Twenty-One Steps is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 600 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"Twenty-One Steps" by Jeff Gottesfeld is a poignant and thought-provoking picture book based on the true story of the sentinel guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The story follows a young soldier as he takes on the duty of guarding the tomb, committing to a solemn ritual of twenty-one steps, symbolizing respect and honor for the fallen soldiers. Through powerful illustrations and lyrical prose, the book explores themes of sacrifice, patriotism, and the weight of responsibility. As the soldier performs his duty in all weather conditions, day and night, he reflects on the significance of his role and the sacrifice of the unknown soldier. "Twenty-One Steps" serves as a moving tribute to those who have given their lives in service to their country and invites readers to reflect on the true meaning of sacrifice and remembrance. By the end of the story, readers are left with a deep appreciation for the dedication and commitment of those who honor and protect the memories of fallen heroes.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Help students to analyze what the author’s purpose for writing the book might be.
- Introduce and act out action verbs.
- Introduce students to proper nouns using examples from the story.
- Introduce pronouns and practice using them.
- Talk about empathy in the book and classroom.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- America's White Table by Margot Raven
- The Poppy Lady by Layne Johnson
- The Wall by Eve Bunting
- Rolling Thunder by Kate Messner
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
