What Would It Take for an Intelligent Robot Survive in the Wilderness?

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Hello, Readers!

This week, 5th grade book club members are discussing The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. Through his words and his illustrations, Brown has created a winning story. His combination of a robot with wild animals in nature don't necessarily guarantee easily made friendships, but readers will come away with the idea that kindness wins in the end.

The Wild Robot is the story of Rozzum unit 7134, a robot who wakes up for the very first time to find that she’s alone on a remote, wild island. Roz doesn’t know how she got there, or where she came from: she only knows that she wants to stay alive. And by robotically studying her environment she learns everything she needs to know. She learns how to move through the wilderness, how to avoid danger, she even learns how to communicate with the animals. But the most important lesson Roz learns is that kindness can be a survival skill. And she uses kindness to develop friends and a family and a peaceful life for herself. Until her mysterious past catches up with her.


Source: http://www.peterbrownstudio.com/uncategorized/the-wild-robot/

Possible Discussion Questions:

1. What happened in The Wild Robot that surprised you? Why were you surprised?
2. What did this story make you wonder?
3. How has the story changed (or confirmed) the way you think or act?
4. How did Roz come to be at the island?  What did she have to do to get herself acquainted with her new surroundings?
5. What do you think was Roz’s best survival skill?
6. Toward the beginning of her time on the island, the animals saw Roz as a monster.  What changed their attitude towards her?  
7. How would you expect wild animals (like the bears) to react to Roz? What other animal behaviors in the story were expected from a “wild” island habitat, and which behaviors weren’t normal reactions?  
8. Brightbill and Roz ended up as an unlikely family. How did they act much like a traditional family?  How were they untraditional?  What tragedy brought them together? What message can we take away?
9. Peter Brown made a point to tell readers that Roz could not feel emotion.  Do you think she eventually learned how to feel and developed emotion, or was she simply adapting to her experiences as her programming wished her to do? Do you think it is possible that robots might have the ability to learn, develop, and have emotions?
10. Why did the RECOs see Roz as defective? Why were the RECOs so insistent that Roz could not stay at the island?  Did the Makers really need every single robot back?  Why or why not?
11. Roz learned from the island, but how did the “island” learn from Roz?
12. What do you think happens to Roz once she returns with the ship? Do you think she will eventually be able to find her way back to the island?
13. How much are you looking forward to reading The Wild Robot Escapes when it is published on March 13, 2018?

Curriculum Connections:

• Science and Technology (robots, climate change, survival and needs, camouflage)
• Character Development (friendship, problem solving, kindness, teamwork)
• Visit author/illustrator Peter Brown's web site to learn more about his work.

What 5th Grade Book Club Members Thought:

• Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
• "Why did the Makers need every Rozzum bot back?" --Alex
• "I wondered why the dead robots were still there." --Alexa
• "I want to talk about when Brightbill shut Roz down." --Jordyn
• "I was always wondering what [would] happen next." --Sophie
• "Why was Roz the only robot that survived?" --Katie
• "I predict in the next book she escapes." --Aditi
• "I wondered how Roz got to the ship when she was just a torso and a head." --Kenzie 

If You Like This Book, You Might Try Reading These:

   

What We're Reading Next:

Once Again, Ivan, the Mighty Silverback, Captures the Hearts of Fourth Graders

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Hello, Readers!

This week, 4th grade book club members are discussing The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. This is the third consecutive year that the 4th grade book club members have voted to read Ivan, and I am always glad they select it because the story still makes me laugh, sigh, smile, and cry. Katherine Applegate, you created a masterpiece.

This unforgettable novel won the Newbery Award in 2013. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated novel is told from the point of view of Ivan himself.

Having spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan, an easygoing gorilla, has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle.

Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes. With Ruby's arrival comes change, and it's up to Ivan to make it a change for the better. Full of humor and poignancy, the story focuses on the power of unexpected friendship, optimism, and hope.


Source: http://theoneandonlyivan.com/book/

Possible Discussion Questions:

1. Is The One and Only Ivan a story of pain and sadness, or is it a story of redemption and hope?
2. When he was living at the Big Top Mall, was Ivan lonely and isolated or surrounded by friends?
3. Was Mack a good guy or a bad guy?
4. What does Stella’s story about Jambo (pp. 63-66) tell us about gorillas?
5. What does Ruby’s story about the humans who rescued her in the jungle (pp. 101-105) tell us about humans?
6. Ivan explains that gorillas don’t name their newborns right away (pp. 123-125). What do you think your name would be if your parents waited to name you until they got to know you first?
7. How does Ivan change throughout this book? What events help to precipitate (cause) these changes? Think about any of these situations: a) expression of his anger; b) perception of his surroundings; c) feelings toward Ruby.
8. Should we keep animals in zoos, or should we allow animals to remain in the wild?

Curriculum Connections:

• Science (gorillas, elephants, habitats, survival and needs)
• Animals (rights, cruelty)
• Writing (argument)
• Character Development (friendship, problem solving, kindness)
• Visit The One and Only Ivan web site to learn more about the real Ivan and author Katherine Applegate.

What 4th Grade Book Club Members Thought:

• Our rating: 4.1 out of 5
• "One question I wondered was who is Not-Tag?" --Jeb
• "What happened to Mack after the animals left?" --Varun
• "My favorite part of the story was when George agreed to put the papers up on the billboard." --Jack
• "One question I wondered was why did the humans save Ruby?" --Addie
• "My favorite part of the story was when Ivan saw the other gorillas." --Varun
• "I want to talk about why Ivan was brought to the mall." --Hailey
• "One question I wondered was why did Ruby try to hurt Mack?" --Anjulia
• "My favorite part of the story was when they were at the zoo!" --Addie
• "I wondered what happened to the mall." --Ryan
• "I want to talk about how Stella died." --Jeb

If You Like This Book, You Might Try Reading These:

   

What We're Reading Next:

A Three-Legged Griffin, Some Trolls on a Mission, a Dragon with a Headcold, and Pesky Fairies - Just Another Day in the Woods

Hello, Readers!

This week 2nd graders are discussing Ivy, a fantasy written by Katherine Coville. This story is a charming example of how we can all bring kindness, a positive attitude, and a helping hand in  an effort to foster a world that is full of acceptance and peace. Coville creates endearing (and perhaps a couple of not-so-endearing) characters that readers will enjoy.

Ivy’s grandmother is a healer—to mostly four-legged patients of he forest. Although the woodland creatures love her, the residents of Broomsweep grumble about Grandmother’s unkempt garden. When a kingdom-wide contest is announced to proclaim the tidiest town in the land, the people of Broomsweep are determined to win. That is, if they can get Ivy’s grandmother to clean up her ways. Ivy is determined to lend a hand, but the task proves more challenging when a series of unexpected refugees descends on Grandmother’s cottage. Before the week is over, an injured griffin, a dragon with a cold, and a tiny flock of temperamental pixies will cause a most untidy uproar in Broomsweep . . . and brighten Ivy’s days in ways she never could have dreamed.

Source: publisher's description https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/253068/ivy-by-katherine-coville/9780553539752

Possible Discussion Questions:

1. How do the people of Broomsweep act toward Meg the Healer (Grandma) and Ivy? Why do the townspeople act that way?
2. Talk about Mistress and Mayor Peevish. How would you describe their personalities?
3. Why did Cedric the Three-Legged Griffin and Balthazar the Dragon arrive at Grandma Meg's cottage?
4. How did the arrival of the magical creatures help or hurt the chances of Broomsweep winning the contest?
5. Two other types of magical creatures are a part of this story: fairies and trolls. Describe how they are the cause of some problems. How do the problems get solved?
6. Peter is one character who changed in this story. How did he change? Give an example of another character who changed and explain the changes you noticed.
7. What message did the author want readers to understand after reading this story?
8. Who was your favorite character in this book? Why?

Curriculum Connections:

• Character Traits and Life Skills: Problem Solving, Kindness, Teamwork, Differences
• Writing: Narrative Techniques (the power of three, dialogue)
• Fantasy: Mythological Creatures

What 2nd Grade Book Club Members Thought:

• Our rating: 4.0 out of 5
• "I wondered why did the griffin protect Poof so much?" --Boris
• "My favorite part is when C.T.L. Griffin said, 'I GUARD THE POOF.'" --Ansley
• "I wondered why the trolls go and take Mistress Peevish and Mayor Peevish." --Rivian
• "My favorite part was when Cedric arrived and he made a crash landing." --Jake
• "I want to talk about when Balthazar blasts Mistress Peevish with dragon snot and fire." --Nathan
• "My favorite part was when the trolls attacked!" --Boris
• "I wondered why so much animals keep on going to grandmother's house." --Jake

If You Liked This Book, You Might Try Reading These:

To the Jedi Academy, Return Victor Must - Youngling Battles Alarm Clocks, New Kids, and Rumors in Year Two

Jedi Academy: The Force Oversleeps by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Hello, Readers!

This week, 4th grade book club members are discussing Jedi Academy: The Force Oversleeps by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. This graphic novel is the fifth book in the Star Wars Jedi Academy series, and it continues to entertain with relatable characters, humorous situations, and simple, yet important, lessons in humanity.

Victor Starspeeder is back at Jedi Academy for year two, but it's not going the way he'd planned. He was thrilled about Drama Club and hoped to get the lead in this year's musical. But a new kid got the role! What gives?! Plus, he keeps oversleeping and arriving at class late.

Worst of all, his big sister Christina is getting ready to graduate from Jedi Academy, and there are rumors going around that she's a Sith! What's a Padawan to do? In times when he feels more alone than ever, Victor will have to trust the ways of the Force and his friends if he's going to survive year two.

(Source: https://www.scholastic.com/kids/book/the-force-oversleeps-by-jarrett-j-krosoczka/)

Possible Discussion Questions:

1. What formats of writing appear in this story, and which was your favorite? Did the multiple formats of writing make it more challenging or more entertaining as you read?
2. New Beginnings - Why is Victor looking forward to this school year? How is Zavyer new and not new at the same time?
3. Friendship - Friendship is a subject that is explored in The Force Oversleeps. What lesson(s) or message(s) did you learn about friendship by reading this story?
4. Family - Describe Victor’s relationship with his sister, Christina. What is going on at school (or on Stargram) that has Victor concerned about Christina? 
5. Emotions and the Force - Why did Yoda say that it was important to talk and get your feelings out instead of letting them stay bottled up inside? 
6. Growth - Which characters changed the most in this story? In what ways? 
7. Learning – What did Victor learn this year, both literally from attending his classes at school, and more importantly, through his experiences with his friends, family, and teachers?
8. Humor - Humor is a big part of the Jedi Academy series. What part did you find the funniest? What strategies or techniques does Jarrett J. Krosoczka use to make the story funny (for example, references to the Star Wars books/movies)?

Curriculum Connections:

• Visit Jarrett J. Krosoczka's web site to learn more about him and the other books he has written and illustrated.
• Character Development (friendship, problem solving, working together)

What 4th Grade Book Club Members Thought:

• Our rating: 4.9 out of 5 - Wow! We loved it!
• "My favorite part was when the 2nd and 3rd years had a light saber tournament." --Varun
• "I want to talk about the Stargram posts." --Rehet
• "How did their father turn Sith?" --Jack
• "I wondered what did his mom and sister talk about?" --Addie
• "My favorite part was the light saber tournament when Krio Vin invades Victor's mind." --Alex
• "Why did Victor want to be a star speeder driver?" --Jeb
• "I wondered how long the Academy has been around." --Ryan
• "My favorite part was when it said, 'If you can't help your sister, annoy her.'" --Hailey
• "How come Viktor got crazy mad about his sister calling him a Nerf Herder?" --Varun
• "My favorite part was when the book showed Victor's report card and he never got an 'A'!" --Anjulia

If You Like This Book, You Might Try Reading These:

      

What We're Reading Next:

Cats and Dogs ... Playing Together? Another Pleasing Graphic Novel by Pilkey

Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties by Dav Pilkey

Hello, Readers!

This week, 2nd and 3rd grade book club members are discussing Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties by Dav Pilkey. This graphic novel is full of humorous puns, heartwarming characters, and page-turning adventure. If you have never given graphic novels a try, I encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and read the Dog Man books. Before young readers have time to realize what just happened, Pilkey will subliminally "illustrate" how to be humans of character through his stories.

He was the best of dogs... He was the worst of dogs... It was the age of invention... It was the season of surprise... It was the eve of supa sadness... It was the dawn of hope...

Dog Man, the newest hero from the creator of Captain Underpants, hasn't always been a paws-itive addition to the police force. While he can muzzle miscreants, he tends to leave a slick of slobber in his wake! This time, Petey the cat's dragged in a tiny bit of trouble—a double in the form of a super-cute kitten. Dog Man will have to work twice as hard to bust these furballs and remain top dog!

(Source: http://www.pilkey.com/book/dog-man-a-tale-of-two-kitties-dog-man-3)

Possible Discussion Questions:

1. At the beginning of the story, Chief gives Dog Man a job to do. Why might it be a bad idea for Dog Man to take that job?
2. How does Petey break out of jail?
3. Is Li’l Petey a clone of Petey? How do you know?
4. When did Dav Pilkey use foreshadowing (a hint that something is about to happen) in this story? See page 51.
5. How did it both hurt and help Li’l Petey to constantly ask, “Why?”
6. Do you like the Flip-o-Rama pages? Do you make sound effects when you do the Flip-o-Rama?
7. Which characters in this story were mean and grumpy? Why do you think they acted that way?
8. Which characters were heroes in this story? How do you know?
9. There are tons of puns (jokes using a word that has multiple meanings or two words that sound similar) in this story. Find an example of a pun you thought was funny.
10. Which characters changed the most in this story?
11. What lesson or message did you learn by reading this story?
12. Do you think Dav Pilkey has pets? What type of pets do you think he has?

Curriculum Connections:

• Visit Dav Pilkey's web site to learn more about him and the other books he has written and illustrated.
• Character Development (friendship, problem solving, working together)
• Art (how to draw characters, how to animate drawings using flip-o-rama)

What 2nd and 3rd Grade Book Club Members Thought:

• Our rating: 4.6 out of 5 - We loved this book, and it made us laugh.
• "My favorite part was the cloning machine." --Caleb
• "My favorite part was Li'l Petey saying, 'Why?' It was weird! And the 'Supa Awesome Science Center Over There'." --Sanika
• "My favorite part was when Li'l Petey made Flippy good." --Boris
• "I wondered how strong was Dog Man to break a chair?" --Rivian
• "My favorite part was when they went into Dog Man's house. On the outside it was small, and in the inside it was big." --Jake
• "How did Li'l Petey do the same 'Grrr ruff ruff' noises like Dog Man?" --Boris
• "My favorite part was when Chief fell down on his back because of Dog Man." --Valeria

If You Like This Book, You Might Try Reading These:

     

What We're Reading Next: