Tricking the Tallyman
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 | Children, Ages 9-12
Tricking the Tallyman by Jacqueline Davis and S.D. Schindler, illustrator. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009.
Ages 7-10
Read-aloud
Booktalk: Phineas Bump has come to a small town many, many years ago to do one thing. He needs to find out exactly how many people live in this town. The United States government has sent him on this journey. But no one trusts him. Find out how he tricks the townspeople after they trick him!
Note to adult sponsor: In 1790 the first United States census was taken and many people were suspicious of telling any personal information. They thought they would have to pay more taxes. Actually, the US government needed these numbers to figure out how many Representatives each state sends to the House of Representatives in Washington, DC. Sadly, in 1790 the Native Americans were not counted at all and slaves were counted as three-fifths of a person. The text has a humorous story, but includes an author’s note to explain the census process. Judy Freeman has a free Reacher’s Theater script under “Related Websites.” Also, include one of the many activities from TeacherVision, www.teachervision.fen.com/american-colonies/teacher-resources/6606.html
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