Desert Run, The 6-pack Author: John Bonallack ISBN: 9780478123005 Copyright Date: 1999 Lesson Plan Blackline Master Grade Level: 3 Reading Level: P Strategy/Skill: Using graphic sources, Using texts as models for own writing, Vocabulary and word study Genre: Diary, Journal, and Log, Recount Theme/Topic: Challenge, Different Lands Classification: Nonfiction

Book Summary

John Bonallack and his son, Dan, take part in the “toughest footrace on Earth!”  This true account of their grueling run through the Sahara Desert is in the form of a diary, with maps to show their progress day by day.

Features of the Book

• The diary format
• The safety issues
• Footnotes that provide additional information
• The use of maps
• Distances in parentheses
• The day-by-day progress shown by the maps and the “dog tag”
• Lists to summarize information
• Place names – Casablanca, Ouarzazate, Sahara, Tazzarine, Rissani

Purpose

The Desert Run can be used to introduce and reinforce the following skills:

• using a diary to record information, feelings, and ideas
• using graphic aids, such as maps and graphs, to convey information
• exploring specialized vocabulary
• using electronic media to research a topic

For more information please see our Lesson Plan