Knots on a Counting Rope

Title:  Knots on a Counting Rope (Online) 

Author/Illustrator: Bill Martin Jr. and  John Archambault/Ted Rand 

APA Citation: Martin, B., & Archambault, J. (1987). Knots on a counting rope. New York: H. Holt. 

Lexile Score:  480L (ages 4-8) 

Target Audience: I felt as though this book would be good for a variety of ages.  It has a wonderful message of courage and overcoming obstacles. 

Summary: In this story, a young boy shared a close relationship with his grandfather, who passed along advice and wisdom to the boy.  Eventually, it was revealed that the boy was born blind, but was able to overcome all of the "black mountains" he faced on a daily basis. 

Evaluation: 

	4	3	2	1
Theme/Moral	The theme/moral of the story was worthwhile and provided a non-biased message for the reader.	Theme of the story was worthwhile but portrayed a somewhat biased message for the reader.	Theme of the story was somewhat worthwhile, but portrayed a biased message for the reader.	Theme/moral of the story was not worthwhile and portrayed a biased message for the reader.
Characterization	Characters in the story were relatable and did not portray typical stereotypes.	Characters in the story were relatable but some characteristics portrayed typical stereotypes.	Characters in the story were somewhat relatable, however portrayed characteristics  typical of stereotypes.	Characters in the story were relatable and portrayed characteristics  typical of stereotypes.
Illustrations	Illustrations in the story were relatable and did not portray typical stereotypes.	Illustrations in the story were relatable but some characteristics portrayed typical stereotypes.	Illustrations in the story were somewhat relatable, however portrayed characteristics  typical of stereotypes.	Illustrations in the story were not relatable and portrayed characteristics  typical of stereotypes.
Multicultural Aspects	Story provided accurate representations of  several cultures.	Story provided accurate representations of more than one culture.	Story provided accurate representation of only one culture.	Story did not provide accurate representations of  the culture discussed.
Historical Value	The story's historical references were accurate and did not convey a biased opinion of the event depicted.	The story's historical references were accurate, did convey some biased opinion of the event depicted.	The story's historical references were somewhat accurate, and did convey a biased opinion of the event depicted.	The story's historical references were not accurate, and conveyed a biased opinion of the event depicted.
Self and Social Identities	This book positively counteracts stereotypical messages based on gender, color, economic status, family structure, and/or abilities.	This book attempts to counteracts stereotypical messages based on gender, color, economic status, family structure, and/or abilities.	This book does not reinforce stereotypical messages based on gender, color, economic status, family structure, and/or abilities.	This book reinforces stereotypical messages based on gender, color, economic status, family structure, and/or abilities.
Language	This book did not contain any "loaded" words, and used alternatives to generic terms.	This book did not contain any "loaded" words, but did use some generic terms.	This book did not contain "loaded" words, however, consistently used generic terms.	This book did contain "loaded words, and consistently used generic terms.
Overall Rating	I would use this book in my future classroom and recommend it to other teachers.	I would try to use this book in my future classroom and might recommend it to other teachers.	If the occasion arose, I might read this book, but probably would not recommend it.	I would not use or recommend this book.

Overall Score: 13/32 

Literary Elements: Personification, imagery, personification, similes, metaphors 

Social Justice Elements:  Overcoming obstacles, strong family bond, doing your best, never giving up 

Sample Lesson:  One of the main reasons I disliked this book was because of the stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans.  If I were to use this book, I think I would pair it with Hiawatha and When the Shadbush Blooms, and I would have the students study various Native American cultures.  With their new insight, I would have them point out the stereotypes found within this book and brainstorm ideas to make it a more accurate representation of Native Americans.