Genre: Realistic FictionThemes: School, Embarrassment, Creativity, Dictionary
Grade Level: 3-5
Curriculum Connections: Vocabulary, Spelling, Art
When Sage is home sick from fifth grade she misunderstands her last vocabulary word. She misunderstands the word "miscellaneous" - hence the title of the book. Throughout the books, words are defined by Sage just to keep the reader clear on her meaning. Sage has always misunderstood that word, from Miss Alaineus' drawer in the kitchen to Miss Alaineus items Mom gets at the grocery story. After her incorrect definition embarrasses her in class, Sage decides to turn her mistake into success by being Miss Alaineus in the 10th Annual Vocabulary Parade.
Classroom Suggestions:
1. The author created all pictures using only school markers, notebook paper, and scissors. Similar projects could be produced copying this style.
2. Students could create word lists of often misunderstood words. A student created book could be made with pages illustrating these misunderstandings. Daring teachers could use Scuse Me While I Kiss This Guy by Gavin Edwards, a book of often misunderstood song lyrics, for a hilarious music class. (You mean Bob Dylan wasn't singing, "The ants are my friends. They're blowing in the wind.")
3. Teachers could assign the same extra credit assignment as Sage's teacher assigns on the first page. Sage's answers are incorporated into the illustrations on each page, describing her illness and absence from school.
4. Have a Vocabulary Parade!
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