The illustrations are an important component of the story and demonstrate exactly what the text is describing.

The narrator is not revealed, but it can be determined that it is third-person omniscient since both Susan’s actions and feelings are revealed to the reader. The organization is easy to follow and leads the reader through the story. The structure of the text is familiar and linear. The reader can easily determine the main idea of the story. For example, the text contains short phrases such as, “Susan laughs, Susan sings.” There is very limited use of figurative language or poetic devices the only one being a simple rhyme. The levels and meaning and purpose and single in meaning and explicitly stated. Lexile Level: AD110L (Usually an adult will read this to a child) Īccording to Fisher and Frey’s Qualitative Measures of text Complexity Rubric, this book would be considered a text that is comfortable and builds background, fluency, and skills. It is not revealed until the last page of the book that Susan is in a wheelchair. When reading the story, the reader can identify with many of the things that Susan does she is a normal active child. The story shows all the wonderful things Susan can do, and shares all the different emotions that she feels. 'About this title' may belong to another edition of this title.Susan Laughs is a short story that praises children and people with physical disabilities. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CAĬopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This book works for sharing one-on-one, for smaller storytimes, and for classroom use. Thus, the story focuses on her abilities rather than on the things by which she is limited. By the end of the story, children will identify completely with Susan, who is 'through and through-/just like me, just like you,' even if she happens to use a wheelchair, as shown in the final illustration. Abundant details such as patterned wallpaper and funny portraits on walls add interest to each scene. She rides a swing with her father, plays a trick on her grandma, and boils with anger when her cat scratches her face.

PreSchool-Grade 1-Through simple rhyming phrases, readers learn about the many things that a young redheaded girl can do: 'Susan trots,/Susan rows,/Susan paints,/Susan throws.' With great color and movement, the pencil-and-crayon illustrations depict this spirited child in her everyday world.