We see the neighbourhood develop from a run down, graffitied area into a green, friendly community.

The backyard develops from an empty, barren space into a shady, green oasis. The geographical concept of change is an obvious theme throughout this book. How do different places make you feel? Are some places safe places? Students identify their favourite places around the school and at home. We see how the community begins to value place as the neighbourhood changes into a thriving place for people to relax, interact and work. We see the way Tracy and her family interact and influence their own backyard, and we get an idea about how they value their place by the activities and experiences they have there. The geographical concept of place is explored in terms of their unique characteristics, the value we place on places, and human influences. The teacher uses photos of the class or school throughout the year to create a timeline as a wall display. Students bring in photos of their childhood with the ages written on them and sequence them to create a timeline. Students are provided with images representing Tracy's age and are asked to cut them out and glue them in the correct sequence. This would need to be accompanied with explicit teaching of days of the week and months, and also holidays, events celebrated by students and their families. The documenting of time passing provides a opportunity to begin to explore the historical concept of change and continuity and develop skills in sequencing events. The window frame and the wall around it provide clues to show that time is passing - a card celebrating the birth of a new baby, a mug with 'I am 4' on it, a note about her 10th birthday, and on it goes. A place to feel safe.The story begins with a pregnant woman and her husband moving into a home, and traces the steps of Tracy, their daughter's, life. Everything begins to blossom.Īs an author/artist note states: 'The choice is ours to make-having simply a place to live or, by understanding the land and caring for it, belonging to a living home.'Ī family.

Together, children and adults plant grass and trees and bushes in the empty spaces. She and her neighbors begin to rescue their street. A city street becomes a living, thriving neighborhood-a place to call home. In Jeannie Baker's striking, natural collages, an urban community reclaims its land. This powerful wordless picture book with beautiful collage illustrations can be 'enjoyed independently or incorporated into units on the environment, communities, or artistic technique,' according to School Library Journal. 'A story about the small things in one neighborhood-their fragility, strength, and connection-and their power to make a difference.' ( Booklist starred review)

Home by jeannie baker