The Copper Tin Cup by Carole Lexa Scharfer illustrated by Stan Fellows

"My name, my cup,' she said. And she was right. 

But she knew that the cup had not always been hers."

The initials SC are carved into the cup - SC for Sammy Carl; SC for Samantha Caroline; SC for Sam Charles; SC for Serena Carlotta; SC for Samuel and Carla - the original owners and makes of the precious cup. And look closely at the illustration on the final page because a new baby is coming. I wonder what name will be given to the next person to inherit the copper tin cup?

Blurb: Through a treasured heirloom, a family's history is revealed. The copper tin cup belongs to Sammy Carl. His initials are carved below the rim. But it was made many many years ago in a different country for his great-aunt, Serena Carlotta, and has been handed down from generation to generation ever since to children bearing the same initials. In the story of the copper tin cup is a family's history.

I was so lucky to find this book at the Lifeline book fair. It's a title I often recommend because it is perfect for history topics in Grade Two. 

There is so much you could do with this book in your class. Ask the children to find an old object in their house and ask about the back story. In my house I have an antique fire engine that belonged to my father and before that another relative back in about 1915.

Here is another book by Carole Lexa Schaefer: