Wild Geese Guides

Under the Mambo Moon by Julia Durango

2011-07-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

PUT on your poetic dancing shoes! My writing partner, and best pal, Julia Durango has a stunning new book out that combines lyrical poetry, latin music, and fascinating non-fiction. HOORAY, Julia!

Under the Mambo Moon
by Julia Durango
Illustrated by Fabricio VandenBroeck

About the book:
On summer nights
Marisol helps Papi
at the music store.

For those who stop by,
Tia Pepa,
Gabriel,
Samuel,
Lilliana,
music’s more than just music.

It’s stories—
dreams and memories—
poems that
swivel
sway,
sizzle,
stamp!

With the rhythms of
merengue,
vallenatos,
salsa,
samba.

Papi says you can
read people’s souls
by the music
they listen to.

About the author:
On summer nights Julia Durango likes to salsa dance and drink limonada. Julia is a children’s librarian and the author of several books for young readers, including Sea of the Dad, The Walls of Cartagena, and Cha-Cha Chimps. She is also the coauthor with Linda Sue Park of Yum! Yuck! A Foldout Book of People Sounds. Julia has a degree in Latin American studies and travels to Colombia whenever she can. When she’s not traveling she lives with her family in Ottawa, Illinois. Visit her at www.juliadurango.com

About the illustrator:
Fabricio VandenBroeck is the illustrator of Uncle Rain Cloud, My Name is Jorge, Under the Breadfruit Tree, The Witch’s Face, My Shoes and I, and many other books for children. A former member of a rock band, he lives in Mexico City, where he creates his own sounds on the electric guitar. His musical tastes range from Latin jazz to world music to punk rock.

Author Interview:

1. What first inspired Marisol’s story?

When I first travelled to Latin America as a teen, I immediately fell in love with the music. Each type of Latin music that I encountered, from tango to salsa, merengue to mambo, seemed to tell a story about people transcending adversity and embracing life, with all of its pain and joy. Marisol’s story is my thank you letter to an art form that has brought me so much pleasure through the years.

2. How is writing poetry different from prose? What did it teach you as a writer?

Poetry is much like a song. You have a brief amount of time (or words) to tell a story, evoke a feeling, or conjure an image. It’s a small square of dark chocolate rather than a banana split, or a perfectly formed rosebud instead of a bouquet. Writing poetry taught me to search for one delicious bite, one exquisite bloom in a forest of words.

3. What can your fans look forward to next?

Another music-inspired offering! My upcoming project, Dream Away, is both picture book and lullaby. Illustrated by Robert Goldstrom and co-authored by songwriter Katie Belle Trupiano, Dream Away tells the story of a boy’s nighttime travels through the sea of constellations along with his father and crew. You can read more about the book and listen to the song here: http://mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=436164.

Pre-reading:

What is your favorite kind of music? What types of instruments does it feature? Can you explain what you like best about it?

Discussion guide:

1. Why do people come to the music store? What do they hope to find there? Why does music do more than just entertain us?

2. What memory does Mrs. Garcia relive through music? What song takes you back to a great memory?

3. What inspired João? How did he turn this longing into music?

4. Explain how Dr. Solis feels young again. What takes him back to that time? Is there a song that you think makes your own parents feel young? How do you know?

5. How does Catalina’s poem sound like the music it is talking about? Why do poets play with line breaks and the sounds of words?

6. What event is Tia Pepa planning for? What do you think will be the best part?

7. Why is Tio Freddy like his accordion? What are you like?

8. What instrument does Professor Soto like to listen to when he’s homesick? What is your favorite instrument? How would you describe its sound?

9. What do you think the drums represented or symbolized to the people who played them in Uruguay?

10. Describe Mr. And Mrs. Mayer while they dance. Describe how your own friends dance.

11. What part of samba school would you like best?

12. Explain why Susana’s “whole body/sings?” When does yours?

13. Where did the cumbia drums sound? Why were some people afraid of them? Does any modern music still scare others?

14. How does dancing the salsa make Liliana feel? What makes you feel “like the whole world/will be okay?”

15. How do Marisol and her own parents celebrate after a long day in the music store? What do you like to do under a “Mambo Moon?”

Projects:

Music:

Listen to the different types of music described in the book and rate them using the following chart:

Type of music:	I like the rhythms and beat:	I like the sounds of the instruments:	I need to explore this music more:
Andean
Bomba
Bossa nova
Candombé
Cha-cha-cha
Cumbia
Mambo
Mariachi
Merengue
Salsa
Samba
Son jarocho
Tango
Vallenato

Language Arts:

Inspired by Under the Mambo Moon, write a poem about your favorite type of music. Try to use at least one simile or metaphor like Julia did!

Drama:

Memorize (or read dramatically) the poems for a performance. Play the music in the background to give it an authentic flavor!

Art:

Inspired by the illustrator, create a piece of art that shows people dancing from your own cultural tradition.

History:

Through music, we are able to trace the influences of different cultures over time. Research how the traditions in the book intersected with each other and what resulted in history, music, and culture.

Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, children’s author and literacy specialist, created this guide.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

2011-07-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

HILARIOUS! Thought-provoking! An overdue answer to Golding's Lord of the Flies.

Beauty Queens
by Libba Bray

Scholastic Press
ISBN: 978-0-439-89597-2
$18.99
Ages: 13-18

About the book:

Survival. Of the fittest. The fifty contestants in the Miss Teen Dream Pageant thought this was going to be a fun trip to the beach, where they could parade in their state-appropriate costumes and compete in front of the cameras. But sadly, their airplane had another idea, crashing on a desert island and leaving the survivors stranded with little food, little water, and practically no eyeliner.

What’s a beauty queen to do? Continue to practice for the talent portion of the program—or wrestle snakes to the ground? Get a perfect tan—or learn to run wild? And what should happen when the sexy pirates show up?

Welcome to the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Your tour guide? None other than Libba Bray, the hilarious, sensational, Printz Award-winning author of Going Bovine and NYT Bestseller A Great and Terrible Beauty. The result is a novel that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you never see beauty the same way again.

About the author:

Libba Bray is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels A Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, and The Sweet Far Thing. She was awarded the Printz Award for her novel Going Bovine. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son. You can visit her online at www.libbabray.com

Pre-reading:

Have you ever read Lord of the Flies by William Golding? What is the premise of that novel? After reading the cover, what is the premise of Beauty Queens? Predict everything that could happen on a deserted island with teen beauty queens. Defend your answers.

Discussion guide:

1. After reading the Prologue (AKA: A Word from Your Sponsor) make a list of everything you know about the characters, setting and conflict of the novel. What tone is established by the author in this part? Who, do you think, is the The Corporation and what do they want?

2. How do the girls organize themselves? Who establishes herself clearly as a leader? What must they accomplish to prepare for the pageant and their survival (and without fresh lipstick!)?

3. What do The Lost Girls discover while exploring the wreckage? The girls seem to size each other up as if the competition were more important than survival. Do women do this to each other even without a beauty competition hovering in the wings? Why? Do you think men or women are more competitive?

4. “In times of stress, she relied on her skills at accessorizing to calm her.” (p.18 Chapter Three) What calms you in times of high anxiety? Are there things that are truly universal for all young women or not? Why?

5. We get to know the girls through their individual “Fun Facts Page.” Which one is your favorite? Why? How does it give an additional window into a character? Who is your favorite character? Do all of them have the same motives for the competition or not? With whom do you most identify? How do they identify a great deal of themselves while they practice the question and answer format for the pageant?

6. Barry Rex says that “a system rewards girls for being pretty and it values compliance and conformity rather than the boldness and rule-breaking that we pride in our boys and which often help them feel entitled to success, to getting ahead in life.” (p. 57 Live on Barry Rex Live) How does high school expect conformity of girls? Are boys allowed to break the rules? Which rules?

7. Explain how Jennifer Huberman and Sosie meet? What do they accomplish in the most {bleep} way? What is unique about both of these characters? What do the footnotes add to the story? Which one, so far, has been your favorite?

8. Describe what happens when the girls eat the red, star-shaped fruit? How does it provide something each of them needed? How else do they end up getting enough to eat and drink? What would you most miss about civilization?

9. What is the evil plot of The Corporation and who exactly is MoMo B. ChaCha, aka The Peacock? How does this complicate the world on the island? Why do you think the author added this nemesis to the story?

10. When the surprising truth is revealed about Petra she claims, “ Everybody lies about who they are. Name one person here who isn’t doing that and I will drop out right now!” Do you agree with her or not? How do we lie in both subtle and obvious ways to get through our days and to get what we want? Does Petra’s storyline make you questions your assumptions about gender? How?

11. “…when it came to love, the message for girls seemed to be this: Don’t. Don’t go after what you want. Wait. Wait to be chosen, as if only in the eye of another could one truly find value.” (p.125, Chapter Eleven) Do you agree? Why do you think society still allows boys so much more freedom in romance and sexuality?

12. Taylor rewards the girls with goodies from her bag after they prepare for battle. What would you want to nab? Why?

13. How does Sosie realized that she has “…rolled over and showed her belly, Like me and I won’t be any trouble at all?” Have you done this in your life too? What did she learn from the truly angry girl with cerebral palsy? How is she finally changed on the island?

14. Why do the girls outlaw the word “sorry” on the island? Should it be outlawed in your own vocabulary? Why do women have a penchant for this word but boys seem unable to utter the two-syllable curse?

15. At Girl Con which workshops would you be most excited to attend? What other panels and workshops would you like to add to the offerings? Could you sit on one of the panels? What for?

16. What is Mary Lou’s backstory? How is she from a long line of cursed women? Does it sometimes feel like all women hold a curse? How do we curse ourselves and each other? How does Mary Lou move beyond her curse with Tane? Are there men that can accept women for exactly who they are? Have you ever found one in a high school?

17. “Maybe girls need an island to find themselves. Maybe they need a place where no one’s watching them so they can be who they really are….They were no longer performing. Waiting. Hoping.” (p. 177, Chapter Fifteen) Do you agree? Why do girls act differently for the audience of boys and adults? Have you ever spent a significant amount of time alone?

18. Which one of the “commercial breaks” or “word from your sponsors” is your favorite? Why? What do they add to the story?

19. Why does Shanti make up interesting stories that people want to believe or hear? What is her motive for winning the competition? How is “…sometimes the truth did not set you free. Sometimes, it was a hard, lonely prison of a place to be” for Shanti? Have you ever been there?

20. Describe what happens to Taylor Rene Krystal Hawkins over the course of the novel. Would you say she is the character who changes the most or not? Why? What is her story? How does she ultimately save the girls and herself?

21. “All you had to do was introduce the scent of testosterone and perfectly capable, together girls were reduced to giggling, lash-batting, hair-playing idiots.” (p. 231, Chapter Twenty-One) How does this happen on the island or in your school? How do they lose ground, especially Adina? Who is surprisingly accepted for who she is?

22. What happens between Jennifer and Sosie? Why is it ironic that Jennifer has difficulty accepting Sosie’s explanation of how she feels?

23. How does The Corporation plan to discredit MoMo and gain power over his country’s natural resources? How is Ladybird Hope a part of this conspiracy? How do they find and “rescue” the girls? How do the girls foil their plan?

24. “Mary Lou felt something she didn’t let herself feel often: She was well and truly pised off. Why do girls have to be all pure and innocent and good? Why don’t guys have to be?” (p.299, ChapterTwenty-Nine) Do you allow yourself to be justifiably pissed? When? What really honks you off? What set Mary Lou off? Why do we teach girls to suppress so much?

25. In the end, how do the girls survive and rescue themselves? Who stays on the island? Do you think the changes they experienced on the island will be permanent or not? What about your own insights into beauty and being a girl?

Projects:

GIRL CON:

Plan your own Girl Con for young women in your community. Brainstorm topics and workshops that you’d like to attend. See if you can find women leaders (and teens) in your community who care share what they know.

Writing:

Write a short advertisement inspired by the ones from the novel that show an ironic portrait of an aspect of being a teen woman today.

Art:

Create a piece of art (or perhaps a banner, inspired by Petra) that best represents what you will take away from reading the novel. The medium is your choice, of course!

Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, an author and teacher, created this guide.

Cousins of Clouds!!

2011-02-27T13:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Teacher Friends,

http://www.tracievaughnzimmer.com/COUSINS.html

I am SO EXCITED to tell you that my very own new book is now available just in time for POETRY MONTH, people! The best celebration of the year! If you're looking for a new way to freshen up your poetry unit then have I got a guide for you. Seriously, I went a little crazy with this guide. It's got vocabulary, discussion questions and comprehension plus oodles of mini-lesson ideas for each poem. Plus, a HOW-TO guide for writing narrative poems (including revision techniques).

Happy poetry,

Tracie

Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku

2011-01-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

Teachers’ Guide for
Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku
by Lee Wardlaw
Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
Henry Holt Books for Young Readers
Ages 5 and up

“Wardlaw has a fine understanding of the feline mind,
and each poem packs a big impact…
a surprisingly powerful story in verse.”
– Publisher’s Weekly

“Wardlaw’s terse, traditional verse captures catness from every angle, while Yelchin’s…illustrations telegraph cat-itude with every
stretch and sinuous slink. Perfect pussycat poetry
for anyone who has ever loved a shelter cat.”
                            – Kirkus, starred review

Both the tightly constructed lines and elegant, playful illustrations
unerringly imagine a cat’s world…
[Wardlaw] creates a lovable, believable character
in this wry, heartwarming title that’s sure to find wide acceptance
in the classroom and beyond.
                                    – Booklist, starred review

About the Author

Lee Wardlaw’s first spoken word was “kitty.” Since then, she’s
owned more than two dozen cats (not all at the same time!) and
published more than two dozen award-winning books for young
readers, including 101 Ways to Bug Your Parents and 101 Ways to
Bug Your Teacher. She lives in Santa Barbara, California with her
husband, teenage son, and (of course) three cats.
www.leewardlaw.com

About the Illustrator

Eugene Yelchin is a Russian-born artist. He illustrated Who Ate All
the Cookie Dough? by Karen Beaumont and The Cobbler’s Holiday
or Why Ants Don’t Wear Shoes by Musharraf Ali Farooqi. With his
wife, Mary Kuryla, he co-wrote Heart of a Snowman and Ghost Files:
The Haunting Truth, which he also illustrated. He lives with his
family in Topanga, California.
www.eugeneyelchinbooks.com

Author Interview

1.How did you get the idea for this book?

“When one of our two beloved cats passed away, my young
son and I went to a local animal shelter to pick out a new
kitten. We interviewed several of them, and it was like some-thing out of ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’: This one is too shy, this one too skittery, that one bites, that one is napping
in his litter box (ew!)…but this one is just right. So Won Ton’s story is based on the journey we took with our new family member, from the ‘choosing’ to the car ride home, to the ‘naming’, to the first subbed meal – and beyond.”

2.Haiku is deceptively simple. What advice do you have for writers of the form?

“Writing haiku is like cupping a moth between your hands. You are capturing a moment, stilling its wings to better see it, observe it, appreciate it. So haiku is all about noticing – with eyes and ears wide open – what is happening before you right here, right now. That takes patience and practice – but it’s worth it!

“For teachers wanting to introduce haiku to their students, I highly recommend Patricia Donegan’s book Haiku (Tuttle
          Publishing). In her book, Donegan talks about the Seven Keys
to Writing Haiku: Form, Image, Kigo, Here and Now, Feeling, Surprise and Compassion. I’ll discuss these keys in more detail later in this Guide.”

3.Who are some of your favorite poets? What have you learned from them?

“I enjoy Valerie Worth, Ellen Kelley, Thalia Chaltas, Kristine
O’Connell George, Lee Bennett Hopkins, Joan Bransfield
Graham, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, April Halprin Wayland,
Shel Silvertein, Tracie Vaughn Zimmer…the list is endless!
As for what I’ve learned from them? Observe! Notice! And play!”

4.What can your fans look forward to next?

101 Ways to Bug Your Friends and Enemies (ages 10-14)
is scheduled for publication September, 2011; I also have a rhyming picture book for toddlers and preschoolers due out
in the spring of 2012. It’s called Red, White and Boom! and
it’s about the many ways families across the U.S.A. celebrate
the 4th of July.

Pre-reading

What is haiku? Do you think it is easy or hard to write? Why?

Discussion Guide

What does the shelter have? What does it NOT have? What does our cat hero mean when he says, “or so I’ve been told.”
How are the cats alone but together in the shelter? Describe what feelings you think Won Ton has.
What’s special about visiting hours?
Explain why the cat thinks there is “no contest” with dogs.
Do you agree? Make a pros and cons list for each pet.
Do all the children during visiting hours treat the cats kindly? How do you know?
How hard is it to name a pet? How do you decide? What name does the boy choose? Do you think it’s a good name or not?
How does Won Ton feel about the new place? What details prove this? Have you ever been nervous or afraid to try something new? Why?
What does it mean to “snub” something? What foods do you snub?
What habits does Won Ton have that you like or dislike? Would you like him to live with you? Why or why not?
Where is Won Ton’s favorite place to sleep? Where is yours?
What happens when the boy’s sister plays with Won Ton? Do cats usually like little children or not? Why?
What does your “nose know?” What are good snacks for cats? Which ones are disappointing? What’s your favorite snack?
Describe the types of things that the boy and Won Ton like to do together. How do cats get the attention of their owners? How do you get the attention of your parents?
What is the best part of owning a pet? What can be difficult?
In the end, what does Won Ton tell the boy that’s important?

Reading

All stories (even ones written in haiku!) have three parts to them: a beginning, a middle, and an end. As you re-read the story, fill out the following graphic organizer on the most important things to remember about Won Ton’s story.

In the beginning…
In the middle….
In the end…

Writing

Try writing your own haiku or senryu poem. Tell the story of your
own pet (or dream pet) in a series of at least five poems. Read the
author’s note at the opening of the book for more information about
this form of poetry.

Math

Solve these word problems:

1.If Won Ton, Pumpkin and Gypsy each eat a cup of food a day, and they spend two weeks at the shelter before they’re adopted, how many cups will they eat in total?

2.If Gypsy spends an extra week at the shelter (she has a cold, poor baby), how many more cups of food will you need?

3.Imagine you received $75 for your birthday to pay for adopting a cat. If the adoption fee is $35.00, and it costs $15.00 to have her spayed and $20.00 for her first shots, do you have enough to adopt?

4.If a cat sleeps 18 hours a day, how many hours are left to play?

Art

Inspired by the sharp angles and lines of Eugene Yelchin’s
illustrations, create a portrait of your own pet (or dream pet) on
the flat surface of a paper plate. Paint or color the ruffled edges to
look like a wooden frame. Hang your favorite haiku/senryu beneath
it for a hallway display.

Community Service Project

Host a bake sale, carwash or other fundraiser to benefit a local pet
shelter or Humane Society. Be sure to call the shelter and ask what

type of donations they need. Care packs for newly adopted pets are
often welcome.

Science

Both poetry and science rely on close observation. As you work on
creating a haiku or senryu, use the following chart to make direct
observations of your pet or topic:

Sense:
What you notice about your topic:
Details you can SEE (color, shape, size, movement)

Details you can HEAR (volume, repetition, tone)

Details you can SMELL (strong, pleasant, sharp, warm, etc.

Details you can TASTE (sweet, sour, tangy, bitter)

Details you can TOUCH (scratchy, silky fuzzy, soft)

The Seven Keys to Writing Haiku
From Haiku by Patricia Donegan

1.Form: A haiku poem should have three lines with or
without a seventeen syllable count. (Five syllables in the
first line, seven in the second, five in the third.) A good rule
of thumb is to make your haiku one breath long.

2.Image: Your poem should have a descriptive image. For
example, instead of ‘a cat’, write ‘a black cat in the grass.’

3.Kigo: Kigo is a ‘season’ word. Haiku always refers to
nature in some way, hinting at the day’s season or weather.

4.Here and Now: Write from a real observation – an experience or a memory of an experience – instead of from your imagination. Remember: you are noticing – and writing about noticing – a present moment.

5. Feeling: Show, don’t tell. Your haiku should not explain;
      use an image to show your feelings.

5.Surprise: Haiku should have an ‘ah’! or an ‘a-ha!’ moment:
Something that wakes the reader up.

6.Compassion: Haiku expresses open-heartedness toward
living things.

This guide was created by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, a reading
specialist and children’s author. To learn more about Tracie and
her books, visit tracievaughnzimmer.com. For hundreds of other guides Tracie has created, visit: wildgeeseguides.blogspot.com/

The Youngest Templar: Orphan of Destiny

2010-08-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

TEACHERS: If you're looking for high adventure for reluctant readers look no further! The guides to the entire series are on this blog, too! Enjoy! -TVZ

The Youngest Templar: Orphan of Destiny
Book Three
by Michael P. Spradlin

About the book:
Tristan and his companions—the fiery archer Robard Hode and the assassin maid Maryam—have escaped to England. But tragedy has occurred at Tristan's beloved abbey while he was away, and Robard's home in Sherwood Forest suffers under the rule of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Many obstacles still prevent them from delivering the Holy Grail into safe hands. Tristan must defeat the evil Sir Hugh in one final battle. And he must learn the secret of his birth, a secret Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine are willing to kill to protect!.

Praise for the series:
“This is a winner!”- KLIATT, starred review
“[A] stirring saga” – Booklist
“[M]emorable.” – The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Brilliant” and “Riveting” School Library Journal

About the author:
In addition to penning the international bestselling Youngest Templar trilogy, Michael P. Spradlin is also the author of the Spy Goddess novels and several picture books. He lives for the day he can become a full-time writer. He was born in a small town in Michigan and grew up with a healthy and natural suspicion of all Hoosiers and Buckeyes. When he is not writing, he travels the world in his fully automated yacht, aboard which he enjoys cooking, water skiing and plotting Total World Domination. He’s just kidding about that last part. He really doesn’t enjoy water skiing.

Author Interview:

1.Did you map out the entire series from the beginning or did fate play a hand in any of the writing?

I use what I call the “Umbrella Approach.” I sort of know where the story starts and ends in a general way, but I then let the characters take over and tell the rest. It’s much better for me that way. A perfect example is the character Robard. Originally, I thought he and Tristan would meet briefly in Book One, then reconnect in Book Three. But the moment he stepped on the page he was so forceful he demanded to stay. And the series is so much the richer for it.

2.What have you learned about writing while creating this riveting series?

I hope I’ve improved as a writer from book to book and as always I’ve discovered that my characters are always oh so much smarter than me.

3.What can your fans look forward to next?

My next book is called The Raven’s Shadow. It takes place in Washington DC in 1825 and features a teenage Charles Darwin, Edgar Allan Poe and Abraham Lincoln who must team up and save the world from an ancient evil the world will someday come to know as Count Dracula.

Pre-reading:

Brainstorm a list of everything a reader should know or remember about Tristan, our young hero, and his companions Robard and Maryam. At the end of each chapter make a prediction about what you think will happen next and why.

Discussion guide:

1.Who is speaking in the prologue? Why is he struggling? What are his problems and conflicts?
2.In the opening chapter Maryam is set to hang in the gallows. What happens? Why does the Queen offer a threat to Tristan? Do you believe her?
3.What happens to Tristan in Calais? Have you ever suffered a serious injury? What can be the effects? How does it change their journey throughout the novel?
4.In chapter three Tristan is delirious with pain and fever. What images appear to him? Who are Tristan’s enemies? Why do they want to stop him?
5.Where do the heroes finally land? Why does this make Robard so happy? Where are you happiest?
6.How has Dover changed from when Tristan was there last? What do you think happened to this thriving town?
7.What does Robard believe Tristan should do with Sir Hugh? Do you think his opinion is justified or not?
8.The troupe generally follows Tristan’s decisions. Would you? With whom do you agree with in the story: Tristan? Robard? or Maryam? In a battle whom would you want by your side? Why?
9.How is Tristan able to turn the people of Dover against Sir Hugh and company?
10. What would Sir Hugh do with the Holy Grail? In modern times, is there an equivalent to this type of power? How is power wielded between nations and factions in modern countries?
11. Who is Little John? How do they come across him? Why does Robard object to him at first? How does he gain his trust and prove his worth?
12.Maryam tells Tristan concerning his feelings for Celia, “ You don’t choose love, Tristan, love chooses you.” (p.91) Do you agree? Does it seem that who we end up loving is somehow not quite under our own control?
13.Describe what Tristan discovers at St. Albans. What and who are left? What does he learn of his heritage?
14. Does he believe he could actually be from nobility? Who would be his father? How does this explain some of the troubles he has faced?
15. Describe the long journey to Robard’s home. How does it compare to a long journey you’ve taken?
16. Explain why the trio makes friends with bandits. How did they turn to this lifestyle? What would it take to turn you into a bandit?
17. How is Robard’s early life not exactly as he described it? What has happened in his absence? Would you react more like Tristan or Robard? Why does Robard knock Tristan unconscious?
18. How does Tristan handle the situation with Shire Reeve? What does Robard do for his countrymen? How does this gain their loyalty?
19. How does Robard decide is the only long-term way to defeat the Shire and others like him? How does he ask for Tristan’s help? Predict how he will help others in the future (from what you have read in other books or films)?
20.List the steps Robard and Tristan design to defeat the Shire Reeve in the forest. What do they use to defeat them? Why do the people of Sherwood come to fight?
21.Why do Robard and Maryam insist on accompanying Tristan all the way to Rosslyn? To whom would you make this type of oath, if anyone? Why?
22.Describe their journey to Scotland. What does Robard discover after his tutoring? How do the locals treat them?
23. When they finally reach Rosslyn, what discoveries does Tristan make? Why must he finally face Sir Hugh?
24.Describe the final battle between Tristan and Sir Hugh. How does he deal with his nemesis? In the end, is his quest successful?
25. Discuss the ending: what are the heroes plans for the future? Where does Tristan decide he must go? Predict what he will be doing in five years.

Projects:

Language Arts:
Write three letters as you read the novel. One as Tristan (to Celia, perhaps?) as Robard (to his mother?) and Maryam (to a sister or cousin at home?) about what they have seen and discovered.

Reading:
Good readers always make predictions as they read about what they think will happen next. Predictions are not just grabbed from the air but are based on what they know about story, clues from the book itself, and what they know about the genre they’re reading. At the end of each chapter, write a prediction based on the evidence. Use page numbers to support your predictions. Remember: predictions are often wrong! Readers love to be wrong!

Art:
Design a movie poster, which is based off the series.

or

Draw, paint or sculpt your favorite scene from this novel or the other two Templar books.

History:
Research one of these topics from the novel: English history, Robin Hood, The Knights Templar, Scottish clan history, Holy Grail, the crusades, medicine in the middle ages, etc.

Guide created by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

It's Raining Cupcakes

2010-08-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

A darling middle-grade book which you just can't help but gobble up in one bite! My daughter and I both loved this story...    TVZ

It’s Raining Cupcakes
by Lisa Schroeder

Author Interview:

1.Can you describe how this story about Isabel was mixed together?

    I came up with the idea for the book when I was driving home on a gloomy day     and I had this strong desire to write about something happy. I started brain-
    storming topics that would make people smile at just the mention of a word.
    When cupcakes came to mind, I thought, what fun it would be to write a book
    set in or around a cupcake shop! When I started writing, the character of Isabel     came to me as a girl who enjoyed baking and dreamed of traveling. Sometimes
    I have to work at developing my characters, but Isabel came to me just like that,
    and since I had similar interests and dreams at her age, she was easy to write.

2.What ingredients about writing do you like the best? What makes you pucker?

    I really love playing around in the first draft. I especially love it when I get lost
    in the story and the words come easily to me. Plotting the book is probably the
    hardest part of writing a book for me. If I can get it right the first time, great,
    but if I don’t, and I have to fix it in revisions, it can be really hard! Of course,
    revisions are necessary to make the book sparkle and shine, but revisions seem
    more like work to me, whereas writing the first draft is like playing in a
    sandbox and just having fun.

3.Did you use this book as an excuse to bake? How much fun was it to come up with the cupcake recipes?

    I love to bake, and although it was fun coming up with the recipes, it was also     kind of difficult. I had to try a few different ones before I finally got it right.
    My editor was the one who suggested coming up with some cupcake recipes
    so after kids read the book, they could make cupcakes if they were suddenly     hungry for them. It’s also fun for book clubs to have a recipe they can make and     serve the day they are discussing the book!

    About the author:

Lisa Schroeder is a native Oregonian, which means her childhood summers were spent camping, fishing, reading books, and playing in the sun, when it finally came out. These days, Lisa spends her summers, and every other part of the year, sharing all the wonderful things Oregon has to offer with her husband and two sons. Besides It’s Raining Cupcakes she is also the author of three verse novels for young adults published by Simon Pulse - I Heart You, You Haunt Me, an ALA 2009 Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Far From You, a Texas Tayshas selection, and Chasing Brooklyn.

Pre-reading:

What are your favorite things to do with your mom? Would it still be fun if you turned it into a business?

Discussion questions:

1.After reading chapter one, list everything you already know about Isabel and her family. What does she want?
2.Describe how Isabel’s life has changed since her mom began pursuing her dream. Make a list of what’s good and bad about it. How would you feel in Isabel’s shoes?
3.How is Isabel trying to earn some money for the summer? What does she want to use it for? Is babysitting a good way to make money or not? Like Isabel, do you feel stuck where you live or do you feel like you belong?
4.How does Sophie change Isabel’s summer in a New York minute? What kind of contest would you consider entering?
5.Why is Isabel upset when her mom insists she make a cupcake recipe for the contest entry? Describe Isabel’s relationship with her mom.
6.Explain what mistake Isabel made while babysitting Lucas and Logan. What consequences does she face because of this one error? Do you think the boys’ mom acted fairly or not? Why?
7.Why haven’t Isabel and her parents traveled anywhere? Do you, like Isabel, want to travel too? Where would you go?
8.Why does Isabel end up on the fire escape? Would you rather face your dad or the sidewalk?
9.Why must Isabel choose between her own happiness and her mom’s? What does she decide to do about the contest?
10.What is Beatrice’s Brownies? Why will her mom take this so hard? How do they handle it?
11.What type of advice does Grandma dispense? What do you think she would think of Isabel’s decision about the contest?
12.How are things between Isabel and Sophie after spending most of the summer apart? Why can it sometimes be difficult for Isabel to be friends with Sophie? Do all friendships face these struggles?
13.Do you think Sophie was being a good friend to Isabel or not? What about the other way around? Why? Can a best friend still irritate you? How would you handle it?
14.Do you think Isabel needs distance from her small town in Oregon or her tumultuous relationship with her mom? Predict how they will get along in five years.
15.What do Lana and Isabel do together? How does this help mend things with Sophie?
16.What does Isabel figure out about the cupcake shop? How can this lesson about appreciating the treasure apply to your own story?
17.What surprises does Isabel create for her mom? Is it worth the effort?
18.How was Isabel rewarded by all her hard work creating the perfect recipe? What surprise does she find out about the contest?
19.How does Isabel change over the book? How does a reader get to know a character? Of all the characters in the book which ones did you like the best?
20.What chapter in the book was your favorite? Which relationship reminded you of one of your own?

Projects:

Reading:
Because good readers always make predictions as they read, stop at the end of each chapter of It’s Raining Cupcakes and use a sticky note to create a prediction about what you think will happen next in the story. Also, add a note as to what clues made you believe this.

Writing:
Write a letter from one character to another at an important part of the story. Share with a friend who has also read the book and have them answer as that character.

-or-

Write a scene between two characters that either did not make it into the story (but could have) or one that could happen after the story closes. Be inspired by Lisa Schroeder’s style!

Art:
Create a mural (on large butcher paper or even a cheap white flat sheet) that you would put in your very own shop. Or, create a finger-painting masterpiece just for fun.

Music:
Can you write a jingle or tune for an advertisement for the opening of Caroline’s shop, It’s Raining Cupcakes?

-or-

Find a song that you think would work for the soundtrack of the movie. Which scene would you pick to play it behind? Why? Create a playlist that should be running at the cupcake shop.

Math:
Find your favorite recipe for a dessert and add up the price of all the ingredients to create a batch. Then, figure out how much you would have to sell each item for to make a profit. Make and share the desserts if you can!

-or-

Plan a trip to a fantastic location like New York City. Research at least three places or things you’d like to do when you got there. How much would it cost to fly? Drive? Create a pamphlet describing all the fantastic possibilities for your trip!

Business:
Design your own business. What would you sell? What would you name your shop or service? How much would you charge? What would be your color theme? Would you deliver? How much money would it cost to get it started? Where would it be located? Design a storefront with a shoebox!

Dark Sons by Nikki Grimes

2010-06-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Dark Sons by Nikki Grimes

An interview with Nikki Grimes

What first drew you to the story of Ishmael and Sam?

What drew me to this story was the story of Ishmael itself. Whenever I came across it in the Bible, it felt so contemporary to me. The issues of sibling rivalry, strained relations with a stepmother- or stepmother-figure, the complex dynamics of father-son relationships, or the lack thereof—these are all issues that many contemporary young men are facing. There is nothing dated about the story of Ishmael. It seemed fresh to me, and hopeful. I love that it ends with Ishmael and his brother coming together to bury their father. The implication we get is that they have, through the years, resolved their issues and restored their relationship as brothers. We also sense that Ishmael has forgiven his father, so the story ends on a hopeful note, and I always look for that in the stories I decide to tell—or retell, as the case may be.

How did you decide to intertwine the story of a contemporary son with a biblical one?

Originally, this novel was simply going to be the story of Ishmael. However, after the first draft was complete, I kept thinking that this story was so contemporary it would be interesting to create a parallel tale of a boy the same age living today. I tried writing the story both ways, then gave it to a then-seventeen-year-old to read. He was sold on the version with both boys, so I went with that. I was leaning in that direction in any case, but his unequivocal response was the deciding factor for me.

Describe the research you had to do to bring Ishmael’s story in particular to light.

The research was multilayered. I studied maps of the Old World, studied the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Ishmael, Isaac, and Hagar as they all overlapped. I studied the topography of the region and delved into the life and times of Abraham, from the homes people lived in to the clothes they were and the food they ate. I also interviewed Genesis scholars at Hebrew University in New York, and made copious use of their research libraries. There are so many aspects to bringing to life a story from another time and place, the research can be daunting. Sometimes you have to read hundreds of pages of a text to find one useful nugget of information in a single paragraph. When the story comes together, though, it is worth all the work.

You depict a relationship with God as tumultuous at times. Why did you want to show this struggle to young readers?

All relationships are dynamic, and that includes our relationship with God. There is nothing wrong with that. Every relationship has its struggles. God invites us to be honest with him about our struggles, to voice our frustrations, even our anger. He is God. He can take it! It’s important for us to know that so that we can maintain a vibrant, authentic relationship with him. To pretend that our relationship with God is all tea and roses would be disingenuous, and young readers deserve better.

What do you hope young adults take away from the story of Ishmael and Sam?

I hope young readers leave the pages of Dark Sons realizing that no matter how challenging the struggles they face in life, faith in a loving God can help to see them through. That certainly is the story of my life.

Besides writing, how do you express yourself?

In addition to writing, I enjoy a variety of textile arts: knitting, card- and bookmaking, and making beaded jewelry. I also have a passion for photography and painting watercolors. We all have a natural impulse to create, and I find that creating art enriches my life. Try it!

Discussion guide:

1. What is Ishmael’s immediate problem? What is Sam’s? How would you feel if you were Sam and/or Ishmael?

2. How are Sam and Ishmael’s situations parallel? How are they different?

3. Discuss how Ishmael’s birth seemed a blessing to one woman and an insult to another. Who do you mostly feel sorry for: Hagar or Sarah? Why? How did the law complicate these relationships?

4. Why do you think Sarah finally tries to accept Ishmael into the family? Compare his father’s home to his own with his mother. How does Sarah try to make him feel welcome? How do we make others feel welcome in our own families?

5. “No bond is holier/than father–son.” Do you agree? Do you think this statement is true today? What bonds are truly holy? Why?

6. Whose choices are most difficult to accept in Ishmael’s story? How is Ishmael stuck with the consequences of so many other people’s decisions? Are all children subject to other’s choices?

7. Despite the fact that baby Isaac, the promised one, may split Ishmael’s inheritance, how does he feel toward his brother? Would you have such generosity of spirit or not?

8. How is Sam coping with his father’s abandonment of the family? What questions does Sam ask about his mother? Where does he place the blame?

9. Do you think Sam’s religious upbringing makes his father’s betrayal easier or more difficult to bear? Why?

10. If you had to describe Sam’s feelings in one word, what would it be? Is he justified in his feelings? Is there any positive way to channel all this negative emotion?

11. Describe the difference in the way Ishmael and his brother, Isaac, are treated by their father. Is this fair? Are there always differences between how parents raise siblings? Why do you think so or not?

12. How does Ishmael’s life become a tug of war? How would you feel in his world? Ishmael decides “not to stay/where I am not wanted.” Would you come to the same decision?

13. Ishmael thought he was safe in his father’s love and protection, but he is guided to a new decision based on a dream from God. How would you feel if this happened to you? Would it make you question your faith?

14. Sam once trusted his father “to hear the voice of God more clearly/than anyone else.” Could there be anything positive about Sam losing this trust? Have you ever lost faith in a person? What did it teach you?

15. Sam’s mother encourages him to rebuild his relationship with his father. How hard do you think this was for her to do?

16. What new decision erases all the progress that Sam and his dad have made over the last couple of years? How does Sam deal with his disappointment and pain? What do you do with your own disappointment?

17. Despite his feelings for his dad, how does Sam feel about David? How does he show this? How is it rewarded?

18. In the end, Sam realizes he has “my own ball to bounce/my own shots to take./It’s me standing at/the free-throw line now.” What does this mean for his life? What promises has he made himself? What promises have you made for yourself?

19. How does Ishmael’s story give Sam strength and hope? Whose stories (both biblically or otherwise) inspire your own?

20. What have you learned by reading this story? What will you carry into tomorrow?

This guide was created by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, a children’s author and literacy specialist, visit her website to find hundreds of guides like this one.

Life, After by Sarah Darer Littman

2010-03-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

Life, After

by Sarah Darer Littman

About the book:

Dani’s life will never be the same again. After a terrorist attack kills Dani’s aunt and unborn cousin, life in Argentina—private school, a boyfriend, a loving family—crumbles quickly. In order to escape a country that is sinking under their feet, Dani and her family move to the United States. It’s supposed to be a fresh start, but when you’re living in a cramped apartment and going to a high school where all the classes are in another language—and not everyone is friendly—life in America is not all it’s cracked up to be. Dani misses her old friends, her life, Before.

But then Dani meets a boy named Jon, who isn’t like all the other students. Through him, she becomes friends with Jessica, one of the popular girls, who is harboring a secret of her own. And then there’s Brian, the boy who makes Dani’s pulse race. In her new life, the one After, Dani learns how to heal and forgive. She finds the courage to say good-bye and allows herself to love and be loved again.

About the author:

Sarah Darer Littman’s widely praised first novel, Confessions of a Closet Catholic, won the 2006 Sydney Taylor Book Award. She is also the author of Purge. She lives in Connecticut with her family, in a house that never seems to have enough bookshelves, and loves dulce de leche.

Author interview:

What was the initial spark for Dani’s story? How did you bring it to life?

LIFE, AFTER started out back in 2004 as a book about a boy without Asperger’s Syndrome, a subject I’m intimate with because my son was diagnosed when he was five years old. My then editor turned down that book, but suggested perhaps I write from the perspective of the boy’s sibling. I'd just read the arc of my friend Cynthia Lord's book RULES, so I knew that had already been done, and brilliantly. But I started thinking how in elementary and middle school most of my son’s friends were from South America, and I wondered if it was because they, too, weren't "typical American kids".

I was also frustrated that for many Americans it seemed as if terrorism only sprang into existence on 9/11, and wanted explore the different ways people react to traumatic loss.

I’d lived in England during the IRA bombing campaigns of the early 1970's, and terrorist threats were part of our way of life. It's not that we let it dominate our existence, but as an eight-year old riding the Tube to school, I was always vigilant and aware. I wanted to try to put terrorism in a global context. So I chose Argentina as the native country for Dani, because it had a history of terrorist incidents, and the economic crisis there had a dramatic impact on the middle class, almost overnight. I wrote a synopsis and some sample chapters but didn’t get the voice right, and ended up putting it in a drawer in early 2006 to write PURGE.

LIFE, AFTER would probably never have seen the light of day if it hadn't been for a wonderful and courageous woman, Claudette Greene, to whom this story is dedicated. I met with her mother/daughter book group, who had read my first book, CONFESSIONS OF A CLOSET CATHOLIC. She wrote to thank me afterwards and told me that her daughter had become interested in writing after she lost her father on 9/11 (Claudette’s husband Donald was a passenger on United Flight 93). Claudette asked if I'd ever considered writing a book on the subject, because at the time there wasn’t much available for kids. Profoundly touched, I dug my synopsis out of the drawer and e-mailed it to her. With Claudette’s encouragement, I spoke to my editors at Scholastic. Having met Claudette and heard her story, I felt a much deeper connection to the characters and returned to the manuscript with renewed passion.

How do you know when an idea will sustain you through the novel writing process?

That’s a terrific question. I have to admit, there have been times where I’ve had false starts. I’ll do research, start writing, and maybe get even 10,000 words into a book and gradually start to feel like I’m beating my head up against a wall. One time it got to the point where I was depressed about going into my basement lair to write every day. I finally had to admit that it wasn’t the right book for me to be writing. With great trepidation, I called my agent, told her I had another idea, and asked if it okay to work on that instead. Two hours later, I had a synopsis written for the new idea and felt more energized with a clearer idea of where I was going than I had after five months of working on the previous novel. The new idea was my upcoming novel, WANT TO GO PRIVATE? coming from Scholastic in July 2011.

Having a strong character voice is usually a good indicator. If my characters are speaking loud and clear, they’ll usually guide me in the right direction.

That being said, it’s important not to confuse the situation I’ve described above with the usual “I’m in the middle of my book and I’m freaking out about where it’s going” phase of novel writing. That’s something you just have to get your butt in the chair and work through. I find dark chocolate helps.

What advice do you have for young people who want to write?

Read, read, read, read, read and then read some more. Read in different genres. Challenge yourself with your reading. Read the news. I don’t just say that because I’m a political columnist and I think it’s important for young people to be informed, but you can find ideas in those news stories.

And then…WRITE. As Jane Yolen says, it’s all about Butt-in-Chair. Be disciplined about writing consistently, not just when you feel “inspired”. Try to set yourself word count goals, even if they’re small. I keep track of my daily word production in a spreadsheet. Some days the words pour from my brain faster than my fingers can type. Other days, I have to force myself not to check Facebook and Twitter every five minutes because they won’t come and I’m struggling to focus. But that word count goal keeps me disciplined, and the spreadsheet gives me a sense of accomplishment as I see those numbers gradually add up to a novel.

Discussion guide:

After reading chapter one, summarize Dani’s life in Buenos Aires, Argentina. What challenges does her family face? Who are the main characters in Dani’s life story?
Make a list of Dani’s life before and after the terrorist attack. How has her life changed? Are there any events in your life that are marked by a particular event? How do people survive such a loss?
What opportunity puts a rift between Dani’s parents? How is it resolved? Would you want to leave the only place you’ve ever known as home if the economic situation was similar or not? Why?
What will be the most difficult for Dani to leave behind? Will she see Beto ever again? Why do you think so or not? What would you miss most about your home if you had to emigrate?
What things and people must Dani leave behind? Why is she “ scared of staying in Argentina but scared of leaving, too” (p.80) Have you ever felt a similar ambivalence about an important decision? How do you get past it?
Describe Dani’s first day in America. Compare her hopes with the reality of Twin Lakes. What is surprising?
Describe Dani’s first few days in her new school and home. What is it like compared to her life in Argentina? Who does she meet? How is she humiliated?
Discuss Dani’s relationship with her father. Would you characterize him as depressed? How would you cope with him? Do you think Dani is a good daughter and sister? Why?
Would you characterize the treatment that Dani faces from Trevor and his friend, Derek, as racism? How do they connect Dani and her friend Rosalia to the events on 9/11? Do you think the events of 9/11 changed America, especially concerning immigration?
Describe Dani’s new friend, Jon Nathanson. How does this relationship land her in the principal’s office? Do you think her actions were justified? How does this change her relationship with Jess?
How does Dani try to maintain her relationship with Beto? Do you think it’s possible in this age of instant communication to maintain a long-distance romance? Can chat and texting convey the emotions needed to maintain and build a relationship or not? Why?What does Dani eventually discover about Beto’s new life in Miami?
“….anger layed on top of guilt like frosting on a cake.” (p. 174) Have you ever felt like this? Why are Dani’s emotions so intense?
How do Dani’s parents react to her fight at school? Do all parents assume the worst of their kids? Why? How is their reaction tempered finally?
How does Jess prove that her intentions and attitude toward Dani have changed? Would you want to be her friend or not? Why? Explain how their relationship grows and how they are connected by tragedy.
How is Dani’s “exploration of the social habits of the American teenager” (p.233) enhanced by Brian? How does he help her adjust to life in America? Describe the dance through Dani’s eyes.
What does Dani discover about Jon through reading his notebooks? How does he understand far more than people believe?
How does Dani finally confront her father about his behavior? How does this begin his path to recovery? If you were depressed what would you want someone to do for you?
Although Dani is proficient with the English language she stumbles on all the idioms that pepper American speech. What else does she find difficult to understand about living in America? If you were her friend, how could you help?
“We all knew that there was a Before, which we could never return to, and an After, where we had to learnt o find joy again” (p.276) How is this true for most everyone? How do we move past events that shatter what we once knew, once loved?
Which scene in the novel is your favorite? What can you learn by studying the dialogue, scene-building, and action sequences? How can you apply this to your own writing?

Extending the novel:

Writing:

Write a scene between Beto and Dani when they happen to run into each other at an airport over the summer.

Language:

Collect the idioms (or brainstorm a list of your own) that Dani struggles with while learning American English. Create an idiom dictionary, which defines these terms in an understandable way, and provide illustrations. Share with your ESL class!

Reading:

As you begin the novel create a character web about Dani adding facts, descriptions and details as you read along.

History:

It irritates Dani that the only information Americans seem to know about her country is from watching the movie “Evita.” Instead of relying on this movie, research at least ten facts that every American should know about this country instead.

This guide was created by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, a reading specialist and children’s author, visit her website and blog to find hundreds of guides like this one.

Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs

2010-01-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs

by Ron Koertge

About the book:

In this much-anticipated sequel to Shakespeare Bats Cleanup, fourteen-year-old Kevin Boland has it pretty good. He’s got a cute girlfriend named Mira, his baseball team is headed to the playoffs, and he seems to have a real knack for writing poetry. So why isn’t he happy? Maybe it’s because his cute girlfriend can’t tell a sonnet from a sestina, and doesn’t show up to any of his games. So when Kevin meets fellow poet Amy at an open mike reading, it’s love at first refrain. But Amy has a boyfriend. And Kevin has Mira. What’s a budding poet to do?

Ron Koertge is the author of many acclaimed novels for young adults, including Stoner & Spaz (winner of the PEN Literary Award), The Brimstone Journals, Strays, (also winner of the PEN Literary Award) and Shakespeare Bats Cleanup. A faculty member for more than thirty-five years at Pasadena City College, where he taught everything from Shakespeare to remedial writing, Ron Koertge also writes poetry for adults and currently teaches at Hamline University, in the MFA in Writing for Children Program. He lives in South Pasadena, California.

Discussion guide:

After reading the first five poems list everything you know and everything you suspect you know about the main character, Kevin Boland. Do you think the poetry format makes it easier or more difficult for the reader to get to know Kevin? Why?
How does Kevin compare poetry to a bully in “Poetry 101?” Can you find any perfect mistakes in the poems in this book too? How has Kevin’s poetry changed from the first book?
What things, people and activities are most important to Kevin? Why is his glove really important to him? Is there anything that is that important to you? Why?
Compare Longfellow’s original poem to Kevin’s parody of it set in school. Does this sound like your school or not? Why?
How do Kevin and his dad deal with their grief? How does he personify grief in the poem, “I Know What Dad’s Going Through”
Who is Mr. B? Would you like to be in his class or not? Why? What does he teach Kevin about poetry?
Write your own nightmare poem inspired by “Nightmares About Different Kinds of Gals” How does this reveal what Kevin thinks about his dad dating again? What would be the hardest part of this for you?
Kevin admits, “I take refuge in poetry.” What or who gives you refuge? Do you think this changes over time?
Describe Kevin’s relationship with Mira. Is it enviable? What makes a good teen romance? What requirements are necessary? Which ones are optional?
Explain how Kevin becomes friends with Amy. What does this relationship offer that his one with Mira does not? How do things progress between them?
What does Kevin love about baseball? Do you think poetry or baseball gives him more confidence? Why?
How does Amy’s haiku reveal a lot about her in only seventeen syllables? Can you write one that does so?
How do Amy and Kevin’s poems go public? Would you put yourself out there at a reading or website? Why or why not?
How does Kevin plan to use “hard work, cold water and no girls” to advance his career? Is this plausible? How much time would you have if you could give up thoughts of romance?
Does Amy love dating Trevor? Why? Would you want to be involved with someone that everyone else admires? What could be difficult about it? What would be nice?
What poetry forms are discussed in the novel? Have you tried any of these forms before? Which one do you think is most difficult? Interesting? Which of all the poems that Kevin and Amy write is your favorite? Why?
Does creating and sharing poems seem more important even intimate than the relationship that Kevin shares with Mira? How? What can poetry reveal that other things cannot?
Who is Morton Gluck? What is the best way to deal with a bully like him? Are there bullies in every school? How can schools help deal with them?
Do you think Kevin should’ve revealed to Mira that he was going to the monster movies with Amy? Would it be worse to find out or just be told?
In the end do you think Kevin is better off? Why does Amy, at first, want to remain friends? Is it a valid concern? Predict what you think will happen between them.

Hamlet

2010-01-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

Hamlet by John Marsden

About the book:

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark, but Hamlet can’t be sure what’s causing the stench. It emanates from the royal palace, and his family seems to be the problem, not the solution. Horatio thinks his friend is acting strange, but Hamlet’s uncle has become his stepfather, and the prince’s rage at his mother’s infidelities, together with his greed for the beautiful Ophelia and the all of his dead father to revenge a “murder most foul,” Have his mind in chaos. Hamlet wants to be the size of a king, man enough for anything, but can he believe his own eyes? Was it really his father’s ghost that night on the castle ramparts—or a hell-fiend sent to trick him?

In this dark, sensual, and beautifully crafted novel, John Marsden brings one of Shakespeare’s most famous and intriguing characters to full-blooded life in a narrative of intense psychological complexity.

About the author:

John Marsden grew up in Australia and decided at age nine to become an author. Though it took him another 28 years to achieve it, his books have sold millions of copies in both Australia and across the world.

Discussion Questions:

How would you describe Hamlet after reading the first two chapters of the novel? Would you want to be his friend or not? Defend your answer.
Do you think Hamlet is justified in his anger and humiliation toward his mother’s quick remarriage to his Uncle Claudius? Do you think he would be as disturbed if she had waited a more seemly amount of time or would he be as upset regardless? How would you feel in his shoes?
A spirit claiming to be his father visits Hamlet. Would you believe the message of this spirit or doubt it? Why? Do you believe in ghosts or not? What does Hamlet believe in?
Horatio is upset that Hamlet does not confide in him what the spirit revealed. Should best friends always reveal everything to each other? Why or why not? Do you believe Horatio is a loyal confidante?
Despite their obvious intentions to silence Hamlet do Queen Gertrude and King Claudius’ advice for Hamlet to move past is grief have any merit? How do people move on with their lives when they have suffered a great loss? Why are some people better able top pick up the pieces of their lives and go on while others seem to suffer greatly?
Describe Ophelia. What are her desires? How are they thwarted? Do you think Hamlet should act on his impulses for her or would it cloud his thinking further? Is it possible that a romance with Ophelia could distract Hamlet from his grief? Do you think they are a good match? As a friend, what advice would you give him in this matter?
Would you consider Polonius and Laertes an example of a good father and good brother or not? What qualities make a good sibling? a good father? Are they protecting Ophelia from herself? What might happen if she were given the opportunity to slake her desires?
Do you think Hamlet would be considered insane by today’s standards? How does Marsden reveal his fragile state? Hamlet often reveals himself to be a deep and philosophical thinker despite slips with reality. Can you find statements which are more thoughtful and provocative than the other players in the scene realize? Discuss which ones are your favorite.
What are the “four lines” of Hamlet? What do they reveal to us about his character and his state of mind? What would be your four lines?
Do you think Hamlet’s feelings match Ophelia’s or are they made of different stuff? Does the sensual portrait of Ophelia surprise you?
How did Hamlet test the conscience of the king? On whom does he rely to help him with the plan? On whom would you turn to for this? Do you think guilty people always reveal themselves with their actions or not? Are you able to tell when someone is being honest with you?
Discuss the events that unfold because of the play. How do things become even more complicated for Hamlet and his family? Do you think Gertrude is ultimately to blame for the events or is Claudius the more culpable party? When are you certain of whose treachery caused the events to domino?
Describe what happened to Polonius. Was he somewhat to blame for his fate by always playing the role of the fox? How does Ophelia take the news of her father’s death? How does Laertes? Should Hamlet have to face the consequences of his actions or was it a mistake due to his ill mind?
What is the fate of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern? Is it worth bits of luxury topu t up with the treachery and madness of the situation? How are their fates also sealed by the family? Do you consider them innocent or not?
Why does Hamlet say that worms are democratic? Do you think Hamlet is out of his senses when he delivers his tirade about Polonius’s body? Do you think Claudius is a serial killer or just had his morality unraveled by his greed and lust for power?
What happens to the fair Ophelia? Ultimately, who do you think is to blame for her fate? Hamlet regrets his scene at the grave but feels compelled to outdo Laertes in his demonstration. Why do people feel the need to out suffer each other? Who do you think ultimately loved her more? Would you consider Ophelia’s life a waste or not?
What plan do Laertes and King Claudius concoct to rid themselves of their “problem?” Is either one of them justified? How an one sin unravel an entire life or even a kingdom?
Hamlet says to Horatio, “ I’m not God…This way I don’t create a new world; I just tweak it a little. As it flows along, I move a rock or take away a dead branch. I’m not in charge of the world. That was a conceit on my part.” (p. 204) Do you think most people have this conceit?
King Claudius was intent on power while Laertes on revenge. How is their plan foiled? Do they both get what they ultimately deserve or not? Does Hamlet? In the end, who remains innocent? What are we to learn from the tragedy of Hamlet?
Compare the novel to the original Shakespeare play. What do they have in common? How are they different? How is reading a novel a different experience from a play? Which do you prefer? Why?

The Big Elephant in the Room

2010-01-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

The Big Elephant in the Room

by Lane Smith

About the book: Two friends are talking about The BIG ELEPHANT in the room. Are they referring to the embarrassing problem of the baby bike incident? The rainbow pony backpack? The suspicious pool color? Or none of these things? See what happens when a small misunderstanding becomes a BIG problem.

About the author/illustrator Lane Smith:

Lane Smith has been making children’s books since 1987. He wrote and illustrated Madam President and John, Paul, George & Ben, a New York Times best seller. Lane has illustrated books by Dr. Seuss, Jack Prelutsky, Roald Dahl, George Saunders, and Bob Shea, among others. With his most frequent collaborator, Jon Scieszka, he has created modern classics such as The Stinky Cheese Man, a Caldecott Honor winner, and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. Lane and his wife, designer Molly Leach, live in Connecticut.

Don’t miss these other books by Lane Smith:

Madame President # ISBN-10: 1423108469 # ISBN-13: 978-1423108467

John, Paul, George and Ben # ISBN-10: 0786848936 # ISBN-13: 978-0786848935

Pre-reading:

What is a misunderstanding? How do they happen? What’s the best way to get over one?

Questions to consider:

A big elephant in a room is a big problem that people are trying not to talk about or think about. Have you ever tried to ignore a big problem before?
List all the things that he thinks are the big elephant (or problem).
Do you think he really forced down that crunchy nut ice cream or not? What makes you think so or not?
What one thing would you never let someone borrow (in case they might not bring it back?)
What happened to his computer? What’s the worst thing you’ve ever broken?
What’s the best thing to do about a bully? How can friends help with bullies? Can teachers help too?
What do you do if there’s only one cool bike?
Can you keep a secret? Did he keep a secret for his friend? How hard is it to keep a secret?
Which part is your favorite? Why?
Will they still be friends? What do you think he might be most mad about now?

Classroom Management:

Create a No Elephants in the Classroom display to air out concerns and problems from the room, playground, or bus. After reading the story together, provide an old ice cream container (and change the flavor to Crunchy-Nut, of course) and leave elephant-shaped paper beside it for kids to write out their concerns. Discuss at class meetings weekly. At the end of the year enjoy crunchy nut ice-cream party and great friendships!

Reading:

Stories have three parts- a beginning, a middle and an end. Summarize what happened in each part. Then, because good readers make connections between what they are reading and what they are thinking. What does each part remind you of? Has something like this ever happened to you or a friend?

SUMMARIZE CONNECT

In the beginning….
In the middle…
In the end…

Writing:

Lane Smith uses really small moments and great details to bring this story of two friends to life. Write a small moment or single scene about two new friends who have a misunderstanding or disagreement about something and use THE BIG ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM as your mentor text. You may even try writing about another idiom! (Idiom ideas: beggars can’t be choosers, benefit of the doubt, out of the blue, by the book, get to the bottom of, the best thing since sliced bread)

Music: Sing this song to the tune “Frere Jacques”

The big elephant

in the room

pretending he is not there

pretending that we don’t care

but we do!

You would too!

Art:

Illustrate the following idioms inspired by Lane Smith’s art!

Let’s CLEAR the AIR	GO APE
UP IN ARMS

Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior

2010-01-23T18:46:00.001-08:00

Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior

by Chris Bradford

About the book:

For the past two years, twlve-year-old Jack Fletcher has been a rigging monkey on a British vessel. Jack’s father, the ship’s navigator, has been teaching him all that he knows, through his rutter, an invaluable book of maps and notes on the world’s unchartered oceans.

When a storm forces the ship into an unfriendly bay, it is attacked by ninja pirates who have been sent to steal the rutter. Helpless against the powerful ninja the entire crew, including Jack’s father, is slaughtered during the ensuing fight.

Washed up on the shores of a mysterious land known to the British as the Japans, Jack is wounded and left for dead. He is soon rescued by Masamoto-san, one of Japan’s greatest samurai. At first Jack is terrified; he cannot communicate, nor does he know anything of Japanese customs. He becomes friends with Masamoto’s niece, the graceful and powerful Akiko, who teaches him the language and how to fit in. Soon, Jack is deemed ready to join Masamoto’s household and is sent to samurai school where he will learn the Way of the Warrior.

Life at samurai school is fraught with difficulty, and Jack is bullied for being a “barbarian.” He begins the grueling physical and psychological traning required of all the students. While guarding the only thing he has from his father, the rutter, and hoping it will help him get home one day, Jack needs all the courage he can muster to prove to his fellow students that he has what it takes to be a samurai.

Pre-reading:

List everything you know or have heard about samurai.

Discussion guide:

What dangers does Jack Fletcher face as he crosses the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as a rigging monkey? What qualities do you think are necessary for a good sailor and rigging monkey in particular?
What happens to the Alexandria in route to Nagasaki? How does it change the fate of Jack and his father forever? What happened to Jack’s father and the other crew members?
What is Jack’s only possession? Why is it so important? Do you think he should reveal its importance to Masamoto or not? Defend your answer. What about after the attack?
What do you think would be the most interesting and most difficult aspects of being dropped inside a different culture?
Make a list of all the people Jack is meeting in the “Japans.” What do each of them teach him?
Who is the man with the scarred face? Why does he take such an interest in Jack? How is he accepted into the family?
As a reader how do you come to understand the importance of the Prologue? Why do you think the author chose to start the novel this way? How is it related to jack’s story?
Who is Father Lucius? Would you trust him? What does he want from Jack? Why does he consider Jack a heathen?
“The key to the Japanese is their language…It reflect their whole way of thinking. Understand Japanese, and you understand them.” (p. 99) What does this mean? How does Jack learn to think like a native person? What are the similarities and differences between Jack’s culture and the Japanese culture?
How do the young men jostle for dominance and control of each other in the novel? Do similar spars still happen between modern young men? Why?
How does Jack earn Yamato’s respect? Why doesn’t it last at the Butokuden? Have you ever denied a friend due to peer pressure?
Why does Jack decide to share the truth of the rutter with Akiko? How is she more than what she originally appeared to be? Are you surprised that women were samurai?
What does it mean to “lose face” in this culture? Is it similar in our culture today? How is it restored for them? Who loses face in the story? What are the effects?
“In order to be walked on you must be lying down.” (p. 188) How is this quote more than its literal interpretation? Are you more likely to walk on or to be walked upon? Why?
How does Jack prove his stamina and willpower with the bokken? Have you ever been able to do more than you thought physically or psychologically possible?
Explain the different aspects of training at the Butokuden. Which would be most interesting for you? What do you think would be the most difficult? What fans Akiko’s passion for the kuujutsu?
Why does Jack face even greater trials at the school than the other students? How does this force him to grow? Who, in particular, has difficulty with his presence? Why?
Describe what happened during the Hanami festival? Why does Masamoto choose Akiko, Jack and Saburo to fight in the Taryu-Jiai? What happens to Yamato?

How do they prepare for the match? What special skill does Jack learn from Sensei Yamada?

Describe the results of each part of the tournament and the tie-breaking conclusion. How are things ultimately resolved?
Predict what you think will happen next for Jack and his friends.

Projects:

Reading:

As you read create a cause and effect chart like the one below for each major event in the story:

CAUSE: ACTION: EFFECT:

Good readers make predictions as they read. They are also able to summarize the most important events as they read. Fill out the following chart as you read the novel and use it as a springboard for discussion. Remember: predictions do not have to be correct (so don’t fill it in after-the-fact) It would be boring to always know the end!

Chapter:	One sentence summary:	A prediction in the form of a question:
Prologue	Tenno, the oldest son of Masamoto is murdered by a Ninja as a message to his father.	I wonder if Tenno will somehow survive this attack and take revenge on the ninja.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

Art:

Create a piece of art inspired by something in the Japanese culture that is new for Jack (food, music, gardens, clothing, festivals, etc.)

Social Studies:

Research and create a poster, Powerpoint or web page on one of the following topics from the novel:

Samurai

Sensei

Martial Arts

Zen meditation

Toba, Japan

Nagasaki

History of ocean navigation

Trade route of the 1600’s

Japanese language

Festival of the Hanami

Japanese gardens

Japanese architecture

Food and diet of Japanese people

The Brothers Torres

2010-01-23T18:45:00.001-08:00

The Brothers Torres

by Coert Voorhees

About the book:

Frankie Towers has always looked up to his older brother, Steve. And with good reason—Steve is a popular senior who gets whatever he wants: girls, a soccer scholarship, and—lately—street cred. Frankie, on the other hand, spends his time shooting of fireworks with is best friend, Zach, working at his parents’ restaurant, and obsessing about his crush, Rebecca Sanchez.

Although Frankie has some reservations, he doesn’t spend much time thinking about Steve’s crusade to win the respect of the local cholos. Then Frankie gets into a fight with John Dalton—longtime nemesis of Steve’s and the richest, preppiest kid in their New Mexican high school. After the fight, Steve takes Frankie under his wing, and Frankie’s social currency begins to rise. The cholos who used to ignore him start to recognize him; he even lands a date to homecoming with Rebecca.

But after another incident with Dalton, Steve is bent on retaliating. Frankie starts to think that his brother may be taking this respect thing too far. Soon he’ll have to make a choice between respecting his brother and respecting himself.

In an honest and humorous debut novel, Coert Vorhees examines what it means for a young man to come of age.

About the author:

Coert Vorgees was born in New Mexico, where he developed a weakness for Hatch green chile. A former Fulbright Scholar, he is currently pursuing an MFA in fiction at the University of Houston. This is his first novel.

Pre-reading:

Who has the most influence over you as a person? Are there people you listen to even when it is against your best judgment? How do we abdicate power to these people?

Discussion guide:

Describe Frankie’s first attempt at asking Rebecca Sanchez to homecoming. What does it reveal about him as a person? Where does he fit in the social pyramid of his high school? Is it a similar pyramid to your own school? Why?
Describe Frankie and Zach’s friendship. Frankie says they are close enough to hammer each other with the most offensive racial slurs. Why do guys do this? How does their friendship change over the course of the novel? Are all friendships tested?
Why does Steve seem to have so many more privileges with no responsibilities compared to Frankie? How would you feel if you were Frankie? Do parents always treat siblings differently?
Have you, like Frankie, ever felt the cold slap of rejection? How did he handle it? Do you think Rebecca actually likes him or not? Why? How do you know if someone is interested so you don’t make a complete fool of yourself?
Describe the fight at the first mesa party Frankie attends. How is this a shift from how he’s been included in the social scene before? Does it give him an earned or false sense of confidence? In high school what is confidence based on?
Discuss the cause and effects of the beating that Frankie takes after school. What precipitated this violence? What events spiral out from this one event? How common is violence between teens in your own school and community? How do his parents react?
Despite the beating, Frankie manages to score a date with Rebecca. Would you pursue her with Dalton in the wings? Describe what happens on their first date. Why does Frankie “want a poster of this moment hanging up in my room” (p. 164) What happens with Rebecca?
How is Steve navigating a world beyond that of high school? Is he smart to ally himself with these guys who have such tough, though deserved, reputations? Would you feel safe with them or not?
How has Frankie’s relationship with his brother changed since his freshman year? Why do you think his brother has started to include him in his social circle? How do some siblings become friends and confidantes to one another while others distance themselves? Why does Frankie want to impress his brother so much?
Compare Carmenita (Steve’s girl) to Rebecca Sanchez. How do the boys’ parents react to these different girls? How is it that girls still suffer from bad reputations for doing the same things that boys get congratulated for? Is it fair? Do you think it will ever change?
How do Frankie and Rebecca view the Dalton’s business from vastly different angles? Have the Dalton’s taken advantage of the Sanchez legacy or merely profited off of sound business practices? Who do you think is right? Why?
What surprise does Frankie face about the family’s restaurant business? Would you want your parents to sell out to the Daltons or not? How do you think Frankie’s parents would react if they knew it was the Dalton’s son who was to blame for Frankie’s beating?
How do the brothers decide to get back at the Daltons? During the entire process how does Frankie feel at each step? Why does he feel powerless to stand up to Steve? What do both of them have at stake? Why does Steve seem so cavalier with his scholarship and athletics? Besides Rebecca, what could Frankie lose?
On the night of homecoming Frankie finally confronts his father about the injustices between himself and Steve in the family. What precipitated this discussion? Is it long overdue? Why do you think Frankie was silent for so long? Do you think the Towers parents are to blame for Steve’s behavior or not? Is it fair to let one child pursue excellence while another is left with even more responsibility?
Describe the homecoming dance for Frankie and Rebecca. How is it even better, in many ways, than he could’ve hoped for? What unexpected act of kindness floors him? Have you ever been the recipient or the creator of such a moment?
Explain why Frankie finally takes a stand with Steve in the parking lot at the dance. Is he right to spare Dalton? What would’ve been the long-term consequences if Frankie had not stepped in? How does it have unexpected consequences?
Why does Flaco turn on Steve? Do you think Steve did not understand the cruelty of the people he was trying to impress? How are none of them really innocent? Predict what you think the future holds for Steve, Dalton and Frankie.
How do race and class reveal themselves throughout the novel? Is most of the violence a symptom of these issues or is it unrelated? Defend your stance.
How has the relationship between the Towers brothers changed over the course of the novel? What does the time capsule represent? Do you think the events in the novel will ultimately bring them closer or not? Why?
Which scene in the novel is your favorite? Why? What can you learn as a writer from studying this scene? Five years from now what will stick with you from the Towers brothers’ story?

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian

2010-01-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian

by Rick Riordan

About the book:

All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos’s army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits the evil Titan’s power only grows.

While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it’s up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time. In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.

About the author:

Rick Riordan is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series for children and the multi-award-winning Tres Navarre mystery series for adults. For fifteen years, Rick taught English and history at public and private middle schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Texas. In 2002, Saint Mary’s Hall honored him with the school’s first Master Teacher Award.

His adult fiction has won the top three national awards in the mystery genre – the Edgar, the Anthony and the Shamus. His short fiction has appeared in Mary Higgins Clark Mystery Magazine and Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine.

His Percy Jackson series features a twelve-year-old dyslexic boy who discovers he is the modern-day son of a Greek god. The Lightning Thief was a New York Times Notable Book for 2005. Film rights have been purchased by Twentieth Century Fox and a feature film is in development. The Sea of Monsters was a Child Magazine Best Book for Children for 2006 and a Publishers Weekly and BookSense national bestseller. The third title, The Titan’s Curse, made the series a #1 New York Times bestseller, and the fourth title, The Battle of the Labyrinth, had a first printing of one million copies. Rick is also the author of The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones, another #1 New York Times bestseller. Film rights for The 39 Clues have been purchased by Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks.

Rick Riordan now writes full-time. He lives in San Antonio with his wife and two sons.

Author interview:

You left the door open a crack for a new series featuring half-bloods. Can your fans look forward to a new series?
How has writing the Percy Jackson books changed you as a writer?
What do you hope kids take away from reading this series?

Discussion Guide:

Describe what happens aboard the Princess Andromeda. What choice did Beckendorf make? Why? What’s the most difficult choice you’ve ever made?
“All I knew was that I was supposed to make a decision that would decide the fate of the world—but no pressure.” How would you feel about having this prophecy hang over your head? Would you try to avoid decisions or go boldly in to them?
Would you want to visit Poseidon’s palace? What would be the best part of being immortal? What would be the worst? What are the challenges and rewards of being a half-blood?
Discuss the major conflicts Percy faces in the novel. Which ones seem insurmountable? How does he handle the pressure? Where do you think he should focus his skills and resources?
Why are things so intense at Camp Half-Blood? What qualities in the campers are making cooperation even more difficult? Would you rather have gone to the Caribbean with Rachel?
Why do you think Percy needed to meet Hestia and get his mom’s blessing? Percy is putting his trust in Nico, son of Hades. Do you think this is a wise idea? How do you know whom to trust?
Why is Nico willing to trick Percy just for information? Why is it necessary to show how all the gods are divided about the conflict? How does this set Percy up to be the hero? Would you want to be the hero or not? Why?
Why does Percy bathe in the River Styx? How does he keep his mortality in tact? What does this tell us about Annabeth? What is your Achilles heel? Who would you trust to know what it is?
Hestia tells Percy that he must understand the family of his enemy to defeat them. Do you agree with this? Why would this be important?
As Percy prepares for battle with Kronos he takes stock of his assets and weaknesses. What powers, weapons and creatures (Mrs. O’Leary, perhaps) would you most like to have on your side for a mythical-sized battle for Mt. Olympus?
Describe the battle for Williamsburg Bridge. Which part was most exciting? How does Annabeth once again prove her loyalty to Percy? Do you have someone in your life that would take the knife for you?
Why had Hades cursed the Oracle of Delphi? Do you blame him? Why does he not blame Zeus himself? Do you think Percy should tell Nico what happened to his mother or not?
Why do you think Prometheus offers Pandora’s pithos to our hero? Do you think Percy would ever open it? Would you be able to leave it closed? What would happen if he did open it?
Does Luke deserve pity or rage? When do people become responsible for overcoming whatever happened to them as children? When does a tragic childhood become an excuse? How could being soft on Luke prove fatal for Annabeth and Percy?
What was May Castellan’s fate? If you were given the opportunity to see the future would you do it? Would you accept a quest from the oracle?
Percy and his cohorts battle a series of monsters and gods. Which scene is your favorite? What does Riordan do to create such exciting action sequences? How can you apply this to your own writing?
Dionysis explains to Percy that if Olympus fails…“Art, law, wine tastings, music, video games, silk shirts, black velvet paintings—all the things that make life worth living will disappear.” What would be on your list? Why do the gods need humans and heroes?
Why did Silena Beauregard lead the Ares cabin into battle with the drakon? What was the result? How did she set things right by her willingness to join the fray? How does Clarisse take the discovery?
Describe Percy’s plan for the final battle between Kronos and the half-bloods. How does Poseidon help? What other gods come to help in the battle? In the end, what is the choice that the prophecy spoke of? Who is the hero?
How do the Olympians reward Percy, Annabeth, Grover and the other half-blood heroes for their service? What is the fate of Rachel? Who do you think gets the best reward? Why doesn’t Percy accept his? Would you?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Reading:

As you read create a cause and effect graphic organizer based on the choices that characters make along the path to the final battle. Use this as a springboard to your discussions.

Writing:

Riordan set up a new quest with Rachel’s first prophecy. Write the first battle the seven half-bloods face.

Art:

Draw, paint or sculpt one of the monsters that Percy and his comrades face during the battle for Mt. Olympus based on the description from the book and your excellent imagination.

Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride

2010-01-23T18:42:00.001-08:00

Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride

by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

About the book:

Sojourner Truth was as strong and tall as most men. She was big, black and so beautiful. Born into slavery, Sojourner ran away as a young girl. She cherished her freedom, and believed it should be granted to everyone. But she didn’t fight for it with her mighty fists, and she didn’t stomp for it with her giant boots. Sojourner spoke the truth, and struggled against injustice with her brave, beautiful words. With lyrical text and spirited illustrations, the award-winning team of Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney brings one of America’s greatest heroes to life. Following Sojourner from her courageous plantation escape to her meeting with Abraham Lincoln, this is a stirring portrait of a woman who pulled herself up by her great big bootsraps. A warrior for justice above all else, Sourjourner allowed no bias to cross her path without a fight.

Andrea Davis Pinkney

has written several acclaimed picture books, works of nonfiction and novels. Her titles for middle grade readers include Solo Girl, Raven in a Dove House, Silent Thunder, and Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters, a Coretta Scott King Award Honor winner. She is also the author of the picture books Alvin Ailey; Duke Ellington (a Caldecott honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book); and Ella Fitzgerald, each illustrated by her husband and frequent collaborator, Brian Pinkney. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York.

Brian Pinkney is the illustrator of many acclaimed books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Books Duke Ellington and The Faithful Friend, and the Coretta Scott King Award winner In the Time of the Drums.

Author and Illustrator Interview:

Can you describe your process of working together on a book like Step-Stomp Stride?
What is the best part of writing and illustrating for children? What do you wish all kids knew about book-making?
Where do you find inspiration?

Pre-reading:

Have you ever heard of Sojourner Truth before? She was a famous American who lived long ago. What do you think she is remembered for?

Discussion questions:

Describe Sojournor. What did she look like? Act like? Say? How would someone describe you?
What does it mean to be “meant for great things?” What great things are you meant for?
Why did Sojournor have several names? Who gave her each of the names she had? Which one was most important to her? Why?
What happened to Belle when she was only nine years old? Why was she considered valuable? How does this make you feel?
What had John Dumont promised Belle? Did he keep his promise?
What did Belle decide to do then? When did she finally stop?
How did the Quaker couple help Belle? What did she do with her new freedom?
What did freedom mean for Sojournor? What did she decide to do?
Why couldn’t Sojournor read or write? What was she really good at despite not being able to read?
What did Olive Gilbert help Sojournor do with her story?
Do you think Sojournor was brave to speak out against slavery? How did she react to threats?
How did Sojournor stomp-stomp-stomp all over the stupidity of speeches she heard in Akron, Ohio? What do you think it was like in the church after she step, stomped, strided right out of there?

Projects:

Reading:

As you read the story of Sojournor Truth write down at least one fact, one question, and one response (a connection, thought or feeling about what you read) in the following chart and then discuss with your reading partner.

Facts	Questions	Responses

Writing:

Pretend that you were in the audience at that church in Akron, Ohio listening to those preachers discuss women’s rights. Write a letter home to someone describing what you heard and saw that important day.

History:

Create a timeline of Sojournor Truth’s life. Have at least five important dates on your timeline and illustrate it with drawings of your own.

Peter and the Sword of Mercy

2010-01-23T18:41:00.001-08:00

Peter and the Sword of Mercy

by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

About the book: The year is 1902—it’s been twenty-three years since Peter and the Lost Boys returned from Rundoon. Since then, nobody on the island has grown a day older, and the Lost Boys continue their friendship with the Mollusk tribe and their rivalry with Captain Hook. Meanwhile, in London, Molly has married George Darling and is raising three children: Wendy, Michael, and John. One night a visitor appears at her door; it’s James, one of Peter’s original Lost Boys. He is now working for Scotland yard and suspects that the heir to England’s throne, prince Albert Edward, is under the influence of shadow creatures. These shadow creatures are determined to find a secret cache of starstuff, which fell to London many centuries ago. The starstuff is hidden in an underground vault, which has only one key: the Sword of Mercy, a legendary weapon kept with the Crown Jewels. Molly is determined to help keep the starstuff safe, but when she suddenly goes missing, it is up to her eleven-year-old daughter, Wendy, to keep it out of the Others’ clutches. Wendy has heard her mother’s stories of a flying boy named Peter Pan, and he may be her only hope to save the world from a shadowy doom…

About the authors:

Dave Barry is a Pulitzer-Prize winning author of more than two dozen books, including Dave Barry’s History of the Millennium (So Far); The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog; Dave Barry’s Money Secrets: and Big Trouble. Along with Ridley Pearson he is the coauthor of Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, Escape from the Carnivale, Cave of the Dark Wind, Blood Tide, and Science Fair.

Ridley Pearson, in addition to coauthoring the Peter and the Starcatchers series with Dave Barry, is the award-winning author of Kingdom Keepers—Disney After Dark, Kingdom Keepers II—Disney at Dawn, and Steel Trapp. He has also written more than twenty best-selling crime novels, including Killer Summer, Killer View and Killer Weekend. He was the first American to be awarded the Raymond Chandler/Fulbright Fellowship in Detective Fiction at Oxford University.

Greg Call has illustrated the entire Peter and the Starcatchers series. He has worked for clients in music, entertainment, and publishing. His work has garnered many honors, including the ADDY Award.

Pre-reading:

What happened in the last Starcatchers story that you read? Who were the bad guys? In the end, who won and how?

Discussion guide:

Explain what happened in the opening scene of the novel. Why do you think the authors decided to start the story this way?
What is happening in London to passengers who ride the District Line Underground? Would you be willing to risk it?
What does the Skeleton desire? How does he get the information he needs? Can anyone resist him? What two things must come together for him to regain immense power for the Others?
Who is von Schatten? How has James Smith made discoveries about his influence over the king? Why won’t Scotland Yard believe him? What happens to James? Whose help does he seek? Why is this more difficult than it once would’ve been?
What does Peter first do as he appears in the story? Do you think he is being hoodwinked by the sailors? What clues are given?
What happens to Molly as she investigates the disappearance of James? Before she leaves how does she empower her own daughter, Wendy, to help? Would you believe your mom if she told you such a fantastical story?
What is happening on the island with O’Neal and the other “shipwrecked” sailors? How and when does the reader learn their true intentions for their visit? Why does Fighting Prawn suspect them from the beginning? How doe she plan to rid the island of them? Is it wise for him to get involved with his oldest enemy or not?
What is the cache? How is it protected? Who is working to uncover it and what do they hope to gain by doing so? What would you do if you knew about a terrible plot such as this?
Who ends up as prisoners under the Others? What are they using them for? How does Molly finally figure out what to do? What can you do if someone is holding you against your will?
Describe the adventure that Wendy takes to find Peter and the island. What was the most exciting part of her adventure? Would you be courageous enough to try an untested contraption like she did? Why or why not?
How does Captain Hook plan to rid himself of the pesky Peter once and for all? How is his plan foiled? When does he learn he’s been tricked?
How is Peter convinced to come back to England with Wendy? What adventures do they have along the way? What was the most exciting part for you as the reader? How does Tink help?
Describe Captain Hook’s first voyage in twenty years. How does it go? What ends up to the Jolly Roger?
Which of the enemies are your favorite in the story? Why? What qualities make the perfect nemesis?
How does the Starstuff give Lord Aster one last stand to save his family? What would you do with the Starstuff?
What is heavenstone? Why is it so important? How must they use it? Does it work in the way they need it to? How do these same tools end up being used against the Others?
Wendy says, “I never asked to be a Starcatcher. I’d rather be a regular English schoolgirl, sitting in my regular English home having a regular English supper with my regular English family.” (p. 360) Would you rather be regular or a Starcatcher? Why?
How do Shining Pearl and Little Scallop save the children on the island? What happens to them? How does Mr. Grinn play an important role in this part of the adventure? In the end who is outsmarted?
Explain what happens in the tunnel near Westminster Abbey at climax of the novel. How does the battle erupt between the two? In the end what happens to the cache and to the Starcatchers?
Which part of the novel was your favorite? How does it compare to the other books in the series? What would you tell your best friend about these books?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Peter may never age, but of course you will over time. Write a letter to yourself twenty years into the future. What do you want to remember but how it feels to be this age? What do you hope never changes about you? What do you hope to become, believe, see, do? Give a copy of the letter to your parents (sealed, if you like) and ask them to give it back in twenty years.

Art:

Sketch, paint, or create a collage based on your favorite scene in the novel. Explain why you chose this scene in a brief artist’s statement on the back and explain your use of shape, color and texture.

Music:

Create a playlist for the movie adaptation of the book. What songs should be played during what scenes? Why? Choose at least five scenes and five songs and explain your choice in a journal.

The Humblebee Hunter

2010-01-23T18:40:00.000-08:00

The Humblebee Hunter

Inspired by the Life and Experiments of Charles Darwin and his Children

by Deborah Hopkinson

Illustrated by Jen Corace

About the book:

On a beautiful day, the last thing Etty wants to do is sit inside baking honey cake. She’d much rather be outside. Who wouldn’t? And there’s no better person to be outside with than Etty’s father, Charles Darwin.

While many might be familiar with the story of Darwin’s theory of evolution, few of us have had the opportunity to see Darwin the family man—at home in England, doing what he loved best—walking, exploring, observing. All the while he pursued the answers to his most persistent questions, and he often had a little bit of help.

In her lyrical story of Charles Darwin at home with his children, Deborah Hopkinson portrays a very human side of one of the most revered figures in the history of science. In doing so, she sows the natural affinity children have for the scientific process.

About the author:

Deborah Hopkinson is the author of many acclaimed books for children including Stagecoach Sal; Apples for Oregon, an ALA Notable Book; and Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, winner of the IRA award. She lives in Oregon.

About the illustrator:

Jen Corace has illustrated many books for children, including Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal—a 2005 Book Sense Children’s Pick and an IRA Children’s Choice in 2006—and Little Hoot, also by Rosenthal. She recently illustrated Hansel and Gretel, a retelling by Cynthia Rylant. A graduate of the Rhose Island School of Design with a BFA in Illustration, Jen lives and works in Providence, Rhode Island.

Questions to consider:

What is Henrietta being asked to learn how to do? What do you get asked to do that you’d rather not?
Where would Henrietta rather be? Do you love to play outside best too?
What do you think is a kitchen garden? If you had one what would you grow?
What did mother compare Henrietta’s father to? What animal or insect are you most like?
Describe what happened when Mr. Darwin tried to capture three rare beetles at the same time.
What were Henrietta’s favorite stories about? If you could go anywhere in the world to study an animal where would you go and what would you research?
What was the most important thing Mr. Darwin collected? How did he teach this habit to his children?
What questions did the children create before each of their experiments?
How does Etty finally get out of the kitchen? Do you think she’s happy? What details let you know?
Explain how the family would keep track of the bees. What was the question that this experiment would answer?
What did Henrietta observe about the bee?
After reading this book, what else would you like to learn about Charles Darwin and his experiments?

Across the curriculum:

Reading:

Like Darwin, good readers look for important facts as they study a topic. As you read or listen to the story make a list of all the facts you know about Henrietta and her family. Then, circle which facts you think are most important to the story. Discuss with a reading partner about why you chose these facts.

Writing:

The author, Deborah Hopkinson, tells the story of a family but uses poetic language to bring it to life. Reread the story and find at least three phrases that are written in a poetic way. What makes this writing memorable? How does she use details and strong verbs to create images in the reader’s mind? Revise your current piece of writing inspired by the author’s work.

Science:

Like Henrietta and her siblings, go outside and observe closely something in nature. Create a question that you would like answered and try to develop an experiment. Fill out the following chart as your guide:

What I observed:	A question I have:	An experiment that could answer this question:

Math:

Math and Science are great companions. It’s good to take data and then convert it into charts or graphs that can be easily understood by others without having to read long paragraphs! Go into your backyard (or nearby park) and take data on how many of the following you can count: trees, birds, bushes, clouds, children, and insects. Then, put the data into two different types of graphs.

Art:

On the last page of the story the artist decided to do a close up of the bumblebee, just as Henrietta had to closely observe it. Go outside and choose one thing (it does not have to be an insect or animal) and create a sketch that zooms in and fills the page with a detailed drawing. Add color if you wish.

Music:

Sing this tune to “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”

Let’s go follow

the humble bee, the humble bee,

the humble bee

Let’s go follow the humble bee

and count as he lands!

Let’s go out play for worms

play for worms, play for worms

Let’s go out and play for worms

and see if they notice!

Let’s go out

and count some snakes, count some snakes

count some snakes

let’s go out and count some snakes

as many as we can!

Lets go out and experiment

experiment, experiment!

Let’s go out and experiment

and see what we can learn!

Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean

2010-01-23T18:39:00.000-08:00

Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean

by Sarah Stewart Taylor and Ben Towle

About the book:

“Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.” - Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart developed a love of flying at a very young age… and she wasn’t about to let any man get in the way of her dreams. What began as a simple joy became something much deeper—a commitment to open doors for all women. As Amelia built a name for herself in the field of aviation—breaking numerous recores along the way—she inspired future trailblazers to soar to new heights.

In Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean, Taylor and Towle focus on Amelia’s triumphant crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in 1928, offering us a glimpse of her relentless ambition and her tireless will to promote women’s rights. But above all, author and illustrator leave us with a sense of her deep-rooted desire to touch the sky.

About the creators:

Sarah Stewart Taylor is the Agatha Award-nominated author of the Sweeney St. George mystery series, which follows the exploits of an art historian who specializes in funerary imagery. She teachers writing at the Center for Cartoon Studies, and is co-founder of the Writer’s Center, a teaching space and drop-in workshop open to the public in White River Junction, Vermont. Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean is the first graphic novel she has written. She lives in North Hartland, Vermont, with her husband and two sons. Visit her website at www.SarahStewartTaylor.com.

Ben Towle is an Eisner Award-nominated cartoonist and comics educator whose most recent graphic novel is Midnight Sun, which chronicles the fate of an Italian airship expedition to the North Pole in 1928. Aside from Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean, he is currently hard at work on Oyster War, a raucous adventure story set around the Chesapeake Bay at the turn of the twentieth century. Ben lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Creator Interview:

What fascinated you most about Amelia Earheart’s story?
Could you describe a bit about your process for research and writing this book?
What advice would you give young people who would like to write or become cartoonist?

Artist:

How would you describe your process for bringing Amelia Earhart’s story to life?
Is revision a big part of an artist’s work like it is for writers?
What is your next project?

Questions to consider:

Why does Amelia come to Trepassy, Newfoundland? Why is this location ideal? Would you put your faith in a place called “Dead Man’s Bay?”
Deduce why Grace’s mother calls her “Nosy Nelly.” List careers where being a nosy questioning person is an asset.
Explain why Earhart and her team has so much difficulty getting airborne. How do they try to solve the issues?
Theorize how the Trepassy Herlad got started. Why do you think she created it? What clues lead you to believe this?
Summarize what happened to the other women who tried to fly the Atlantic. Would you want to be the first at something? What?
How does it become a race for Amelia? Do you think competition makes something more interesting or worthwhile?
What do the men on the team do to pass the time? Explain why this is probably not the best idea. What do you do when you’re bored?
Determine how Amelia Earhart became interested in flying? Do you think her father regretted introducing it to her or not? Why?
Consider Amelia Earhart’s choices compared to most women of her time. How did she behave compared to her contemporaries? Do you consider her brave?
“The ocean up her is hungry for foolish souls.” Would you consider Earhart foolish or not? Why?
How does Grace learn the outcome of her Atlantic flight? What does she do with the information?
At the end of the book how has Grace changed? Do you think Amelia Earhart was a big influence on her life or not? Who are your personal heroes? Why?

Projects:

Art: Create a new series of cartoon’s which depict another even in Amelia Earhart’s life. Use the illustrations by Ben Towle as inspiration and include at least ten frames. Be sure to vary the perspective in at least three.

History: Research life in the 1920’s and create a poster, pamphlet, powerpoint or commercial about what you learned. Consider one of the following topics: women’s rights or issues, music, art and architecture, technology, transportation, medicine or entertainment.

Math: In pairs create equations which calculate either how much gas is needed per miles for Amelia Earhart to fly her plane or how man hours per miles it would take her to complete a trip across the Atlantic.

Science: Create a diagram explaining the physics of flight. Be sure to define any necessary terms for the lay person to understand it.

Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down

2010-01-23T18:37:00.001-08:00

Sit-In

How Four Friends stood Up By Sitting Down

By Andrea Davis Pinkney

Illustrated by Brian Pinkney

About the book:

Courageously defying the Whites Only edict of the era, four young black men took a stand against the injustice of segregation in America by sitting down at the lunch counter of a Woolworth’s department store. Countless others of all races soon joined the cause following Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful words of peaceful protest. By sitting down together they stood up for civil rights and created the perfect recipe for integration not only at the Woolworth’s counter, but on buses and in communities throughout the South.

Poetic storytelling and exuberant illustrations combine to celebrate a defining moment in the struggle for racial equality.

About the author:

Andrea Davis Pinkney is the author of many acclaimed picture books and young adult novels and she received a Coretta Scott King Book Award Author Honor for Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters. She is a children’s book editor at a major publishing company.

About the illustrator:

Brian Pinkney has illustrated numerous books for children, including two Caldecott Honor books, and he has written and illustrated several of his own books. Brian has received the Coretta Scott King Book Award for Illustration and three Coretta Scott King Award Honor Medals

Andrea and Brian are a husband-and-wife team who have collaborated on a number of books for children including the Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Book Award Illustrator Honor book Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra. They live with their children in New York City.

Curriculum Connections:

Writing

Reading

Social Studies

Mathematics

Music

Art

Across the Curriculum:

Today teachers are asked to get so much done with a standard school day: expand student’s understanding of the world, build their fluency and comprehension of texts, prepare for high stakes tests. Adding children’s literature to your classroom is the perfect way to do all three at once. The lyrical quality of picture books makes them perfect for discussing literary elements like conflict, character and more language oriented goals like identifying similes and metaphor. In addition, the connections that can be made to real-world people and events give authority for the social science curriculum. If the book is too complex for students to be successful independently then it makes a great read-aloud for whole class discussion. Use the following discussion questions and projects as a guide for your exploration of the early 1960’s just as the Civil Rights Movement begins to take shape in the South. This award-winning team will make it easy to weave this compelling story across your curriculum.

Discussion guide:

Do you think David Joseph, Franklin and Ezell expected to get a doughnut and coffee when they went to Woolworth’s that day? Why or why not?
Why were they so patient and silent? Would you be able to sit without complaining like that?
How were they treated like the hole in a doughnut at first? Why do you think it changed?
What did the laws of segregation expect people to do (and not do)? Do you think this was fair?
How were they encouraged by Dr. King’s words? Whose words encourage you?
Could you sit all day long without anything to eat? How did the first day end?
Why do you think more students showed up the next day at Woolworth’s? Why do you suppose they wore their best clothes?
How did the students pass the time? What do you do to pass the time?
What does the author mean when she says that lunch counter protests “spread faster than a grease fire?”
What was tougher than any school test? Do you think you would pass or not? Why?
Describe how hatred was served to the students. How did some people show their support of the students?
Besides lunch counters where else was segregation part of each day?
Why were some students arrested? How did they react?
Explain what you think “We are all leaders” means. How can you be a leader in your own community or school?
In the end, what was the result of those brave students’ action? How can a few people end up making such a big difference?

Across the curriculum:

Language Arts-

Reading:

Being able to distinguish what is important and what is extraneous can be difficult for young readers. Help your students build this pivotal skill by teaching them to read with a purpose. Have your students fill out the following graphic organizer as you read the story aloud (or for independent readers on their own). Students should list important facts they hear on one side and on the other write questions they have about the text. Afterwards, discuss student responses and see if any of the questions are answered in the extensive back pages of timelines and historical information.

Important facts:	Questions about the text:
Ex: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words got them started	I wonder if they knew Dr. King or all went to hear him speak together?

Writing:

Andrea Davis Pinkney uses the language of a recipe to bring this story to life. Now you cook up your own ideas and write a recipe for a topic that is important to you or your community. First, have your students bring in copies of their favorite recipes from home. Then, in pairs have them highlight or circle all the verbs in it. Next, brainstorm ideas for a recipe topic (a few to get you started: friendship, love, fairness, a great school year, sportsmanship, etc) and add them to a chart so children can explore other topics as the year progresses. After that, have children take their recipe through the entire writing process. Note how recipes use the fewest words possible but everything must make sense! When complete, have children copy onto a recipe card and display outside your classroom (or in a recipe box)!

Listening:

The four students who began the sit in were inspired by the great speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Have your students listen to Dr. King (and provide a printed copy too) and then discuss why some people have the power to inspire others. Allow students to highlight or underline the part of the speech that mean the most to them. Then, let them turn and talk to a partner about their selection.

Speaking (or not):

The four cornerstones of language arts are reading, writing, listening and speaking. But in the book the students spoke the loudest by not saying anything at all. They let their actions and their silence speak volumes about what they wanted. Have children brainstorm situations where doing or saying nothing takes more courage than acting out. Have the role play these choices in pairs or small groups.

Art:

Revisit the book and discuss each page of the art and have children discuss why they think Mr. Pinkney made the choices he did to bring the story to life. Be sure to point out the loose lines and the changes between blurred figures and detailed portraits. Ask the children: Why do you think he focused on these figures? Why do you think he chose these colors? Which illustration is your favorite? Why? How do some pictures depict movement? Then, inspired by the art from the book, have children illustrate their recipes or another scene from the Civil Rights Movement.

Music:

Listen to songs that inspired a generation to stand up against injustice. As people protested or were hauled off to prison they often sang together to show unity and remain peaceful. It’s easy to find recordings of them on the internet but be sure to provide your students with the lyrics if you can. Use them as a springboard to discussion. Some of the most popular titles include: “We Shall Overcome,” “Oh Freedom,” “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “When Will We Be Paid For the Work We’ve Done?” and “going Down to Mississippi.”

Math:

Research the average price today for the following goods compared to their price in 1961. For older students have them calculate the percentage of change.

Prices in 1961	Prices today	Difference or % of increase
Bread: .25 cents
New car: 2,850.00
Eggs per dozen: .30 cents
Gallon of gas .27 cents
New house: 12,500.00

Social Studies:

Include Sit In as part of a larger unit on peace or as part of your study of the Civil Rights Movement itself. Have children create a bulletin board display titled Portraits of Peace by painting, drawing or using collage to show important leaders in history who promoted peace. You could extend the lesson by having children create portraits of scenes where children create peace with each other at school or play. Under each portrait have students write on an index card explaining why this person was included in the gallery.

Timeline Project:

Using the timeline in the back of the book as a springboard assign small groups of students to each major event. Have them answer the five journalistic questions (who, what, when, where, why) and create a poster or PowerPoint presentation about what they learned. Present projects in chronological order and share with parents or other classes.

Skeleton Creek Books 1 & 2

2010-01-23T18:36:00.001-08:00

SkSkeleton Creek

by Patrick Carmen

About the series:

Sarah and Ryan are in deep. Deep in trouble and deep into a disturbing mystery that everyone in their hometown of Skeleton Creek, Oregon seems intent on keeping. The last time the two went out to the creepy gold dredge abandoned in the middle of the woods Ryan ended up in the hospital and in a cast that has left him stuck at home and forbidden to speak or contact Sarah anymore. Sarah is intent on unraveling the mystery of the dredge but also what happened to Ryan that night in the woods because she has footage that no one else has seen. The story is told in alternating viewpoints: Ryan’s through his own journal (as the novel) and Sarah’s is told through video viewed online with passwords. This exciting new storytelling format will have kids riveted to the page trying to figure out what these detectives will discover next.

Teachers: if you’re looking for a way to bridge the digital divide with your students and lure them inside the structure of a novel, look no further. Students can explore both the traditional fiction through a novel and learn to discuss and evaluate other storytelling techniques with media. Inspire your students to explore alternative storytelling methods and media and learn to discuss it with a discerning eye.

Discussion Guide: Book 1

Skeleton Creek

Describe Ryan as he sees himself. Do you think anyone who writes as much as he has will eventually become good at it? What condition is he in? Why?
Over the last year how has Ryan’s journal (and the stories inside it) slowly become intertwined with his real life in Skeleton Creek? How did the quest begin?
“Privacy has long been the religion of our town.” (p. 17) Why do you think this is important? What would be the religion of your own town? What is good about living in a small town? What can be a challenge?
What do you learn from watching Sarah’s footage of the night in the woods? Would you be willing to continue on solving the mystery or not? Why? Which part of the story do you think was more difficult to write: the journal or the script? Why?
How is Ryan’s dad involved in the mystery of the story? What information does Ryan learn from his about the dredge and Old Joe Bush? Does your town have any local ghost stories too?
How is Ryan able to make connections between what he discovers from his dad and the videos from Sarah? Who is finding the most information? Do you think any of the details they are discovering are unimportant (in mystery fiction this is called a red herring)?
Ryan is constantly admitting that he is paranoid. Do you think his fear is interfering with understanding the truth? Would you be willing to risk your parent’s wrath and your own safety to pursue the truth of the mystery? What do they have to lose?
What does Ryan learn about the tapping sounds on the video and what they mean? Do you think it connects to Ryan’s dad?
What passwords does Sarah give Ryan to access the videos? What is the significance of these words? Where do they come from?
What do they discover at the dredge at the end of the book? In the end, where are Sarah and Ryan? Predict what you think will happen next and why.

Discussion Guide: Book 2

How did Sarah and Ryan escape from the secret room? What did they learn while trapped down there? What warning did they get? Would you continue with the search?
How does Ryan start eliminating suspects from the list they found in the secret room? What surprising facts does he learn about people on the list?
Who were Hooke, Boyle and Newton? How did their discoveries become important to unraveling the mystery of the dredge? How does he uncover the detailed truth about their important work?
Sarah’s video’s illicit more intense responses from Ryan in this book than in the last. Why? Are you more influenced by video or print? Ten years from now what do you think will have the most influence in entertainment? Why?
What clues does Ryan discover in his own house and by his surveillance at the local library? Why are the crossbones involved with the dredge?
What does Sarah discover the night of the crossbones secret society meeting? How does she gain access?
Why is the element of time even more critical now? What will happen if Sarah and Ryan cannot unravel the mystery? How does this add intensity to the story?
In the end, what did Ryan and Sarah discover was the secret behind the deaths at the dredge and what the murderer was protecting? Who was responsible for the treachery? Who do you think feels most betrayed by this knowledge?
Who do you feel like you knew better through this story: Sarah or Ryan? Why? Which part would you most be interested in writing or creating? What have you learned about the creation of stories that you can apply to your own next work?
After viewing all of Sarah’s video’s discuss which ones were most compelling and why. Which ones developed Sarah as a character? Which ones advanced the plot heavily? Which ones added suspense and fear to the narrative? What elements created the mood? How can you evaluate a video for its effectiveness?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Keep a journal that is very stream of consciousness (in the moment) for at least one day inspired by Ryan’s journal. Try to make your reader feel as if they are standing beside you watching events unfold. Although you may not have a life and death mystery to solve you may explore other questions: what is school cafeteria meatloaf really made out of? Why does your math teacher keep opening the bottom left hand drawer of her desk? Does Katy Ryan really like Paul Mills or is she writing love notes to someone else?

-or-

Work with a partner to tell a local ghost story. Be sure to create intensity between the two mediums (print and video) and make the story rely on each other as in Skeleton Creek. Don’t forget to let the mystery unfold in more than one episode so your reader/viewer discovers information along the way.

Multi-media:

Try writing a short screenplay inspired by Sarah’s personal uploads of the discoveries. What footage would best describe a day-in-the-life of you? What details would be important to capture? What would you let people see from your home? Your room? Yourself? Consider how you will use the elements of media to enhance your production: light, sound, screen angles, and close-ups. Discuss your choices in a journal you turn in with the project.

Art:

Create a collage inspired by the events from the novel. Don’t forget to use some of the literary allusions from the video passwords and don’t feel compelled to stick with two- dimensional objects either. Explain your choice of symbol, subject, color, form and texture in a brief artists statement you also include with the project.

Music:

Create a playlist for at least two scenes of the book. Which music would you choose for the background? Why? If lyrics were used, which ones would be best?

History:

Research the history of video and film development. How has it changed in the last 50 years? Predict what you think the medium will do in the next 50 years. Create a timeline of at least five important events.

Science:

Develop a powerpoint, website or video about Newton, Boyle or Hooke and their discoveries. Be sure to include at least five important facts about the scientist’s life, their accomplishments and important discoveries.

Novels of Wendelin Van Draanen

2010-01-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

Wendelin Van Draanen

Author Study Guide

If you’re looking for an author who can appeal to both boys and girls with adventure, quirky characters, and action that will appeal to even the most reluctant reader then you simply must include the books of Wendelin Van Draanen in your classroom library. From the series Gecko and Sticky for younger readers through the wildly popular middle grade mystery series, Sammy Keyes to compelling contemporary YA novels like Flipped and Runaway students of every age and reading level will find a character to root for and follow.

About the author:

Wendelin Van Draanen has been everything from a forklift driver to a high school teacher but is now enjoying life as a full-time writer. The books in the Sammy Keyes mystery series have been embraced by critics and readers alike, and Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief received the Edgar Allan poe Award for Best Children’s Mystery. Ms. Van Draanen lives with her husband and two sons in California. Her hobbies include the “three R’s”: reading, running and rock ‘n’ roll.

Author study ideas:

Read at least two books my Wendelin Van Draanen and then consider one of the following projects:

Create a venn diagram comparing the two books including the major characters, the setting, the conflict and the resolution.

Find your two favorite scenes in each book and discuss what makes these so effective. What can you learn as a writer by studying these scenes? How does it inspire you in your own writing? Create a “ten things I learned” list by studying these scenes.

Create a Powerpoint, poster, pamphlet or video commercial about your favorite Van Draanen book. Be sure to pique the audience’s interest without giving away the ending.

Create a quiz based on both novels and turn in an answer key with your test.

Write a letter to Wendelin Van Draanen about your favorite book or series. Explain what you love about it and what you think it would be like to be friends with the main character.

Sammy Keyes Mystery Series:

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man

Sammy Keyes and the Sisters of Mercy

Sammy Keyes and the Runaway Elf

Sammy Keyes and the Curse of Moustache Mary

Sammy Keyes and the Hollywood Mummy

Sammy Keyes and the Search for Snake Eyes

Sammy Keyes and the Art of Deception

Sammy Keyes and the Psycho Kitty Queen

Sammy Keyes and the Dead Giveaway

Sammy Keyes and the Wild Things

Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash

Sammy Keyes Discussion questions:

Who are the characters that revolve around Sammy’s life? Which is your favorite? Why? How does Van Draanen develop them for the reader?
Describe Sammy. Would you, like Gran, want to have her as your best friend through middle school? Why or why not?
Compare Marissa’s life to Sammy’s. What are the differences between them? Why does Marissa consider Sammy lucky despite living in The Towers?
Do you think Sammy gets herself in deeper trouble or does it just find her somehow? Do you think she’s capable of staying out of a mystery? Are you?
Find a favorite description (or scene of dialogue) from one of the Sammy Keyes mysteries. What did you learn as a writer by studying this part? What can you apply to your next piece of writing?
Which of the Sammy Keyes mysteries is your favorite? Why? What elements make a terrific mystery?

Projects:

Reading: Create a chart that has the following elements: a list of characters from the current Keyes mystery you’re reading and a description of them, their relationship to Sammy, and the most important things to know about them.

Writing: Develop a poster, powerpoint or blog entry about the Sammy Keyes series and why kids should try it.

Art: Use an old shoebox to create a three-dimensional piece of art inspired by the mystery in the story. Be sure to use the title somewhere on your piece and include clues to solving the mystery (but don’t give it away).

Music:

Pretend that Sammy Keyes is turning into a TV Show and write the lyrics (and the tune if you like) for the opening theme song. Think about your own favorite shows and their theme songs for inspiration.

Gecko & Sticky

Gecko & Sticky and The Villain’s Lair

Gecko & Sticky and The Greatest Power

Gecko & Sticky and the Sinister Substitute

Discussion Questions:

How did Dave and Sticky become amigo’s? What would be the best part of having Sticky as your pet?
Describe the Aztec powerband. How does it work? Why is it so important to the story? Which of the powers would you most like to have? Why?
Who are the villains in the Gecko and Sticky series? What makes a good villain?
Describe Dave (Gecko) and Sticky. How do we, as the reader, get to know them? Who is your favorite? Why?
Which of the Gecko and Sticky books is your favorite? Why? What would you tell your best friend about the series?
Dave created his own business, Roadrunner Express. What type of business would you like to run? Why? What are the requirements for success in Dave’s business? What would be in that list for you?

Projects:

Reading: Van Draanen is a master of suspenseful chapter endings. At the end of each chapter make a predication about what you think will happen next, and why. Remember that predictions are based on evidence from the story and what you know about stories in general.

Writing: Create a story map or cause and effect chart for one of the Geck and Sticky books as you read it. Study how Van Draanen creates tension and write a journal on how to use what you learned in your next piece of narrative writing.

Science: Create a poster or pamphlet about an unusual animal and its amazing adaptations (like the gecko’s sticky fingers or the Komodo dragons tongue)

Art:

Create a video commercial (live or taped) or print advertisement (magazine or poster-sized) about the Gecko and Sticky series and who should read it. Explain why the series is exciting but remember not to give too much away!

Shredderman

Shredderman: Secret Identity

Shredderman: Attack of the Tagger

Shredderman: Meet the Gecko

Shredderman: Enemy Spy

Discussion questions:

Who is Nolan Byrd? How would you describe him? What (or who, more accurately) is his problem? How does he deal with it? How would you?
How does a school project inspire a new super hero? What does Shredderman do exactly?
Does your school have any problems with bullying? What is the best thing to do with a bully?
Would you like a Shredderman site for your own school? What do you think it would do?
How does the Shredderman site change over the books? How does Nolan change too?
Which of the books is your favorite? Why? Which character is the most interesting to you? How do we get to know characters in a story?

Projects:

Reading: Good readers make connections between what they read and events from their own life, between the book and other books that they’ve read, and to the world around them. As you read Shredderman write the connections you make on a sticky note. Then, discuss with your reading partner.

Writing/Music:

Write a song inspired by “Lullaby for Bubba” about bullies and bullying to another familiar tune.

Art:

Create a poster or diorama of your favorite scene in one of the books. Explain what is in your 3D display and why you included it in a brief journal you also turn in with the project.

Novels for older readers by Van Draanen:

How I survived Being a Girl-

Carolyn is a dedicated 6^th grade tomboy- happiest in boy’s clothing and outside until some strange new feelings begin to surface.

Flipped-

There’s two sides to every story and Bryce and Julianna both get the chance to tell the truth as they see their romance.

Swear to Howdy-

Secrets between best friends Joey and Rusty are just part of being best friends and boys but when pranks go awry how long should a pact stand?

Runaway-

After her addicted mother dies Holly escapes from an abusive foster family and finds life on the streets a difficult journey.

Confessions of a Serial Kisser-

Evangeline’s quest for the perfect kiss has more consequences than she bargained for.

Almost Astronauts

2010-01-23T18:33:00.001-08:00

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women who Dared to Dream

by Tanya Lee Stone

About the book:

What are the requirements for being shot off into space with the hopes and fears of a nation riding on your ability to pilot a hunk of metal? Mastery of flying, as well as courage, intelligence, resistance to stress and fitness—any checklist would certainly include these. But when America created NASA in 1958, there was an unspoken rule in place: you must be male, and you must be white. Yet, nearly twenty years before the first women were allowed into the astronaut program, a group of thirteen women proved not onlky that they were as tough as any man, but also that they were brave enough to challenge the government. Almost Astronauts tells the story of the “Mercury 13” women, who were blocked by prejudice, jealous, and a note scrawled by one of the most powerful men in Washington. In the end, the inspiring example of these space age pioneers empowered young people to take their rightful place in the sky and beyond, piloting jets and commanding space capsules.

About the author:

Tanya Lee Stone is a former editor and an award-winning author who often writes about strong women. When she first learned about the “Mercury 13” she “could not believe that such a dramatic story about courageous women, a fight for justice, and American heroes behaving badly was not already known the world over.” As she did her own original research, she learned a dark secret about the early space program that had been hidden for forty years.

Pre-reading:

Without showing students your book have them draw a detailed picture of an astronaut with and without their uniform. Afterwards count how many drew a picture of a woman compared to a man. Discuss the results.

Discussion guide:

What is the significance of the chapter title “T Minus 38 Years?” What was life like for women in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s? How had World War II changed American women?
How did Betty Skelton and Ruth Nichols help pave the way for the other women? Without forward-thinking men like Randy Lovelace and Donald Flickinger who believed women had equal skills and abilities do you think it would’ve taken even longer for women to reach space? Why or why not?
Describe the astronaut fitness tests. Would you want to endure them yourself? Have you ever trained for anything? How did it compare to the training and testing the women went through? Do you think they were being even more thorough and exacting on the women? Why?
What do you think will be revealed about our current stereotypes and misconceptions when people look back 40 years from now? Are there groups of people who are still denied their rights and opportunities? Why?
Who was Jerrie Cobb? Why was she such an important member of the Mercury 13? Why was her performance in the isolation tank so extraordinary? How do you think you would fare under those conditions? What other tests did she endure? To what outcomes? Despite her success why do you think comparisons with the men were avoided overall?
Why did women feel compelled to be quiet about any feminist views in their jobs and life? What consequences did they face if they showed any feminist leanings? Are their views today that are still that unpopular?
The Mercury 13 women represented a broad questioning of women’s roles of the period, “Not just what is a woman capable of but what is a woman’s place” (p. 54) Why was this so far outside the expectations and norm of the time?
Why was the 2^nd round of testing cancelled? How would you feel if you were told no to pursuing your dreams? How did the requirement of the test jet pilot give NASA the perfect excuse?
How high up did the conspiracy to keep women out of the space program go? Why didn’t Johnson want to admit women to the program?
How did Jackie Cochran put the nail in the coffin for women joining the space program during the 60’s? What was her motivation? Were you surprised to learn that a woman would hold back others in this way?
How does the book show people who are considered classic American heroes in a new light? Do you think their views were representative of most men at the time? Do you think most of them have changed their minds about women and minorities or have just become more discreet with stating their opinions?
What changes finally opened the doorways for women to become astronauts? Why did it take so long? Who were some of the pioneering women to first slip on the uniform of astronaut and fulfill the Mercury 13 women’s dreams?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Write a pamphlet biography about a woman who has been a pioneer in her field. Find at least five important facts about her work, five dates that were key in her life and who she inspired.

Science:

Create a timeline of the first forty years of the space program add in important dates for women in an alternative color for comparison.

Art:

Inspired by the story of the Mercury 13 women create a piece of art which honors their contribution. Explain your use of color, form and texture in an artist’s statement which you also turn in with the project.

Social Studies:

Research and read common periodicals, newspapers and other print from the late 1950’s and early 1960’s to find depictions and expectations of women and their roles in the family and work place. Compare to periodicals and newspapers of today. Create a venn diagram comparing what you found.

Math:

Research the distance between the Earth and the moon, Mars, Venus and the sun. Calculate how long it would take to get there in your family car traveling an average speed of 65 MPH.

This guide uses the following Language and Reading Curriculum Standards:

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).

Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.  

Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Using Almost Astronauts in your classroom with this guide uses the following National Science Standards:

NS.5-8.1 Science As Inquiry

Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

Understandings about scientific inquiry

NS.5—8.4 Earth and Space Science

Structure of the earth system

Earth in the Solar System

NS.5-8.5 Science and Technology

Abilities of technological design

Understandings about science and technology

NS.5-8.7 History and Nature of Science

Science as a human endeavor

Nature of Science

History of Science

Secrets, Lies and Algebra

2010-01-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

Secrets, Lies and Algebra

by Wendy Lichtman

About the book: Tess loves math because it’s the one subject she can trust—there’s always just one right answer, and it never changes. But then she starts algebra and is introduced to those pesky and mysterious variables, which seem to be everywhere in eighth grade. When even your friends and parents can be variables, how in the world do you find out the right answers to the really important questions, like what to do about a boy you like or whom to tell when someone’s done something really bad? Will Tess’s life ever stop changing long enough for her to figure it all out?

About the author:

Wendy Lichtman is the author of several novels for young readers, including the follow-up to this book, Do the Math: The Writig on the wall. She also tutors math. She lives in Berkeley, California.

Pre-reading:

Math inspires either a dogged devotion or an intense repulsion. Why do you think this is? What does it reveal about someone who likes math?

Discussion guide:

“…since who you’re greater than (>) and who you’re less than (<) is kind of the point of eighth grade.” (p.3) Do you agree that middle school is all about this ranking of people? When do you think this disappears? Why is it so pervasive during this time?
How does creating the graphs help Tess sort through her thinking about what happened to Nina? Do you think her mother should’ve talked to her no matter what? What helps you sort through your own thinking?
Why is Tess’s mom suspicious of Rob for his wife’s death? Would you want to go to the police or not? Why?
Why is Tess suddenly disappointed in both algebra and her mother? What things do you rely on to stay consistent in your life?
Tess seems conflicted about telling on Richard though she’s certain her mom should tell on Rob. Are there times to tell and times to stay silent? How do you know the difference?
Tess tells Miranda and Sammy the secret about Robt. Who could you trust with such an important secret? With whom could you create a Venn diagram? With whom would you have an empty set?
Discuss why the death of Nina is more like a theorem than an axiom. Can you see Tess’s mom’s point about not telling too?
Do you think it’s wise that Tess and Sammy went looking for evidence at Rob’s house? Why or why not? Can you see things that aren’t really there when you’re looking for them? What evidence did they find?
Who betrayed Tess’s secret? How does she know? Can you keep a secret? Is it necessary for friendship?
Do you think Ms. Saltzman is a good math teacher? What qualities make the best teachers? Do you, like Tess, have difficulty concentrating on school when faced with problems?
List all the problems Tess is facing in the novel. Which one would be most disturbing for you? Why? How do you think she should handle each of them?
Have you ever had a boomerang moment with your own parents?
What symbol does Tess use to define herself? What does she use for her friends? What symbol would best represent you? Why?
How many people benefited from Richard’s pilfering of the test? Is it fair? Should Tess tell? How is it resolved?
How does Mr. Wright discover something went wrong with the tests? Do you think the state tests are given too much importance in the curriculum? Do these tests make you nervous?
Why does Tess decide to tell what she believes about Richard and the test? Would you?
What connections does Tess finally make between her relationship with her friends and what happened with her mom? What do you think she’s learned?
Describe what happened at the dance. Is this typical for middle school events?
Do you think it’s obvious that Damien and Tess like each other? How do they react around one another? Predict what you think will happen six months after the close of the novel.
Lynn drives Tess a little crazy by always saying that something happened to her and repeating information that isn’t her business. Are there other traits that drive you crazy too? How can you handle a person like Lynn?

Across the curriculum:

Reading:

Good readers make predictions about their books as they read based on what they know about the characters, evidence they’ve gathered while reading and their knowledge of story structure. At the end of each chapter make a prediction about what you think will happen next and why. Remember that predictions are often wrong and that’s fine (if we always knew what would happen few of us would keep reading!)

Writing:

Wendy Lichtman uses math to bring Tess’s story to life. Using your own passion (soccer, dance, music) use terms from that hobby to illuminate a friendship story of your own.

Art:

Create a collage that incorporates images from the story as well as mathematical formulas. Explain your choice of color, design, forms and formulas in a brief artist’s statement on the back.

Math:

As you read the novel fill out the following graphic organizer. Use it to jump off discussion in both math and reading:

Term:	Definition:	Example:	Why it’s important to the story:
Tangent
Tesselation
DNE
Infinite
Venn Diagram
Empty Set
Axiom
Theorem
Quadratic Equation
Prime numbers
Imaginary #’s
Additive Property of Equality
Extraneous Solution
Asymptotes
Line
Line segment

The Writing on the Wall

2010-01-23T18:30:00.001-08:00

The Writing on the Wall

by Wendy Lichtman

About the book:

Eight grade, like algebra, has become pretty complicated for Tess. For one thing, there are the patterns she’s noticing everywhere—like how charming-on-the-outside Richard keeps playing scary pranks on her, and how annoying copycat Lynn always has to follow what everyone else is doing. Then there’s the patterns of graffiti that keeps appearing on the wall by her school—could those numbers be a code meant for Tess? Is it up to her to find out what they mean?

And most importantly, if Damien keeps up with his pattern of waiting for her after school, does it mean he likes her? Or is that just a coincidental system? Tess looks for formulas to help her figure it all out, but she’s afraid there may be none. Sometimes you have to make up your own solutions. Sometimes you just have to risk it.

About the author:

Wendy Lichtman writes personal essays for the Washington Post, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and Good Housekeeping, among other national publications. She has also written four previous young adult novels, including Do the Math: Secrets, Lies and Algebra. She holds a degree in mathematics and has tutored public-school students in algebra for several years. When she decided to write about a teenage girl who realizes that some questions have more than one right answer, algebra, with its unknowns and variables seemed a perfect metaphor. Wendy LIchtman lives in Berkeley, California. You can visit her online at www.wendylichtman.com

Discussions guide:
1. Discuss Tess’s problem with Richard. What would you do about him? Would you consider his actions bullying or not? Why? What do you think she should do?

2. Why is the principal so upset at Tess’s middle school? Does your community face any issues with graffiti or vandalism? What’s the difference? With which character do you agree on the issue?

3. How does Tess define the people in her life in mathematical terms? How would you describe your friends and family in this way? Why do you think this helps her cope with these relationships? How do you cope with yours?

4. What surprising thing does Tess learn about Lucia? Would you be able to get past it or would it not bother you at all?

5. Do you think Tess is justified in writing on the wall believing that there could be more danger ahead? How does Miranda surprise her on this issue too?

6. What does the tagger reveal in code on the wall? Would you be frightened or not? How does Tess put the clues she has together? Why is she willing to risk it? Would you?

7. Do you think Tess is right to be considering Mr. Z and Lucie for starting the fire? What is inside Tess’s negative quadrant? What’s in yours? Does everyone have points with in the negative quadrant?

8. How does Tess manage to thwart Richard’s plans for a fight? How does she avoid humiliation? Is it best to handle bullies head on like this or not?

9. At what point do you think Tess should not pursue the arsonist? Do you think it is more dangerous than she considers? If you were Tess’s friend what would you tell her to do? Why?

10. Do you think Damien is a good friend to Tess? Why? What makes the perfect first boyfriend or girlfriend?

11. What consequences did Tess face from her choice to write on the wall? Which was the most difficult for her to take? What risk had she planned for? What risk hadn’t she considered before she acted? Do you think she regretted her decision or not?

12. Would you even believe the tagger when they revealed the identity of the arsonist or not? Why? Why do you think Miranda reveals the truth of what happened to Tess’s mom?

13. What is Tess’s opinion for the paper? Do you agree? Why?

14. Have you ever had a teacher who was sarcastic and cruel like Mr. Z? What qualities make a good teacher? How can you handle life inside a cruel classroom?

15. What did Tess learn as she worked to clean the graffiti off the bathroom walls? What did you think of Miranda’s story about the Tibetan sand paintings?

Projects:

Reading:

Tess makes a series of choices as the novel unfolds. Create a graphic organizer that traces her choices and the consequences (cause and effect) throughout the story. Be sure to show what alternative Tess could’ve made and what those effects might have been as well. Use to jump off discussions in small groups.

Writing:

Write an Op-ed piece of your own on graffiti or an issue which is important to your school or neighborhood community. State a clear opinion but use facts and research to back it up with substantial materials.

Art:

Tag Art:

Use a sponge to create a brick pattern on a large piece of cardboard or paper using dark red and black. Be sure to leave space between bricks for the white mortar to show. Then, tag this space with pastels or chalks (or try those oil crayons that Tess used) in any way that pleases you (and your principal!) Makes a terrific hallway display.

Music:

Find a song that you think best represents the conflict in this novel and write a brief journal about why you picked it. What scene do you think it should be played in the movie adaptation of the novel? Why?

Math:

Term:	Definition:	Example:	Why it’s important to the story:
Four fours problem
4! Factorial
Formula
Slope
Rate of Change
Coincidental lines
Fibonacci spiral
Simplify

Mother Poems

2010-01-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

Mother Poems

words and pictures by Hope Anita Smith

About the book:

A young girl thinks of her mom as a superhero, a doctor, her North Star. She feels loved in her mother’s arms and capable of conquering the world. But when her beloved role model dies, she cannot even cry; her sadness is too overwhelming. As she struggles to manage her grief, she must learn how to move on while keeping the memory of her mother very much alive inside her.

Hope Anita Smith uses her remarkable talent to explore a personal yet universal subject: the death of a parent. Through the eyes of a child and then a young woman, these poignant poems, together with stunning folk-art images, capture the complicated feelings of a young person who shows great hope, strength and will to overcome.

About the author:

Hope Anita Smith is the author of The Way a Door Closes and Keeping the Night Watch. A professional storyteller and in-school poet, Hope teaches poetry writing workshops to all grade levels. She lives in Los Angeles, where she writes, knits, and creates paper collage stationery and illustration.

Author interview:

1. How did you find poetry?

I found poetry when I was very young. I learned poems from God's Trombones by James Weldon Johnson and performed them at church. That led to Antebellum Sermon by Paul Laurence Dunbar and The Madam Poems by Langston Hughes. I loved learning and reciting them. I also loved that poetry told wonderful stories in such a small space on the page.

2. What do you wish kids knew about poetry?

I wish kids knew that poetry should not be hard to understand. It is not rocket science. And I want them to know that poetry is a great way to look at words. Through metaphor, simile, personification, etc. poems can bring such power and meaning to words.

What can your fans look forward to next?

My fans (and I love you all) can look forward to a mid-grade novel and a couple of fun picture books.

Discussion guide:

Describe the relationship between the narrator and her mother. What images does the author use to show how she feels about her?
What is the narrator’s imagination in the poem “Sound Advice?” What advice have you received from you mom and grandma?
What give the narrator the blues? What gives you the blues? How can you chase them away?
What do you know about the narrator’s mom by the way she speaks?
How does the girl imitate her mother? Do children always imitate their parents?
How do the grandma and mother do things differently? Is it true for you as well? Why do you think so?
Find examples of figurative language (simile and metaphor) that help the reader understand the girl’s relationship with her mother.
What happened while the narrator slept? How does she feel?
How is death described in the poem “Duped?” How would you describe death?
How does the narrator try to find her mother? Do you think she understands the permanence of death? How can children possibly understand this kind of loss?
What does the narrator mean when she says, “We both know/good daughters are hard to find.” in the poem “Let’s Make a Deal?”
When were there flowers in the narrator’s world? How do you think she feels about them? How do people try to show they care? What actually helps, do you think?
The narrator feels safe and loved when her mother braids her hair. What ordinary moments make your mom feel close to you?
What is the structure of the poem “Words?” Why do you think the author chose to use this format?
How does the narrator try to get her mother back? How will she feel when she realizes, eventually, that she can’t?
What is Rule #1? What is your number one rule?
Compare and contrast the narrator’s mother’s kitchen to her Aunt Nedra’s. Whose kitchen would you like to learn how to cook inside of? Is the narrator hungry for more than food?
What childhood things does the narrator miss out on by having lost her mother so young? What does she mean when she says, “that I’d all but hung the moon/ each time a tooth fell out of my mouth.”
How does the narrator feel about her friend’s treatment of their mothers? Is it inevitable that daughters and mothers have this difficult time through the teen years?
How was the narrator “Cheated” by her dreams? In the bible, what did Lot’s wife do?
Find out the “Q and A” on you and your mother or first caregiver. Why do you think it’s important to know what you were like?
What phrases are in your own mother’s “rule book?” Why do you think there are so many euphemisms for death like “losing someone?” Do they make things better or worse?
How does memory change over time for the narrator? What do you remember about someone you have lost? Is it concrete or like clouds? Why do you think memory is so difficult to understand?
What is the “Dangerous Game” the narrator is playing? Have you ever played one too? How is repetition used to an intense effect in this poem?
Why do you think the building of a Christmas tree is so clear for the narrator? How does she build the memories of her mother? What has she learned about herself?

Projects:

Reading:

Poems are meant to be read aloud so take turns reading one of the poems from the book aloud in pairs. Afterwards, discuss what the poem means to you. Try to make connections to the poem from something in your own life, or to another story you’ve read or to the writing itself.

Writing:

Inspired by “What My Mom Says” write a poem about your own mother and her list of words for you. Play with simile, metaphor and line breaks as Hope Anita Smith did to bring your poem to life.

Art:

Study the torn-paper collage of Hope Anita’s beautiful illustrations for the collection. Create one yourself to accompany your poem.

Stampede

2010-01-23T18:28:00.001-08:00

Stampede

Poems to Celebrate the Wild Side of School

by Laura Purdie Salas

Illustrated by Steven Salerno

About the book:

There’s only one place to find creatures that stampede like elephants, swarm like bees, swoop like sparrows, and swing like monkeys. School! These eighteen funny and imaginative poems observe students in their natural habitat and reveal their unusual behavior, crazy communication, and very healthy appetites. Whether they’re in the classroom, on the playground, or in the cafeteria, school brings out the animal in all of them. And if you look carefully as you turn the pages, you may even glimpse some of the wild side in yourself!

About the author:

Laura Purdie Salas was inspired to write these poems when her daughter, Maddie, had two teeth pulled and came out of the dentist’s office looking like a walrus. (A very cute walrus, of course.) From that point on, she began viewing all kids with fangs and fur instead of ponytails and soccer shirts. Laura is the author of several other poetry and nonfiction books for children. She lives with her family in Minnesota, and you can find out more about her at www.laurasalas.com

About the illustrator:

Steven Salerno is so busy creating illustrations for children’s books, magazines, and advertising that he often wishes he had eight arms, just like an octopus! He has illustrated many popular picture books for children, including Bebe Goes Shopping, which was chosen as a Best Book of the Year by Nick Jr. magazine, and Margaret Wise Brown’s The Dirty Little Boy, as well as his own stories, coco the Carrot, Little Tumbo and Harry Hungry! Steven is a graduate of Parsons School of Design and lives in New York City. You can visit him online at www.stevensalerno.com

Author Interview:

What is your favorite thing about writing poetry?

Poetry is so flexible! It can hold any thought, any mood, any emotion. I can be silly or serious, sarcastic or amazed when I write a poem. I can tell a story or just describe something. And I can talk about things that would sound kind of funny if I brought them up in normal conversation (like how much an angry kid reminds me of a porcupine, or what the spine of a book would say if it could talk). So I can never be “not in the mood” to write a poem. There’s no wrong mood!

How did you first fall in love with the form?

By accident. I wanted to write about the illness of someone I loved. I sat down to write, but instead of a diary entry or an essay, poems came out! I was shocked. They weren’t good poems, but they were important. They helped me get through some really hard times and also made me want to write more, more, more poems!

Describe a bit about your process for creating a poem and a collection of poetry.

Most poems start with a question, like “I wonder what lives inside that tree,” or “Which of my favorite things start with the letter B?” or “How can I describe this amazing puddle?” Then I play with forms. I like to write acrostics, haiku, and other forms, plus nonrhyming free verse poems. Sometimes I try one poem in several froms before one feels right. Sometimes I like a poem so much that I want to write a bunch more like it. Then I get obsessed with poems like that, and they start spilling out, even when I should be working on other things!

What can we look forward to next?

My next poetry book will be BOOKSPEAK: POEMS BY AND ABOUT BOOKS. It doesn’t have a pub date yet, but it will come out from Clarion as well.

Pre-reading:

What type of animal would you lie to be? Why?

Questions to consider:

Which words rhyme in the first poem? How do you write a rhyming poem?

Why does the new girl feel like a mouse? Have you ever felt lost in a maze at school too? How can we help new students feel welcome?
Do you like to jump in mud puddles like the boy in “Whole Hog?”
Is it hard to concentrate when you are hungry in school? Why does that feel like a bear? “I’m a starving bear in springtime” is that a simile or a metaphor?
Why is the girl dreading picture day? What did her dad call her a butterfly?
Do you wish you could crawl into a den sometimes at school? When do you feel this way? What special things does she keep in her desk?
Has anything ever made you blush? What other animal could be used to show how you look when embarrassed?
Are you a good duck in school? Why or why not?
“My sharp words are/ quills to prick you.” What does the author mean by sharp quills? Have you ever used sharp quills with someone?
What is your favorite school lunch? Why do you think she’s writing about a dog in this poem?
If your school had prarie dog tunnels big enough for kids would you go inside? Why or why not?
Where are you king? Do you think everyone is king of something?
Who are your favorite sparrows to play with?
What is the problem in “Printer Problems?” How do you improve handwriting?
What strategies can a kid use instead of counting with their fingers? Do you think it is important to memorize certain math facts or not? Why?
P.U. is about an embarrassing moment. Write about an embarrassing moment you’ve had too.
What do you do when you don’t know the answer like the child in “Turtleneck?”
Why is there a stampede? When else do kids stampede?
Which poem is your favorite? Why?
How did the illustrator add real kids with animals?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Write your own school/animal poem of course! Use Laura Purdie Salas’s poems for inspiration but choose new animals and new situations at school or home. Share!

Art:

Create a collage with your poem, photographs of your animal and kids faces from magazines.

Science:

Create a three-dimensional animal out of whatever materials you can find around the house. Then, list five facts about that animal on an index card. Turn in both!

Reading:

As your teacher reads the poems aloud, raise your hand when you hear two rhyming words!

This guide was created by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, a reading specialist and author, visit her website to find hundreds of other guides to children’s literature.