Books by Dawn Robertson

Essex is nestled on the Atlantic coast within beautifully preserved hills, forest, fields, and wetlands--but the serene landscape belies the town's rich history. According to tradition, the first Essex boat was built in an attic around 1660. Eventually, this shipbuilding industry would create a thriving town as it developed into one of the largest producers of fishing schooners in the country. By its incorporation in 1819, Essex was a renowned community of fishing, farming, shipbuilding, and other industries. Over time, Essex became the birthplace of the fried clam, sent a native son to the baseball major leagues, acquired a Paul Revere church bell, and raised a barn that is now the oldest still in use in America. With a newly gathered collection of vintage images, Essex reveals a microcosm of American culture and growth, telling the story of leading patriots, entrepreneurs, Civil War heroes, and hardworking everyday citizens.

The Teacher Guide includes detailed plans of a wide variety of different activities, with examples of teacher input and modelling, as well as photographs of pupil's writing and classroom displays. It demonstrates how Lizzie and the Birds can be used to inspire pupils to use their imaginations and their English skills in inventive and engaging ways.