5th Graders Read, Run Away and Revolt with Crisipin

Hello Readers!

This week 5th graders are meeting to discuss Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi. This book takes place in 1377 England, also known as the Medieval period. The main character, known as “Asta’s son,” has no name and lives life as a poor peasant. But this 13-year-old boy who thought he had little to lose soon finds himself with even less—no home, family, or possessions. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he has been declared a “wolf’s head.” That means he may be killed on sight, by anyone. If he wishes to remain alive, he must flee his tiny village. All the boy takes with him is a newly revealed name—Crispin—and his mother’s cross of lead. His journey through the English countryside is amazing and terrifying, as he is forced to become a servant, encouraged to think for himself, and become someone he never thought he could be.


History and masterful storytelling come together in this Newbery-award winning book by Avi. Discussion questions and background information can be found here. Remember to visit the Grade 5 page as well to learn more about the feudal system, the Black Death, and the Peasant's Revolt of 1381.

Happy reading!

Fourth Graders Find Ways To Deal with Worries (and Maybe a Bully)

Hello Readers!

• Have you ever had worries (about homework & tests & strict teachers) before the start of a school year?
• Have you ever felt stuck when trying to  make a decision that would make everyone happy?
• Have you ever felt like you maybe one of your friends might be a little bit of a bully sometimes?

That is what our main character, Justin Krzeszweski, aka Justin Case, is dealing with at the start of his 4th grade school year. Still, Justin believes he can start fourth grade without being such a "worried kid." But when things start changing with some of his friends, he isn't sure what to do - branch out with new friendships, or stay loyal to old ones. Maybe there is a way to do both. Or maybe not, especially if a friend maybe becomes a bully.

Fourth grade book club members will meet in the Big Woods pod at 8:00 AM on December 8 to discuss Rachel Vail's Justin Case: Rules, Tools, and Maybe a Bully. Please remember to bring your book to the meeting. If you would like to preview our discussion questions, click here. You can also visit the grade 4 page for more links to ideas about anti-bullying, Gandhi, and aliens who like candy.

Happy reading!

Third Graders Take a Trip to China with Alvin Ho

Hello readers! Ni hao? (That means 'How are you?' in Chinese.)

This week third graders will meet to discuss Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, The Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions by Lenore Look. Alvin, an Asian American 2nd grader who’s afraid of everything, is taking his fears and anxiety to a whole new level when he goes on a trip with his family to introduce his brand-new baby sister to relatives in China. First there’s the harrowing 16-hour plane ride; then there’s a whole slew of cultural differences to contend with: eating lunch food for breakfast, kung fu lessons, and acupuncture treatment (yikes!). Not to mention the crowds that make it easy for a small boy to get lost. Poor Alvin. He hasn't even conquered his fears at home - and now he's on an all new continent!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts about Alvin, China, and traveling with family. To preview our discussion questions, click here. Visit the grade 3 page for more links to the author's web site and cool web sites with information about China. Please remember to bring your book to the meeting. It could mean good fortune will come your way. :)

Happy reading!

Happy Reading for a Happy Thanksgiving

Hello Readers!
Thanksgiving is quite possibly my favorite holiday of the year. I love having all of my family home and free from work/school/activities for a couple of days. I love cooking (and especially) eating all of that delicious food. And, of course, I LOVE reading and sharing these picture books that honor the holiday.

Wishing you a restful, warm, and peaceful Thanksgiving weekend full of delicious food and books that bring your family together.

Happy Reading!

A wacky tale of eight children who meet eight turkeys who are in big trouble. Only the kids can keep the turkeys from meeting their Thanksgiving fate. But how will the kids save turkeys without ruining Thanksgiving?

This cornucopia of all things Thanksgiving has abundant enough information for young readers without overwhelming them. Placing the holiday in the context of harvest festivals throughout time, Gibbons tells the story of the Pilgrims, their Native American friends, and the first Thanksgiving with minimal text and colorful illustrations that supply further details.

This is an inspirational, historical, all-out boisterous tale about perseverance and belief: In 1863 Hale's thirty-five years of petitioning and orations got Abraham Lincoln thinking. He signed the Thanksgiving Proclamation that very year, declaring it a national holiday. This story is a tribute to Hale, her fellow campaigners, and to the amendable government that affords citizens the power to make the world a better place!

Turkeys around Squawk Valley just don't jump into pots anymore—they are way too smart for that. So the townspeople hatch a clever plan. They host a turkey-themed arts and crafts fair and lure a vain bird into town by advertising for an artist's model. Peter the Turkey, proud of his well-stuffed form, takes the bait but doesn't fall for the trap

2nd Graders Take a Step Back in Time

Hello readers!

On Tuesday, November 24, the 2nd graders will meet to discuss Tales from Maple Ridge: The Big City by Grace Gilmore. This historical fiction story takes place in the year 1892 in a small town called Maple Ridge, Illinois. 8-year old Logan Pryce and his father are taking a trip to the big city of Sherman. We'll find out if the big city is all Logan hoped it would be or if he is ready to get back home to Maple Ridge.

I look forward to discussing what you think about life in 1892 and whether you would like to live in Maple Ridge or Sherman. Please remember to bring your book to the meeting. Click here for a preview of our discussion questions. Remember to look at the Grade 2 page for more links to fun activities and other books in the Tales from Maple Ridge series.

Happy reading!

One for the 5th Graders

Hello Readers!

5th grade book club members will gather for a "wicked good" meeting on Tuesday, November 17 at 8:00 AM in the Big Woods pod room to discuss One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.

For a preview of our discussion questions, click here. Other links to the author's web site can be found on the Grade 5 page.

Looking forward to a thoughtful discussion about what it's like to be in foster care (both as a child and a parent), what it's like to feel different, and what it takes to be someone's hero. Please remember to bring your book.

Poppy (the flower AND the book)

4th grade book club member, Hannah, was wearing a beautiful poppy flower pin during our meeting last week in honor of Remembrance Day and Veterans Day. Her pin reminded me first of the beautiful poppy flowers that can be seen in late spring around Redmond (pictured here), and second of a wonderful book of the same name by Avi.

In the story Poppy, the main character is a timid, obedient mouse who endangers her family and community when she breaks the rules one night by entering the forest territory without the permission of the tyrannical and intimidating owl, Mr. Ocax. As a result, Poppy goes on a dangerous quest prove that Ocax is a phony who wants nothing more than to devour the mice rather than protect them. Will Poppy emerge a hero, or will Ocax rule again as the story ends in a one-on-one battle between these two characters?

Poppy is the second of six books in the Dimwood Forest series. You can listen to Avi read excerpts from Poppy by clicking here.

Happy reading!

Calling A Round Table Meeting of the Brave and Noble 4th Grade Rodents!

Hello 4th Graders!

We meet again on Tuesday, 11/10 at 8 AM in the Big Woods pod room to discuss Ratscalibur by Josh Lieb. Armor is optional and "swords" should be left at home. :) Please remember to bring your copy of the book.

If you would like to preview our discussion questions, click here. I am looking forward to our talk about Joey and the "ragical" quest he had to undertake in an attempt to save Ravalon. For more background information, videos, and ideas related to this book, be sure to visit the Grade 4 page.

Happy reading!

Baby Gorilla Expected Soon at Woodland Park Zoo

Nadiri (photo credit to Steve Ringman)

Hey 4th Graders and anyone else who has read The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, look at this exciting news about Nadiri, a western lowland gorilla at the Woodland Park Zoo who is going to be mother to a baby gorilla soon!

Read this article from the Seattle Times to learn more about the baby gorilla that will be born at the same place Ivan lived for a short time here in Seattle. Good luck, Nadiri! We can't wait to see pictures of your new baby.

3rd Grade "Friends of a Feather" Will Gather Together

Hello, 3rd Grade Readers!

We will gather in the Big Woods pod room on Tuesday, November 3 to discuss The Life of Ty: Friends of a Feather by Lauren Myracle. If you would like to preview our discussion questions, please click here. I can't wait to hear your thoughts about this second grade character, Ty, and the challenges he faced in the story (both in school and in his own mind). Do you remember what it was like to be a second grader last year? Can you relate to Ty?

Happy reading!

Calling All 2nd Graders in Search of Bigfoot!

Hello, 2nd Graders!  We are meeting on Tuesday, October 27th at 8:00 AM in our "secret lair", or headquarters (aka, the Big Woods pod room). Remember to bring your copy of the "files" (aka, the book) to the meeting.

For a preview of the activities and discussion questions we'll be using, click here. You can also link to other Yeti Files info on the Grade 2 page.

Happy reading!