Pistes d'exploration

Browse through the book. Discuss the page layouts, features and organization of information.

Read with a partner, making use of the interactive features: look for the “time-traveller” who is hidden on each page; answer the questions in the captions.

Choose one of the time periods. Compare and contrast aspects of life then and now (social structure, transportation, housing, etc.). Use a graphic organizer such as a Venn diagram or T-chart.

In which era would you like to live? Write a diary entry as if you lived at that time, incorporating facts from the text and illustrations.

Browse through the book. Discuss the page layouts, features and organization of information.

Explore the pages to find places that still exist today. Organize them into private, commercial or industrial venues.

Choose one of the time periods. Compare and contrast aspects of life then and now (social structure, transportation, housing, etc.). Use a graphic organizer such as a Venn diagram or T-chart.

Recreate a picture of your street or city today in a similar style. Write a few vignettes to highlight certain elements of your street.

Browse through the book. Make sure you understand the heading of each chapter. Add new vocabulary to your notebook and check your understanding with a classmate or in a dictionary.

Select a two-page spread to inspire the creation of a diorama. Using index cards and pertinent vocabulary from the book, prepare a text that explains why you chose this historical period.

Practise presenting and explaining your diorama to your classmates, using the index cards. Discuss the meaning of open-ended questions and prepare some regarding your classmates’ dioramas.

Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street

Mots-clés

Non-fiction , city life , Europe , history , seek-and-find book , social change , time lines

Commentaire descriptif

This book of 14 incredibly detailed scenes depicts changes over time on one hospitable riverbank, somewhere in western Europe. From hunters’ camp, to village, to city, the illustrations show life through Viking invasions, the plague, the industrial revolution and more. Brief introductions give young readers background information on each scene. “People were nomads, moving across the land in small groups seeking food and shelter.” Details are captioned, providing more information and encouraging close examination of the image. “Find the man whose roof is leaking. He can’t afford to repair it.” This is a great method for bringing a historic perspective to young readers. Whether they are interested in food, housing, transportation, clothing, weapons, the life of children or where people went to the bathroom, they’ll find it in this book. Readers may be surprised to learn that life under the Romans was more hygienic than for many centuries following. They’ll see a wooden fort built up into a stone castle, watch it fall to ruin and finally become a heritage site. Back material includes a glossary, an index and an illustrated timeline that gives global historic context for the different scenes.