
Lets set it [the Batmobile] on fire and burn it up. Itll get all drippy. Like her.
I felt as if someone had just poured ice water on me. (p. 37)
Guide prepared by Mary Ann Scheuer, librarian at Emerson Elementary in Berkeley, CA.