Children's literature and the discussions we have about it. Guiding students toward thinking critically, understanding deeply, and communicating clearly.
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters by Lenore Look
Hello, Readers!
This week 2nd and 3rd grade book club members are reading Alvin Ho:Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters, the second book in the Alvin Ho series written by Lenore Look and illustrated by LeUyen Pham.
Alvin Ho does not think the great outdoors is great. It is super-duper scary. Here are a few reasons why:
Flash floods.
Meteorites.
Lots of creepy trees.
Pit toilets!
Luckily, when his dad suggests - GULP! - a camping trip, Alvin is prepared. He has:
A portable generator.
Night-vision goggles.
Toilet paper.
More toilet paper!
So grab your mosquito netting and your heavy-duty flashlight and experience the great outdoors with the one and only Alvin Ho.
Possible Discussion Questions:
What types of fears does Alvin have? How do his fears affect him at home and school?
Why do you think Alvin is scared to go camping and hiking?
Alvin believes his Uncle Dennis's Batman ring will be a secret weapon that gives him powers. Do you think the Batman ring did or did not give Alvin secret powers? Why or why not?
What types of secret tips did Uncle Dennis give to Alvin and Anibelly?
How did Uncle Dennis's secret tips backfire on Alvin and Anibelly and their dad?
How does Alvin end up making a friend while he is camping? How did Alvin and his friend end up being superheroes?
What do you think Alvin liked most about camping and hiking?
Alvin likes to pretend he is the superhero Firecracker Man. If you could make up a superhero character, who would you be? What would your costume look like?
Are you afraid of some things? What would you put in your PDK - Personal Disaster Kit - to help you survive the things that scare you?
Curriculum Connections:
Life Skills (problem solving, courage, phobias)
Science (nature)
What 2nd and 3rd Grade Book Club Members Thought:
Our rating: 4.2 out of 5
"One question I wondered was why is he scared of so many things?" --Joliz
"My favorite part was when Alvin met that alien." --Jake
"One question I wondered was is he not scared anymore?" --Valeria
"My favorite part was when he was in the box." --Nathan
"My favorite part was Gungung." --Sanika
"One question I wondered was why is there a Batman ring?" --Nathan
"My favorite part was when he made a snare trap." --Joliz
"My favorite part was on page 34 when Alvin was naked." --Rivian
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This week 5th grade book club kids are discussing Hello, Universe by 2018 Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly. Told from intertwining points of view (two boys and two girls), Hello, Universe is a funny and poignant neighborhood story about unexpected friendships. The novel celebrates bravery, being different, and finding your inner bayani (hero).
In one day, four lives weave together in unexpected ways. Virgil Salinas is shy and kindhearted and feels out of place in his crazy-about-sports family. Valencia Somerset, who is deaf, is smart, brave, and secretly lonely, and she loves everything about nature. Kaori Tanaka is a self-proclaimed psychic, whose little sister, Gen, is always following her around. And Chet Bullens wishes the weird kids would just stop being so different so that he can concentrate on basketball.
They aren’t friends, at least not until Chet pulls a prank that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well. This disaster leads Kaori, Gen, and Valencia on an epic quest to find the missing Virgil. Sometimes four can do what one cannot. Through luck, smarts, bravery, and a little help from the universe, a rescue is performed, a bully is put in his place, and friendship blooms.
What is Virgil like as a person? When he describes the rest of his family, he says he feels “like unbuttered toast standing next to them” (p. 4). What does he mean by that simile? How does he think he compares to his brothers? How does his experience in the well affect him?
How does Lola’s arrival help Virgil? What is she like, and what’s her role in the family? Describe Lola’s exchange with Valencia. What do Valencia and Kaori think of her?
In more than one instance, Virgil wishes he could act as the “Alternate Virgil” (p. 39). How would he change himself if he could? How does the book’s title relate to Virgil’s hopes about changing? What changes does he actually make by the end of the book?
Describe Valencia’s personality and her interests. What is her nightmare, and why can’t she ask her mother for help? How do people, including her parents, treat her differently because she’s deaf? Give specific examples.
Valencia explains that she prays to Saint Rene. Who is he and why does she pray to him? In the well, Virgil talks to Ruby San Salvador. Who is she and how is she helpful to him? What does this tell you about Valencia and Virgil and how they are alike? What else do they have in common?
Discuss Chet’s character and how he treats other kids. Why do you think he’s so unkind? What messages does he get from his father? How do you think those affect his actions?
Kaori likes to tell people that “her parents were born in the high, misty mountains of a samurai village” (p. 26). What does this reveal about her character? Describe her interest in psychic matters and how that interest is important to the novel’s plot. Talk about her relationship to Gen, how they interact, and how their personalities compare.
Talk about the main characters’ names and nicknames in the novel. Why does Valencia call herself Renee? Discuss Kaori’s observation that Valencia seems proud of her real name, and the fact that “Kaori was fond of her name as well” (p. 265). What does Lola say about Valencia’s name? How does Virgil feel about his name and nickname? How does Chet’s last name lead to a nickname and relate to his character?
Identify the different points of view that the author uses throughout the novel. How do the points of view differ by chapter? Why do you think the author chose to focus different chapters on different characters and use different points of view?
The author uses similes and metaphors to create a vivid narrative. For example, Virgil’s crying is compared to a faucet, starting on p. 243 and picking up again on p. 245. Discuss the effect of the metaphor and why the author extends it. On p. 244, Virgil thinks of his family as speaking “in exclamation points.” What images does that create in your mind? Find other figures of speech and discuss their impact on the reader.
Curriculum Connections:
Life Skills (problem solving, communication, dealing with bullying, intergenerational relationships)
Science (animals, snakes,)
Disabilities (deafness)
Writing (multiple points of view, text structure, narrative elements)
What 5th Grade Book Club Members Thought:
Our rating: 4.1 out of 5.0
"Why did Virgil's parents not care so much for Virgil?" --Vibha
"My favorite part was Virgil got saved." --Aditi
"My favorite part was when Ruby San Salvador convinced Virgil into getting brave." --Alex
"My favorite part was when Virgil was saved from the well." --Vibha
"One question I wondered was why is Chet so unkind?" --Alex
"My favorite part was when they found Virgil." --Alexa
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What We're Reading Next:
We couldn't decide, so we're breaking into two groups and reading both of these amazing books:
This week our fifth grade book club members are discussing Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan. With its humor, insight, and terrifically quirky cast of characters, including the unforgettable Julia Marks, this novel is a heartwarming, joyous story of self-discovery and the role models who forever change us.
Julia spends a lot of time looking up. But please don't call her short; she is boycotting that word. She's not allowed to boycott the local theater production of The Wizard of Oz, however. Her mother insisted that she audition, and now she has been cast as a Munchkin--even though she can't dance or carry a tune. Her summer is not starting well.
But then, unexpectedly, Julia begins to see her world-- and herself --in a different way. She is inspired by the show's always enthusiastic director, and she becomes friendly with two women unlike any she has ever met: Olive, an adult with dwarfism who doesn't let her size define her; and Mrs. Chang, a neighbor whose incredible artistry helps Julia see herself as an artist. She soon realizes that "this is going to be the summer when the little people call the shots."
Source: book jacket
Possible Discussion Questions:*
Who are Julia’s role models? Why is it important for kids to have role models? Who is your role model?
Why did Julia almost quit the play? What does Olive do to keep Julia in the show? Have you ever wanted to quit an activity? What motivated you to stick with it?
Julia is praised for taking initiative during the play. What is initiative? Do you agree with Shawn that initiative is more important than talent, luck, or good looks?
Several characters must deal with assumptions people make based on how they look. What do you think it’s like to be Olive? What did Julia assume about Mrs. Chang? Have you ever made an incorrect assumption about someone else that you later corrected? Have you ever felt like people made an incorrect assumption about you?
Shawn Barr explains that “artists are observers.” This challenges what Julia has always thought. How are you an artist? What do you think is the purpose of art?
Why is Julia upset when she finds out she is just slow to grow and will probably not be short forever? Why does she want to be “short”?
Discuss how Julia, Randy, and Shawn each handle the review of the play after opening night. What can you learn from Shawn and Randy’s reactions?
What does Julia learn about herself during her summer as a Munchkin? What qualities or skills make you unique?
Julia comes up with a slogan that she would put on a business card — “Marks Hits Her Marks.” What would your personal slogan be?
Julia wonders how many adults really like their jobs and fantasizes about a future career where she could eat apricots, walk a dog, and lay in the grass and daydream. What is your fantasy career?
Shawn Barr teaches the Munchkins about the value of body movement in acting. What does your body movement say about you? Does how you move change based on your mood?
What surprised you as you read this story?
How has your thinking changed (or been confirmed) after reading Short?
*Discussion questions based on Brightly's Book Club for Kids (http://www.readbrightly.com/brightlys-book-club-for-kids-short/)
Curriculum Connections:
Life Skills (self-discovery, appreciating differences, problem solving, role models)
Art (drama, acting, body language)
Research - Dwarfism
What 5th Grade Book Club Members Thought:
Our rating: 4.4 out of 5
"One question I wondered was why Julia wanted to stay short?" --Vibha
"Why do they call flying monkeys winged monkeys?" --Sophie
"I want to talk about when Julia and Olive flew." --Katie
"Why was Shawn Barr at the motel?" --Alexa
"One part of the story that sticks out in my mind was when she met the director." --Jordyn
"Why weren't Olive and Julia written in the newspaper when they were talking about who the flying monkeys (winged monkeys) were?" --Kenzie
"I want to talk about her flying." --Aditi
"Why would Julia almost quit the play?" --Alex
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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.
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?
New Beginnings - Why is Victor looking forward to this school year? How is Zavyer new and not new at the same time?
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?
Family - Describe Victor’s relationship with his sister, Christina. What is going on at school (or on Stargram) that has Victor concerned about Christina?
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?
Growth - Which characters changed the most in this story? In what ways?
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?
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)?
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!
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?
How does Petey break out of jail?
Is Li’l Petey a clone of Petey? How do you know?
When did Dav Pilkey use foreshadowing (a hint that something is about to happen) in this story? See page 51.
How did it both hurt and help Li’l Petey to constantly ask, “Why?”
Do you like the Flip-o-Rama pages? Do you make sound effects when you do the Flip-o-Rama?
Which characters in this story were mean and grumpy? Why do you think they acted that way?
Which characters were heroes in this story? How do you know?
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.
Which characters changed the most in this story?
What lesson or message did you learn by reading this story?
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
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