My Great-Aunt Arizona

By Gloria Houston

Book Overview

Reminiscent of the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder, My Great-Aunt Arizona is an inspiring tale rich with history, family, and artistry. Based on a true story, author Gloria Houston's joyous recounting of her great-aunt Arizona's quiet yet meaningful life reminds us of the special place a great teacher can hold in our hearts--even after we've grown up. Arizona was born in a log cabin her papa built in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She grew into a tall girl who liked to sing, square-dance, and--most of all--read and dream of the faraway places she would visit one day. Arizona never did make it to those places. Instead she became a teacher, helping generations of children in the one-room schoolhouse which she herself had attended. Supports the Common Core State Standards.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060226064
• ISBN13: 9780060226060
• Release Date: March 1992
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.3" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 3

Customer Reviews

Amazing Book, Great for Teachers

I use this book in both my reading and writing workshops for fifth graders. It's an excellent book that could be useful to 3rd-6th grade students. It's a great example of characterization.

My Great Aunt Arizona

This is a wonderful book. As an elementary teacher I especially enjoy reading it with my students and own a classroom set. It is a beautiful story of a teacher and contains lovely illustrations. It is a sweet depiction of schools and life long ago.

A must read for all (especially teachers)

From the moment I was introduced to this book, I knew I had to have it. It is such a wonderful story of a woman who enjoyed learning and dreamed of travelling to the places she read about only to have circumstances prevent it. She did the next best thing - she became a teacher and inspired countless students to live their dreams. Every teacher should read this - it will reinforce the reasons you entered the profession.

Gorgeous

Beautifully done! My 2 yr old and I like this one, the illustrations are gorgeous.The story is sweet, a real-life story for a change! It was given to us by the most inspiring person, she inspired my love of books and now her grand daughters, my mother.(who happens to be a teacher, the best!) This book is a keeper!

extremely touching

This is one of my favorite children's books. It is a simple and beautiful story--no matter how many times I read it, I have a hard time getting through it without tearing up. It's also a great way to introduce young children to biography and to one-room schoolhouse days. I recently donated this book to my grandmother's hometown library as a very appropriate tribute to her memory--as she was also a teacher who touched many lives, in school and out, as most true teachers do.