S is for Sooner: An Oklahoma Alphabet by Devin Scillian
Summary: S is for Sooner is a great way to study the state of Oklahoma for younger student to learn state history. The use of the alphabet is a clever way to tell about Oklahoma. Each letter of the alphabet tells a little bit of history by using the letter along with a rhyme. On the sideline, the author gives facts that fit the topic the alphabet mentions. The illustrations complement the story line and helps keeps the children attention.
Person reflection: I can see myself using this book as part of my Oklahoma lesson plan. It has just enough information to teach the students without over whelming them. I found the information to interesting and simple enough to keep the students attention. The Illustrations give enough color and information that is not going to confuse the students.
Extension Ideas: I would like to have the students make their own alphabet books, or least a letter that we can combined to make a class book.
For older students I would like them to pick one of the letters in the book and do some research on that topic and write a paper on what they find. ( )

Informational – This book is like a mini encyclopedia of Oklahoma. The book is laid out in alphabetical order, and on each page is a picture representing a part of Oklahoma history. Both famous Oklahomans and historical events are covered. The book has sections written more for early readers and sections for older readers.

As a non-native to Oklahoman, I found this book to be both entertaining and informative. I did not know that Mickey Mantle was an Oklahoman before reading this book. The book reminded me of sad times from our nation’s history, like the Trail of Tears and the Oklahoma City Bombing.

For a classroom activity, I would have the students create their own state book using the same format. We would list other things about our state not covered in the book. At the back of the book is a quiz that the students could do to show how well they know about their state.