Ramona the Brave
By Beverly Cleary
Published by Avon Camelot
Copyright 1975

Accelerated Reader: 4.9

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Reading

FUN, HUMOROUS, SPUNKY, EXCTING, INTRIGUING

This rollercoaster of a chapter book follows young Ramona through multiple escapades.  Striving to be all grown up, Ramona and her friend Howie find themselves get into mischief.  From playing Brick Factory to standing up for her older sister Beezus, Ramona just doesn’t want to be seen as the youngest in her family any longer.  We read of Ramona’s adventure of sleeping all alone in the whole in the wall, dealing with Mrs. Griggs in school, apologizing to an owl stealing Susan and her biggest adventure yet, fending off a dog before school.  She doesn’t cry when she falls and skins her knee and even takes on a new route to school on her own.  Ramona finally gets recognized for her bravery by the school secretary and even gets to lead the morning meeting in Mrs. Griggs classroom.  Another Beverly Cleary masterpiece, Ramona is finally noticed as courageous. 

Website of Beverly Cleary

The world of Beverly Cleary includes information about the author, her books, fun games, a close look at the characters and much more. 

Cleary Activities

This site houses the links to several Beverly Cleary activities, lesson plans and games.  Study guides, comprehension questions and a biography of Ramona, the main character, are all present among the many interactive features of this site. 

VOCAB: Wading, Slack, Shuddering, Furious, Exasperating, Worthwhile, Unusually, Cozy

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book in language arts to help students bridge from children’s books to children’s literature; picture books to chapter books. 

-Use this book to encourage kids to be brave in all situations.

-Use this book to explain to children that sometimes there hard work may be overseen but in the end it will be repaid. 

Before: Students will complete an anticipation guide which will ask them to reminisce on a time in their life that they felt brave, than they will share with the class.  This will be an easy transition to starting the novel about Ramona and her courage.    

During: One single line in a novel can affect the whole structure and meaning of a scenario in a novel.  While reading the book, have students keep track of quotes they like or they feel has significant meaning.  At the end of the chapter, it will be the student’s responsibility to analyze the quotes further.  Students will be asked to do this with each reading assignment. 

After: Students will be asked to create a mobile which will illuminate six main points which the student believes to be most important.  Students will get to use their creativity to draw out their selection of main points and exhibit them to other classmates by hanging them around the room.  A discussion of why these main points were chosen will follow. 

Writing: Have students practice their writing skills by creating a journal entry from Beezus’s point of view.  Scenes to consider include when Ramona stood up for Beezus at the playground against those older boys.  Questions which can be addressed include:

            -What do you see?

            -What do you feel?

            -What are you thinking?

            -What do you think Ramona is thinking?

            -What do you plan on doing next?

Students can also include illustrations with their work. 

Noah Barleywater Runs Away
By John Boyne
Published by David Fickling Books
Copyright 2011

Accelerated Reader: 5.6

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

WONDUROUS, FANTASTICAL, WHIMSICAL, THRILLING, CHARMING

Eight year old Noah Barleywater decides to pick up and leave home to see what the great world has to offer him.  Through the forest, Noah runs into talking animals and trees, flying wooden birds and an old toy maker whose shop is located in the middle of the wood.  The toy shop is not only stuffed with capricious toys but life lessons about how not everything is as it seems.  The old man gives Noah advice and wisdom that will forever change his life.  Similar to the classic story of Pinocchio, Noah finds himself running away from a good life where he is surrounded by a loving family, friends and his own smarts.  He returns home, but not before he and the old toymaker help one another grieve and remember what has been lost. 

Write-a-Fantasy-Novel

Because this novel includes so much fantasy, it may be a fun activity to learn how to write whimsical stories.  These tips will help create the perfect framework for a tale. 

Pinocchio Film

This link will allow you to watch the Disney classic, Pinocchio.  Similar to the story of Noah, students could use the movie to compare to the book. 

VOCAB: Guided, Scandal, Extraordinary, Despite, Dachshund, Constitutional, Spectacles, Empress

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book to teach fantasy reading and writing in a language arts lesson. 

-Use this book to promote facing your fears rather than running from them and gaining courage. 

-Use this book to teach children a famous life lesson, “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”

Before: Very similar to the classic movie Pinocchio, catch the student’s attention by showing them clips of the film.  You may also show the full film at the end of the unit and ask students to compare and contrast the book and the film. 

During: Students will keep track of unfamiliar words they come across while reading the novel.  They will keep them in a journal and for homework they will define the word and draw a picture which will correlate with the meaning. 

After: Have students create a one page comic about the main ideas in the novel.  Challenge them to not use any words, only dialogue or drawings. 

Writing: In this novel, we hear tales about the main character as well as the toymaker who have run away for various reasons.  Students will be asked to write their own narrative piece on a character who has run away.  They will need to include a well-developed character, a setting which leads to the character running away, what happens while they run away and a conclusion.  Did the character return home or did they take on a new lifestyle elsewhere?

Judy Moody Girl Detective
By Megan McDonald
Published by Candlewick Press
Copyright 2010

Accelerated Reader: 3.5

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Reading

SPELLBINDING, DARING, CLEVER, THRILLING, DIVERTING

After main character Judy finds herself immersed with mysteries solved by the famous mystery sleuth Nancy Drew, Judy Moody decides to take up mystery-solving herself.  With the help of her little brother Stink, Judy attempts to figure out where Mr. Chips, the neighbor’s dog, has disappeared to.  Along with the help of others, this third grade adventure seeker takes on the case and begins by investigating the kennel, handing out badges to her partners and following clues all the way down to the Speedy Market where Judy Moody finds her suspect. 

Judy Moody Activities

This PDF document published by Candlewick Press has several activities to complete for sleuthing students and even directions on how to make your very own detective kit.  It also has pages within the text which relate to the item selected or activities performed. 

Megan McDonald's Official Website

Megan McDonald’s personal website and home of Judy Moody, has all of Megan’s books, links to movies, books and a calendar of events.  A section labeled fun stuff includes puzzles, matching games and is a great site to get the kids more involved in McDonald’s work. 

VOCAB: Independent, Jeepers, Explained, Baloney, Smushed, Kennel, Brilliant, Herring

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book in science to briefly explain forensic science and the study of crime scene investigation.

-Use this book to teach students how to problem solve and work out issues. 

-Use this book to explain problem solving.

Before: Students will complete a scavenger hunt around the school in teams.  This will open student’s eyes to what it’s like to be a detective.  Once they’ve become interested, explain to them what the novel is about. 

During: While reading the novel, have students choose the most important scene in the chapter and then draw it out.  Student will keep these in a small notebook, that way, they can use this technique to help summarize the book using the most important events.  This also helps students keep events in proper order. 

After:  Following the completion of the novel, students will complete a game of bingo to test their comprehension of the text.  This card will have numerous blocks filled with vocab words, pictures of scenes and other information about the novel.  Question will be asked like:

Q: What word means to have or show great intelligence? A: Brilliant

Q: Who is Mr. Chips A: (a picture of a dog will be present.)

Writing:  Have students choose a character from the book they’d like to be friends with.  Have them write a passage about what they would do together, what they would talk about and why they would want them as a friend. 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
By Jeff Kinney
Published by Amulet Books
Copyright 2007

Accelerated Reader: 5.2

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Reading

REAL, COMICAL, HILARIOUS, DORKY, DOWN-TO-EARTH

Written in journal format, on lined paper with scribbles and doodles in the corners of the pages, we follow the life of character Greg, who is a middle school student and is frequently bullied by not only his classmates but his own two brothers.  We watch as Greg tries to avoid the “Cheese Touch,” getting enclosed by teenagers on Halloween, doesn’t get the video game he wants on Christmas and is drifting apart from his best friend, all while trying to survive middle school.  In the end, despite a falling out with his best friend Rowley, they reunite and we continue to follow Greg throughout other books within the series. 

Official Website of a Wimpy Kid

The official website keeps you updated on everything you need to know about the Wimpy Kid series.  Sections include news, the latest, the author, the books and awards won by the series.  There’s a section which lists the dates and places of appearances by Jeff Kinney and a sneak peek of what he’s working on next. 

Teach Net

This site has great language art lessons.  Also, a writing lesson plan which will correspond well with this novel. 

VOCAB: Fuss, Temperament, Promotion, Blubbering, Foiled, Dignity, Confer, Degrade, Campaign, Regimen

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book during anti-bullying week to express the importance of respect and treating those the way you want to be treated.

-Use this book as a language arts selection.  Kids are drawn to this series and this novel could spike many interests within the class and get the students excited about reading.

-Use this book to expose children to the new era of graphic novels. 

Before: Students will be given a research project in which they will use computers to find at least 3 graphic novels for their appropriate age and grade level.  Then, as a whole class, students will share what they found.  It will also be interesting to see how many students chose Diary of a Wimpy Kid as an option. 

During: Students will use partner reading to read the book.  This is when two students are paired together, one reads while the other listens and takes notes.  Then they switch.  Each time this method is used, students will complete a paragraph summary to hand into the teacher using the notes they have taken. 

After: Students will create a collage individually to represent either the book as a whole or their favorite character.  Provide students with magazines to clip items from as well as online resources or other media. 

Writing:  Using the link above, students will create a three dimensional book report.  In addition, they will include a written piece of what their opinion of the book was, whether or not they liked it and why or why they would not read it again. 

The Tiger Rising
By Kate DimCamillo
Published by Candlewick
Copyright 2002

 Accelerated Reader: 4.0

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Reading

CAPTIVATING, FASCINATING, HEARTWRENCHING, LIVELY, REMARKABLE
Rob Horton moves to a Florida motel with his father following the death of his mother. While Rob explores in to woods, he finds a caged tiger. A real tiger! After his amazing discovery, he meets city girl Sistine who has a wicked temper but ends up befriending Rob. While Rob is isolated at home due to an unknown skin condition, Sisitine brings him his homework. There, they discuss their emotions and Rob conveys the heartache attached to being constantly bullied at school and the loss of his mother. Beauchamp, the motel manager, gives Rob the duty of feeding the tiger while he stays home because he himself neglects the beautiful creature. Sistine comes up with an idea to set the animal free, and in a sad ending, the tiger is shot and killed by Rob’s father.
Wild Earth Guardians

This site lists several species of endangered animals, including multiple species of tigers. Information about how to save lives and way to support the Wild Earth Guardians association are all incorporated
Official Site of Kate DiCamillo

This is the official website of Kate Dicamillo. This site contains personal information about the author and upcoming events, books and other fun features. 

VOCAB: Abiding, Defiant, Conjured, Immortal, Miraculously, Exertion, Reproachful, Aspire

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book as an example that not all novels have happy endings and during writer’s workshop, challenge students to write their next piece with an ending such as this one. 

-Use this book to explain metaphors. Like main characters Rob and Sistine, they had to confront their own caged animal before they could move on, explain metaphors like this and others to the children and encourage them to place them in their own writing. 

-Use this book to help students understand sympathy, empathy and further understand emotion. 

Before: Engage students by providing them a copy of an excerpt from the novel as well as the cover of the book. Then, complete a read-a-loud. Ask students to predict what the novel could be about and allow them to talk to the other students around them. Finally, have them complete a paragraph and picture of what they expect to happen in the book. 

During: While reading the novel, have students study vocabulary words for each chapter. This will include words like the ones listen above. Have students playing matching games where they will match the word with the definition, have them complete crossword puzzles where the clues are definitions and other fun methods to help students better understand what they are about to read. This also will suffice as an assessment technique. 

After: Have students create a collage to use artistic means to help them explain what they thought the theme of the novel may be. Students will use poster boards and given numerous materials such as markers, colored pencils, magazines, glue and anything they can find on the internet to print. 

Writing: The previous activity has helped students address the theme of the novel. Now, students will be challenged to write their own short story using the same life lesson. Creating similar stories will be prohibited.

Lily’s Crossing

By Patricia Reilly Giff

Published by Bantam Doubleday Dell

Copyright 1997

Accelerated Reader: 4.6

Suggested Delivery: Guided Reading

MESMERIZING, STUNNING, BRAVE, AWE-INSPIRING, WARM

Lily, a twelve year old girl in the summer of 1944, has been told her father will be fighting in WWII overseas in France, leaving her at Rockaway Beach with her grandmother.  Margret, Lily’s best friend, also will be leaving due to the war.  When she felt completely alone, Lily became extremely close with a Hungarian refugee, Albert.  The story follows these two children through their emotional journey of missing their families overseas.  Struck by the idea to reunite with them, Lily and Albert venture off into the Atlantic Ocean where Albert is nearly killed.  After the traumatic adventure and Lily returning to school, she finds herself back at home where her father returns, Albert’s sister arrives and everyone finds themselves happier than ever. 

Rockaway Beach

This link provides additional information about Rockaway Beach in New York, where most of the book takes place.  Facts include the history, population and other statistics which are up to date.

Lily's Crossing Trailer

Here is the trailer to “Lily’s Crossing” the movie. 

WWII Facts

This link brings you to a site which retains all aspects of WWII in a kid friendly fashion.  Questions of when was the war, why did it happen, who was involved and others are all answered.  Links to war songs, pictures of weaponry, a timeline and even a look at the children’s lives during war help students have a better grasp on the era in the novel. 

VOCAB: Drone, Trespassing, Throttle, Insignia, Veered, Trestle, Pelting, Sloshing, Pact, Afghans

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book to build a bridge from language arts to social studies as you study WWII.

-Use this book to take a look at how society differs then and now, during war and not during war, Rockaway Beach vs. other areas, etc.

-Use this book to compare stories from WWII to stories from more recent wars such as The War on Iraq or 9/11.

Before:  Have students use the computer lab to research WWII.  Have them complete a questionnaire sheet with questions such as: When was WWII?  Who was involved in the battle?  What was the result?  What types of weaponry were used?  How many were killed?

During:  While reading the book, students will be asked to complete a journal.  They will complete this journal in the P.O.V. of a character.  Each entry does not require that the student uses the same character.  They will summarize what they have read through the eyes of Lily, Albert or any other person within the novel.  This will get the students to think deeper about what thoughts may be running through the minds of the people in the story.

After: Each student will get the opportunity to interview their classmates.  Students will circulate
around the room with questions they have prepraperd. Questions may include: Did you like the novel? What was your favorite part? What part did you like the least? 
After acquiring other student’s opinions, a fishbowl discussion will be held to further dialogue with the whole class.

Writing: Have students pretend they’re movie critics.  After watching the film Lily’s Crossing, have the children write a review of the movie and compare similarities and differences between it and the book. 

The Talented Clementine
By Sara Pennypacker
Published by Hyperion
Copyright 2008

Accelerated Reader: 4

Suggested Delivery: Independent Reading

ZANY, WITTY, QUIRKY, FUNNY, ENTERTAINING

This bubbly third grade girl is startled when her teacher announces their classroom talent show.  Clementine has no talents, in fact she can’t even hop gracefully.  Surrounded by other gifted students, even a girl who needs to alphabetize all of them to keep track, Clementine attempts to tap dance, move to Egypt and even ponders hiring a substitute.  Her father won’t allow her brother to imitate Elvis and now she is left with nothing.  As Clementine narrates this hilarious adventure, we come to find that Clementine finds her talent as stage manager during the performance.  Not only is she surprised in herself, she amazes others and gleams to find out she is in fact good at something. 

Sara Pennypacker's Official Website

Sara Pennypacker’s site includes a list of her books with summaries and details, as well as a list of appearances, an “about me” section and how to contact the famous author.  An activity kit designed for teachers and students has fun worksheets and lesson plans you can complete with the aid of her books. 

Discussion Guide

This site is filled with multiple discussion guides.  By clicking on “The Talented Clementine,” you’ll receive pages and pages of discussion questions, and additional information about both the author and the illustrator. 

VOCAB: Sphinxes, Crème Brulee, Howling, Jealous, Tumbling, Stumped, Sensible, Emeralds

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book to excite children about an upcoming talent show or school event.

-Use this book to excite children during a read-a-loud. 

-Use this book to discuss family structure with students. 

Before: Have students create posters for an imaginary talent show.  Another option could be to have students exhibit talents they may have within the classroom to excite them about the main idea of this novel.

During: Students will participate in a fishbowl discussion where they will discuss major points and questions they have about Clementine’s journey and her decisions.  Some open ended questions which will push the students to think outside of the box may include:

-What made Clementine realize her talent?

-What did Clementine struggle with before she found her calling?

-What are you talented with?  How did you figure it out?

-How do you think Clementine’s behavior differed from the other children?

-Do you have any stories about any younger siblings that could relate to Clementine and her brother?

After: Have students create a book report where they will include their own summary, draw a picture of a scene from the book and select five adjectives which describe the book and have them explain why. 

Writing: Clementine is surprised when she finds her hidden talent.  Have students write from experience a time they had surprised themselves.  Maybe they discovered a hidden talent they had?  Maybe they decided they don’t like something that they used to love.  Keep the questions broad so students can find out on their own what they’d like to write about. 

Everything On It
By Shel Silverstein
Published by HarperCollins Publishers
Copyright 2011

Accelerated Reader: 3

Suggested Delivery: Independent Reading

WHACKY, WHIMSICAL, ADVENTUROUS, ZANY, ECCENTRIC

Even with his passing in 1999, Shel Silverstein was able to have another collection of poems completed in 2011 including 130 never before seen works.  Everything on it is based on its self-named poem in which the character asks for a hot dog with everything on it and receives a parrot, a flag, a mouse in a mask and endless other quirky items which Shel was so famous for incorporating.  Dirty Clothes, Italian Food and Happy Birthday are also among the new, never seen poems which Silverstein had never published.

Shel Silverstein's Offical Website

Shel Silverstein’s official website includes funny and silly animations that grabs the attention of the kids.  Youll find the latest news, all of Shel’s books and much more. A great feature includes the ideas for parents and teachers.  This includes activities, lesson plans, and other fun and interactive happenings for children. 

Giggle Poetry

Giggle Poetry is a site designed for the love of poems.  Here, kids can learn to write their own poetry, read famous authors and look at interviews and biographies.  There are games, poetry theater links and all sorts of links for teachers and parents plus sites to purchase merchandise. 

VOCAB: Tapioca, Perhaps, Genie, Bidding, Slightly, Guarantee, Porcelain, Twine, Brook, Transparent, Swivel, Paralyze, Obliged, Dim, Chlorophyll

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book in language arts to help students better grasp the format of poetry. 

-Use this book during morning meeting to start the day off with a goofy poem to get students excited about learning for the day.

-Use this book when studying famous writers and further discuss Shel’s importance in children’s literature. 

Before: Pick out titles from Shel’s book, such as Mask, and give them to the children to write their own poem using the title given.  After reading Silverstein’s version, compare and share the differences and similarities within small groups or as a whole class.
During: While reading this collection of poems, occasionally project some of them onto the board and read the poem together as a whole class.  Then, provide small groups with an envelope containing individually cut out words that make up the Silverstein poem.  Challenge students to create their own poems using the same words but in a different order.  Share these new outrageous poems out loud. 
After: Have a debate!  Choose one poem and let the children decide if they like it or not.  Then divide them into groups where they will discuss with one another and debate with the other team why or why they should change their opinion.  Give students the opportunity to switch teams half way through and then continue the debate.  Have questions prepared to keep the debate going. 
Writing: Although Shel has since passed, have students write a letter to the author in which they would have sent to him.  Encourage them to include their feelings about his poems, what they liked, didn’t like and even a poem of their own. 

Julie of the Wolves
By Jean Craighead George
Published by Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 1972

Accelerated Reader: 6.4

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Reading

SPECTACULAR, HEART-WARMING, CLASSIC, MOVING, ENTRANCING

Miyax, whose English name is Julie, is a thirteen year old eskimo living in Barrow Alaska.  There, she lives with her husband but runs off into the frozen Tundra alone to hide from her undesirable lifestyle.  Heading to San Francisco to meet her pen pal Amy, Miyax runs into many adventures such as befriending a pack of wolves and living amongst them.  The story then flashes back to when Miyax’s father sent her away to school while he strangely disappeared in the meantime.  On the verge of civilization, Miyax finds out that her beloved wolf is shot to death and agrees to stay away from evolution until she hears her father is still alive.  Miyax then battles whether she will be Miyax or Julie in this new life she has created. 

Julie of the Wolves Trailer

This movie clip contains the trailer for the “Julie of the Wolves” movie.  This can be played prior to reading the novel to interest the students in the plot. 

Fun Facts

This PDF document is 22 pages of fun facts about the book, the background and the setting of Alaska.  Endless pages of activities, lesson plans and discussion questions make this site a great place to visit before, during or after reading the novel. 

VOCAB: Incorrigible, Pondered, Nomadic, Immobile, Diligently, Menacingly, Drastically, Harmonized, Laborious

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book to stress the importance of family.  This could be used in a social studies lesson to support the idea of scope and sequence for level 2-family. 

-Use this book to track Miyax’s journey through the cold, this could be used for a geography lesson.

-Use this book to teach students about different cultures such as Miyax’s eskimo ways.

Before: Being disconnected from the other US states, student’s knowledge of Alaska may be vague or non-existent.  Have students research facts about Alaska using different types of media including magazines, computers and encyclopedias. 

During: While reading the novel, have students keep a journal of Miyax adventure.  For each chapter have students record a summary as well as any important events that happened during that chapter.  Students may also record their feelings about the book in the margins.  This will help students keep a record of the main parts of the novel.

After: Students will complete an exit slip at the end of the unit answer the question of: What is the moral of the story?  What life lesson did you learn?  Sttudents will be asked to complete a minimum of a paragraph for this response.  The teacher may choose to share these allowed anonymously. 

Writing: Students will design and write out a postcard to send to Miyax.  Students will be able to express their thoughts and opinions to her and what they would have done in her situation.  This is a good text-to-self connection when asking the students to help Miyax and give her advice based off of experiences they have had.

Anne Frank and the Children of the Holocaust
By Carol Ann Lee
Published by Puffin Books
Copyright 2006

Accelerated Reader: 7.3

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

FACTUAL, GRUESOME, INFORMATIVE, ENLIGHTENING, HYPNOTIC

Given the subject matter and advanced reading level, this read aloud book for the older elementary students follows the entirety of Anne Frank’s life, before the Holocaust.  Tales of her father Otto’s childhood are included as well as detailed descriptions of the concentration camps, journal entries, pictures and factual information which will educate students on the horrific event that scared the world forever.  Author Lee includes information on the era as well as the lifestyles of the family pre-Holocaust, a view which is not normally explored.  This book is jam packed with evidence that this was one of the most devastating occurrences to grace the planet. 

Official Site of Anne Frank

This site focused on the girl in hiding, highlights Anne Frank’s life, and includes fast facts about her family members, about the war and other important aspects to Anne’s life.  Plus, information about the museum, pictures and links to other inspiring sites. 

Holocaust Facts

These fast facts about the Holocaust will help clarify who, what, where, when and why in ten quick details.  The site also includes dozens of links to other kid friendly websites focused on related topics to the Holocaust such as Anne Frank, Museum of Jewish Heritage and more. 

VOCAB: Jewish, Deliberately, Ethnic, Nazi, Forbidden, Privileged, Elegant, Synagogue, Refugees, Pfeffer, Commandant, Deportations

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book to discuss the Holocaust.

-Use this book in social studies to explain the consequences of war and past outcomes such as the Holocaust.

-Use this book in language arts to teach point of view and inspire the students to write an entry in Anne Frank’s perspective. 

Before: Create a KWL chart.  Have students fill in what they know about Anne Frank and the Holocaust and what they’d like to know.  At the completion of the book, have them fill in what they have learned. 

During: While reading this novel, keep a classroom timeline of both events within Anne’s life as well as events happening around her.  Display these lifesize timelines against the wall or on a bulletin board.  Have students discuss what occurences they want to put on the timeline and where using post-it notes or thumbtacking index cards. 

After: Each student will receive a large sheet of paper where they will draw a picture at the bottom.  A thought bubble will open up space for children to draw thoughts and ideas which may be going through Anne’s mind.  A discussion or short essay will follow to further understand what messages the children are trying to convey and explain. 

Writing: This activity challenges gender roles.  Have students re-write a scene that may have occurred differently if the main character was in fact male.  Further research may be completed if desired.