How the Theme of "Breathing" Brings Together a Story of Ghosts, Cystic Fibrosis, Anxiety and Family

Hello, Readers!

This week 4th graders will discuss the graphic novel Ghosts by New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Raina Telgemeier.

Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn't happy about leaving her friends for Bahia de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahia de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister's sake - and her own. Check out the video book trailer below:

Telgemeier explains in the notes at the end of the book that she chose to write about cystic fibrosis because breathing is huge theme in this story. Ghosts can't breathe, Maya (who has CF) can't breathe very well, and Cat is often anxious and need to be reminded to stop and breathe deeply.

Discussion questions can be found here. Remember to visit the Grade 4 page for more information about Cystic Fibrosis, Dia de los Muertos, and other books by Raina Telgemeier.

Happy reading!

Discuss a Padawan's Problems, Third Graders Will

Hello, Readers!

This week 3rd graders are discussing Jarrett J. Krosoczka's A New Class (Star Wars: Jedi Academy #4). Elementary readers will find this book engaging for a variety of reasons, including the various modern-day formats in which the story is told (comics, school newsletters, journal entries, and media feeds). Relatable characters and problems, the familiarity of the Star Wars franchise, and entertaining illustrations make this book a hit.

Victor Starspeeder is psyched to be starting school at the Jedi Academy. His sister, Christina does not share an enthusiasm for Victor’s newfound educational path. She’s horrified that her annoying baby brother will be there to cramp her style.

While Victor means well, his excess energy leads him to spend a lot of time in detention with the little, green sage, Yoda. Yoda wants to channel Victor’s talents, so he makes the young Padawan join the drama club. Victor is not pleased. "Learn to control your anger, you must! Successfully manage their emotions, a good Jedi can. Box step and jazz hands ... hee hee ... young Padawan will!"

Victor will have to make new friends, get on his sister’s good side, learn to use the force, and hope the year’s drama club performance ("Wookie Side Story"? "Annie Get Your Lightsaber"?) goes off without a hitch!

Discussion questions can be found here, and be sure to visit the Grade 3 page to explore other books in the Jedi Academy series and Jarrett Krosoczka's amazing work.

Happy reading!

Second Grade, Soccer, and Sorting Out Problems

Hello, Readers!

This week second graders are discussing Lola Levine Is NOT Mean! by Monica Brown. This book is the first in a series for young readers who will be inspired by Lola's big heart and creative spirit as she learns to navigate the second grade in true Lola style.

Lola Levine likes writing in her diario, sipping her mom's café con leche, eating her dad's matzo ball soup, and playing soccer with her team, the Orange Smoothies. So what if she doesn't always fit in?

Lola is fierce on the field, but when a soccer game during recess gets too competitive, she accidentally hurts her classmate Juan Gomez. Now everyone is calling her Mean Lola Levine! Lola feels terrible, but with the help of her family, her super best friend, Josh Blot, and a little "pencil power," she just might be able to turn it all around.

To preview discussion questions, click here. Links to author Monica Brown's web site can also be found on the Grade 2 page.

Happy reading!