Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech

 Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech | A Kids Book A Day


Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech

  • Fiction
  • Grades: 3rd - 5th
  • Awards: Bluebonnet 2019-2020
Summary:

Saving Winslow is a story about a boy named Louis and a newborn donkey named Winslow. One day, Louis' father brought Winslow home and Louis developed a deep connection with the donkey. Winslow was small and sickly and Louis did not have the best record for nurturing little animals, but he was determined to help Winslow survive. Louis began to form a deep connection with Winslow which distracted him from missing his brother who was serving in the army. Louis' neighbor, Nora, also deeply cares for Winslow, but she has suffered the loss of her baby brother and dog so she does not have faith that the sick donkey will survive. Winslow grows stronger and even gets in trouble for braying loudly until everyone discovers he was trying to bring attention to the crying baby. Winslow becomes ready to go back to Louis' uncle Pete's farm, but Louis doesn't want him to go. An animal control officer informs the family that Winslow must be removed which saddened Loius until he realized that Winslow can protect the animals on the farm. At the end of the book, a letter arrives from Louis' older brother that he is returning home and he feels a little less sad about Winslow leaving. 

Evaluation:

I would not use this book in my classroom. It is more appropriate for about 5th grade and I think it would be difficult for second-graders to read it and comprehend the tone and themes in the story. The story of Saving Winslow was very touching and the writing was detailed and captivating. This book could be used in the classroom for a unit on language arts and reading for thinking using multiple texts. Students could discuss the topics and determine a theme or describe and understand plot elements in Saving Winslow.

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