642.Resource, Gordon, The Rooster Who Wouldn't Be Quiet: Mentor Text for Identity and Agency (Grades 3-5)

Identity is our self-concept. Agency refers to our capacity to act. The theme of Identity and Agency begins with the self-awareness of one’s own strengths and weaknesses and expands to our capacity to take action and attain goals. This theme includes self-efficacy (believing in oneself), the self-confidence to try difficult or new tasks, perseverance, and resilience. Identity and Agency are affected by our experiences.

The village of La Paz wanted peace and quiet and elected a mayor to enforce the laws banning noise. He keeps increasing the bans. Enter one noisy rooster who is true to himself, to his nature. In this fable, the heroic rooster ignores a series of threats. He sings, no matter what, refusing to be silenced. When the mayor threatens to kill the rooster, the villagers side with the rooster, for he reminds them of what they have lost. The mayor departs and song returns to La Paz.

Heart of Georgia RESA teachers may request a free copy of the book to use with their classes by listening to the short VoiceThread about the book, reading a brief handout that includes the ELA standards and suggested strategies for using the mentor text, and completing a request form.