Showing posts with label contemporary. Show all posts

Saturday, January 16, 2010

The Mother Daughter Book Club

The Mother Daughter Book Club
By Heather Vogel Frederick

About the book:

Even if Megan would rather be at the mall, Cassidy is late for hockey practice, Emma’s already read every book in existence and Jess is missing her mother too much to care, the new book club is scheduled to meet every month. But what begins as a mom-imposed ritual of reading Little Women soon helps four unlikely friends navigate the drama of middle school. From stolen journals, to secret crushes, to a fashion fiasco first dance, the girls are up to their Wellie boots in drama. They can’t help but wonder: What would Jo March do? Acclaimed author Heather Vogel Frederick will delight daughters of all ages in a novel about the fabulousness of fiction, family, and friendship.

About the author:

When Heather Vogel Frederick was in the sixth grade, she used to ride her bike past Louisa May Alcott’s house in Concord, Massachusetts, and dream of becoming a writer. Today the award-winning author of the Patience Goodspeed books and the Spy Mice series lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, their two teenage sons, the family’s beloved Shetland sheepdog, and three fun-loving chickens.

Author Interview:

What kind of research did you do to write the novel?

To research this particular book I traveled from my home in Oregon back to Concord, Massachusetts, where I grew up. One of my sisters lives in Boston, and I took her along with me. We had a lot of fun poking around our old stomping grounds, and we took a walking tour of a lot of the historical sites so I could describe them accurately. Places like Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and the Old North Bridge, and the library. Of course we went to Louisa May Alcott’s home and took the tour there! Other than that actual “location” research, though, I mostly just spent time thinking back to what it was like when I was in the 6^th grade, and some of the scrapes my sisters and I got into.

Describe your life in Concord as a kid. Do you think it has influenced you as a writer?

Living in Concord was amazing. First of all, it’s a town steeped in history, and I’ve always really loved history. But for me, growing up, it had the added plus of being a town steeped in literary history. For some reason, a lot of writers ended up in Concord in the 19^th century. Besides Louisa May Alcott there was Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and even Herman Melville for a while! It was easy to wander around and imagine being a writer someday with all of those amazing writers to look up to. Concord was – and still is – an exceptionally beautiful town, with wide streets lined with lovely old Colonial houses, and fields and meadows and rivers to explore. I spent a lot of time riding my bike around when I was a kid, and I also loved to explore the woods behind our house. I had a favorite tree down the road near the Old North Bridge where I’d go and climb up with a book and read (and sometimes spy on the tourists!). My dad and I used to bike to Kimball Farm (it really exists, for those of you who’ve read the book) for ice cream. And Concord also has two fabulous swimming holes – Walden Pond, of course, but most people in town actually went swimming in White Pond, or “White’s” as we referred to it. Patriot’s Day was always a big deal in our family, and just like in “The Mother-Daughter Book Club,” my dad would wake my sisters and me up at 4 in the morning so we could walk over to watch the battle reenactment and then attend the pancake breakfast. Our house was on the parade route, and family and friends would gather in our front yard to watch. I spent a lot of time at the library, and there was (and is) a wonderful bookstore in town where I spent most of my allowance – whatever was left, that is, after my sisters and I visited the penny candy store (sadly no longer in existence). Did all of this influence me as a writer? Absolutely. We write about the landscapes and places we hold close in our hearts, and Concord is definitely one of those places!

What’s your creative process like- do you outline, for example, or just dive right in?

My process for the most part is to sit down every morning in my comfortable armchair and tell myself a story. I never used to outline at all, but that’s changed a bit over the years. For this book, the structure I came up with (four alternating voices, four seasons, 16 chapters in all) meant that I had to do a little more in the way of plotting ahead of time than I usually do. But I still find that once the story gets underway, it takes you in different directions than you could have envisioned at the outset. That’s the fun of writing – what emerges is often a surprise! I tend to write in the mornings, when I’m freshest, and afternoons are for email and deskwork and reading. (Plus taking care of my family and pets.) Mostly I work in my office at home, but once in a while for a change of scene I’ll take my laptop to a nearby coffee shop, or sometimes out in the back yard. We have chickens, though, and they’re curious birds, so when I do that I often end up with a chicken on my lap, trying to “help” me write!

What can your fans (like me!) look forward to next?

Right now, I’m working on a sequel to “The Mother-Daughter Book Club.” With any luck, it will be on bookstore shelves next spring.

Pre-reading:

Share your experiences of book club. Have you ever been in one that met outside of school? What books did you read? Did drama outside the book ever interfere with the club itself? Why do you think book clubs exist?

Discussion Guide:

AUTUMN

Emma:

1. Why is Emma having such a difficult time in school? What do you think she should do about it?

2. Who does Emma like? Who does she dislike? Why?

3. What surprise does her mother have in store? How would you feel about being signed up for a book club without your input?

Megan:

1. Why does Megan think her mom is disappointed in her? Is she really?

2. When you read Megan’s first chapter do you think you would want to be friends with her or not? Why?

3. What would Megan rather be doing? Would you want to join a book club? Why or why not?

Cassidy:

1. Why does Cassidy’s sister yell at her?

2. Why is Cassidy having a more difficult time with the loss of her father than her sister?

3. What does Cassidy plan for the fabulous four at the Halloween party?

Jess:

1. Why do you think Jess and Emma are such good friends?

2. How would you feel if your mom left to pursue a career in film, television, or music? Is it better or worse than leaving for any other reason?

3. What causes the rift in the book club? Predict what you think will happen because of it.

WINTER

Cassidy:

1. How do Megan and Cassidy get along? Why? Do you think it will always be that way?

2. How do things get intense once more at the book club?

3. Would you want to attend and dress up for the Christmas party? Why?

Emma:

1. Describe the Little Women Christmas party. What do you think they’ll remember about it?

2. What does Mrs. Delaney send in her absence? How would you feel in Jess’s place?

3. What makes Emma hopeful that she and Megan might renew their friendship? Does it work?

Jess:

1. How would you feel if your Mom or Dad couldn’t come to your most important event? Would you be able to forgive them?

2. Do you think Becca will grow up to be a battleaxe just like her own mother, Mrs. Chadwick? What makes you think this?

3. Explain what happens during the performance. How would you feel?

Megan:

1. Does Megan feel remorse for the goat incident or not? How has she been influenced by the other girls? Is it an excuse for her behavior?

2. Do you think this argument was necessary for the club to continue? What things are said that needed to be said?

3. How must Megan make it up to Jess? Is this enough?

SPRING

Cassidy:

1. What happens at the championship match to Cassidy?

2. How does her mother handle her worst fear?

3. What small detail reveals how the mother daughter book club has changed?

Emma:

1. Why is Patriot’s Day such a big deal in Concord? Do you have any local events which are very important to your community? Describe it.

2. Do you think reenactments are important for understanding history? Would you participate in one?

3. What happens between the fabulous four and the mother daughter book club?

Megan:

1. How does Megan save Emma’s outfit?

2. Do you think fashion is frivolous or necessary? Why?

3. Why does Megan think, “Nobody quite got what they wanted.” (p. 181)

Jess:

1. What would be most difficult about having a parent gone?

2. How does Jess’s dad embarrass her? Do all parents embarrass their children?

3. How does the mother daughter book club react to his ideas? Are they true friends now, or not?

SUMMER

Emma:

1. How does she handle Becca Chadwick on the bus? What inspires her? Has a book ever helped you see things in a new light?

2. Describe Emma’s birthday party. What’s the best gift?

3. What should be included in a birthday party for you? What about your best friend?

Megan:

1. What happens when they run into Becca on the train?

2. Describe the events at FLASH. How would you feel in Megan’s shoes?

3. What surprise does Clementine share with the group?

Cassidy:

1. How difficult would it be to have a supermodel for a mom?

2. Would you be interested in having a make-over like the ones described in this chapter? Could you trust the designers or not?

3. Why is Jess so disappointed in the trip?

Jess:

1. What do they see at Orchard House with new eyes?

2. How has the reading of Little Women changed each of them?

3. What is the happy ending to the story?

Projects:

Art:

Design a bedroom, outfit, or scene for the movie adaptation of the mother daughter book club for one of the characters. You can use any materials you like to bring it to life.

Music:

Choose the playlist for the movie soundtrack of the book. Or, choose a soundtrack for one of the characters and explain your choices.

Food:

Create apple slump or one of the other yummy cookies or goodies mentioned in the story. Share with friends or book club members.

Just for fun:

Host a celebration like one in the story- either a time period party (like the Christmas party) or a birthday party inspired by the honored guest.

Fill out the following character chart as you read the novel:

Character:	Description:	Conflicts:	Relationship with her mom:	In the end:
Emma
Megan
Cassidy
Jess

Monday, January 11, 2010

Isabel and the Miracle Baby

by Emily Smith Pearce

About the book:

Isabel’s baby sister Rebekah is getting all the attention lately, and Isabel is tired of it. She’s acting out, talking back and disobeying Mama. If she could see more of her friend Tara next door, or if Daddy didn’t have to work so much, maybe things wouldn’t be so bad-but Mama thinks Tara is a bad influence , and Daddy’s job takes him out of town for days at a time. Mama has no idea how hard it is for Isabel to make new friends at school. Every day Isabel has to walk past Alicia and the other pink-and-purple girls with their lavender pencils and matching barrettes, and she just know they’re talking about her the moment her back is turned.

To top it all off, Ben, the awkward son of one of the women from Mama’s cancer support group, has transferred to Isabel’s school- and he’s in her class. When the teacher asks her to show him around, Isabel ends up in a fight with Alicia. What hope does Isabel have for being accepted into the pink-and-purple girls’ group now?

When Mama trusts Isabel to look after the baby for a few minutes Isabel tells her little sister just what she’s thinking. And soon she finds the courage to tell he mother everything about how she’s been feeling.

Discussion Guide:

1. Describe Isabel’s feelings toward “that baby.” Are her feelings typical of most big sisters or is there more going on here? Have you ever felt similar toward a sibling? What did you do with those feelings?

2. What changes have the family faced recently? What changes have you had to deal with in your family or at school? What is the hardest thing about change? Is there anything good about it?

3. At the support group the big haired lady made the women imagine, “..if you could have a day to do anything you wanted, what would you do?” (p. 32) What would YOU do? Do kids and adults ever have similar daydreams?

4. Why is Isabel having such trouble getting along with the girls at school? Is she partially to blame for not fitting in or is it all that Alicia’s fault? Why do a few kids seem to hold all the power over friendships in a classroom? Why are shoes so important? What details are important at your school?

5. Isa has a large imagination. What types of things does she dream up? What are your favorite things to imagine? Is imagination important in school? What about in life? Is it better to be smart or imaginative? What makes you say so?

6. After the field trip Isabel accepts a ride home with Tara. What happens? How would your parents react in this situation? Have you ever been lost or missing?

7. Courtney invites Isabel to her birthday but Isa is afraid that she’ll change her mind. Why? Do boys and girls have different kinds of conflicts? Why is Isabel worried about showing Ben around the school? Is she right to worry about it?

8. Mama tells Isabel that, “If that’s the way they act, they aren’t really your friends.” (p.88) Who does act like Isabel’s friend at school and home? Why are things not so simple for Isa? Does everyone need a friend? How do you know if someone is truly your friend or not?

9. How has Isabel changed over the novel? What has she learned about herself and her family? What mistakes did she make? What mistakes did others make?

10. Predict what you think the rest of the school year will be like for Isa. Will she become friends with Courtney? Do you think Alicia and Isa will have another fight? What about Ben? What will happen with him?

Projects:

Fill out the following Cause/Effect Diagram as you read the novel Isabel and the Miracle Baby

Language Arts:

Write at least three journal entries as you read the novel as if you were Isa. Describe what is happening and how you feel about it.

Math:

Plan an imaginary birthday party. Figure out how much it will cost to buy everything you need for refreshments, activities, and entertainment. Use advertisements or catalogs to cut out pictures and show prices. Add up the entire cost. Then, figure out if you can host the party for half of that amount by using your creativity.

Health:

Isa learns about fire safety on a field trip and creates an escape plan for her family. Create one for your own family and talk about what to do during an emergency.

Greetings from Nowhere

Greetings from Nowhere
by Barb O’Connor

About the book

Aggie isn’t expecting visitors at the Sleepy Time Motel in the Great Smoky Mountains. Since Harold died, she is all alone with her cat, Ugly, and keeping up with the bills and repairs has become next to impossible. The pool is empty, the garden is overgrown, and not a soul has come to stay in nearly three months. When she reluctantly places a For Sale ad in the newspaper, Aggie doesn’t know that Kirby and his mom will need a room when their car breaks down on the way to Kirby’s new reform school. Or that Loretta and her parents will arrive in her dad’s plumbing company van on a trip meant to honor the memory of Loretta’s birth mother. Or that Cyde Dover will answer the For Sale ad in such a hurry and move in with his daughter, Willow, looking for a brand-new life to replace the one that was fractured when Willow’s mom left. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is that Aggie and her guests find just the friends they need at the shabby motel in the middle of Nowhere.

In Barbara O’Connor’s warmhearted novel, a cast of unforgettable characters learn that hope is sometimes discovered in the most unlikely places.

About the author:

Barbara O’Connor is the author of several notable books for children, including How to Steal a Dog; Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia; and Me and Rupert Goody, an ALA Notable Book. She grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and currently lives in Duxbury, Massachusetts.

Author Interview:

When you start a book is it with a character or a problem first?

Definitely character. And I need to know the character through and through – 100% - before I can begin to write anything. Since stories swirl around problems, I do need to know what my character’s problem is. But unless I know that character thoroughly, knowing the problem is useless.

Which children’s authors have most influenced your work?

Without a doubt, Cynthia Rylant. Her book, Missing May, was my lightbulb moment in my writing path. I had been struggling with several projects that just never seemed to work. Then I read Missing May and I recognized Rylant’s distinct voice. But even more enlightening than that was her strong sense of place and what an integral part of the story the setting was. It was obvious that she knew and loved those mountains of West Virginia, where the story is set.

What’s the best piece of writing advice someone ever gave you?

To write what you feel most passionate about. That advise came from my editor, Frances Foster, during a conversation we had once about that old adage, “Write what you know.” While I do think it’s important to know what you write about so that your writing has authenticity, the passion and love of your subject is what most rings most true for the reader.

Pre-reading:

What do you think is the meaning of the title? Have you ever been somewhere before that felt like nowhere?

Discussion guide:

Describe the main setting of the novel. Why is it so important to the events in the story? How does setting influence character and plot?
Compare and contrast Willow to Loretta. Whose life is almost perfect, but not quite? Why? What questions haunt Loretta?
Why are Kirby and his mother driving to the Smoky Mountains? Do you think Kirby deserves his destination or not? Why?
Aggie is regretting her decision to sell. Have you ever regretted a big decision that you made? Why do you think it is so hard for her to leave it behind?
Explain the importance of the box that Loretta gets in the mail. How does it lead them on an adventure? What do you think is the meaning behind the items in the box?
How has Kirby’s time at the Sleepy Time Motel changed him? Do you consider what he did with Loretta’s pin stealing or not? Why? Predict what you think will happen with Kirby in his new school.
Why do you think Aggie talks to Harold in the garden? What does she tell him? Why do you think Willow wants Aggie to stay on at the motel?
O’Connor is the master of details (like the importance of Willow’s sandals). Find details which reveal an important aspect of each character.
Who do you think has faced the most difficult losses in the book- Aggie, Willow, Loretta or Kirby? Why? Has everyone lost something?
How do these strangers begin to work together? What do they accomplish? How would you help?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Write letters from one character to another. Date the letters from before the opening of the novel, through the timeline of the story, to five years after the closing. Be sure to stay in the character’s voice. Letters you might consider writing: Kirby to Burla or Aggie, Loretta to Willow, Aggie to Harold, Dorothy to Willow, etc.

Reading;

Fill out the following chart as you read the novel:

Character:	Description:	Quote :	Problem:	In the end:
Willow
Mr. Dover
Aggie
Loretta
Kirby

Music:

Research the traditional music associated with the Great Smoky Mountains. What instruments are common? What themes are often associated with the lyrics? Compare the rhythms and melodies to music from your own cultural tradition.

Art:

Create a painting for one of the rooms at the Sleepy Time Motel inspired by one of the events or setting of the novel. Use pastels, watercolors or acrylics to bring your masterpiece to life. Explain your choices in a brief artist’s statement on the back.

-or-

Redesign a room at the Sleepy Time Motel. Find fabric and paint swatches, create a scaled drawing of a room and find light fixtures and other accessories (in catalogs) to create a story board for the room.

Math:

Plan a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. Make a list (like Loretta does) of all the places you’d like to visit. Consider the following in your budget: transportation, accommodations, food, tickets for amusements and souvenirs.

Free Baseball

Free Baseball

by Sue Corbett

About the book:

Felix knows a lot of baseball players, but not the one he wants to know most: his father. His dad, a baseball star in Cuba, risked everything to send Felix to America. His mom won’t reveal anything else. When a team with a few Cuban players comes to town, Felix sneaks into the locker room to talk to them. That’s when the players mistake him for their new batboy. Determined to uncover the truth about his mysterious father, Felix plays along. Just for a few days, he thinks- long enough to find out about his dad. But does he really want to know?

About the guide:

This guide includes discussion questions and projects appropriate for children’s book clubs, literature circles, and classroom discussions.

Comprehension Check:

Why doesn’t Felix live with his father?
How does Felix become a batboy?
Who is Vic? How does he help?
What does a batboy do?
In the end, what does Felix learn about his father and himself?

Discussion guide:

How does Felix get tickets to the Egret’s opening game? Why does he end up with a babysitter? Would you still want to go with a sitter? Why or why not?
How does Felix think his life would be different if he could be with his father? Do you think he’s right about this? Why or why not?
Describe what happens during the Egret’s game? Do you blame the babysitter or her friends? Why? What would you have done in the same situation?
Why does Felix think he may die at one point? How dangerous a move was this? What do you think his mother will say if she finds out? What does it remind him of?
Describe how many Cubans get to America. Why are they willing to risk their lives for this 90 mile journey across the sea? Would you? What is the policy of America? Do they allow immigrants to come in? Why or why not?
Felix complains about his baseball team, The Tigers. He says they are “really about fun first, baseball second.” (p.58) Is this a good way for kids’ teams to be? Why is Felix so serious about baseball?
Why does Felix wonder, “How long would I have to be away to get her [his mothers] attention… One day wouldn’t do it. How about one week?” (p. 66) Why is she so busy?
How does Felix end up the temporary batboy for The Miracles? What small lies does he have to tell for this to work? Do small lies add up to big ones as Felix is afraid of? To whom does he lie?
What prank do the players play on Felix? How does he turn it around on them? What does this tell you about him? Have you ever had this kind of prank done to you?
Who is Don? What is his job? Why is this so unusual? Don tells Felix, “The way I think is, you can’t miss something you’ve never had.” (p.104) Felix disagrees though. Why? What does he miss?
Who is Vic? How does he help Felix during his time there? What does he learn about Vic’s life? How did Vic figure out that Felix was not from West Lauderdale?
In the end, what does Felix learn about his father? What happens to the batboy position? Do you consider it a happy ending? Why or why not?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Write at least four letters from Felix and his father. Describe everything the other should know about each other.

Math:

Play baseball math at this website: (use with caution, content not guaranteed)

http://www.funbrain.com/math/

Art:

Create a memory box for Felix. Create and/or collect items that you think Felix would keep and find important. On the lid of the box explain why you included the items you did.

Music:

Listen to some contemporary Cuban music that Felix’s mother may be playing in the kitchen:

http://www.timba.com/music/songs.asp?x=13&y=11

(use with caution, all lyrics and content not guaranteed appropriate)

History:

In small groups research one of the following topics and give a short report about what you learned. Use visual aids.

Timeline of Cuba

Fidel Castro

Immigration from Cuba

Cuba and baseball

Cuban refugees

How to become a US Citizen

Wet foot, dry foot policy

Elian Gonzalez

What is daily life like in Cuba?

Escaping the Giant Wave

by Peg Kehret

About the book:

Kyle thought spending a vacation on the Oregon coast with his family would be great. But one evening while babysitting his younger sister, BeeBee, the worst scenario happens- an earthquake hits. This sets off a chain of reactions that forces Kyle to be braver than he ever imagined! A fire starts in their hotel and the earthquake triggers a tsunami. The giant wave charges straight up the hillside through the woods where the kids are running for their lives.

About this guide:

This guide includes discussion questions and projects appropriate for children’s book clubs, literature circles, and classroom discussions. It is intended to provoke thought and insight into the themes of this book which include bullying, survival, sibling relationships, peer pressure, decision-making and fear.

Discussion guide:

1. Mrs. Hoke asks her class to create goals for the summer but she doesn’t force them to share them with anyone. Why? What are Kyle’s goals? Write down three goals you have for yourself. Would you be willing to share them with anyone? Whom?

2. Describe Daren Hazelton. What is the history between Daren and Kyle? Why do you think some kids get away with being bullies? What is the best way to deal with a bully at school? Can bullies change?

3. How is BeeBee not your typical eight-year-old? How do Kyle and BeeBee get along? Would you want to babysit her? Why or why not? What rules does Kyle put in place for babysitting?

4. What is the reason for the trip to Oregon? Where will the Davidson’s stay? Is this a typical vacation for them? How is it not what they expected? Have you ever taken a vacation with your own family?

5. What threatens Kyle’s enjoyment of the whole vacation? What would you do in his shoes? Why hasn’t Kyle told his parents the truth about Daren?

6. How does BeeBee give Kyle a scare while he’s watching her in the hotel? What was he worried about? Do you think Kyle is a good babysitter? Why?

7. Kyle is forced to make a series of important decisions. Which one is most critical? Why? What are the steps in making a serious decision? What does Daren decide to do?

8. What do you think of the coastal town’s warning system for tidal waves? Why don’t some people take it seriously? Have you seen this type of attitude repeated in the news? In light of the Asian tsunami and the devastation in New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina, do you think people’s actions will change?

9. What steps do the kids take to survive the 2^nd wave? What warning do they have that something is coming? What do they make to save Pansy too? What prevents them from dehydrating?

10. What was the most interesting thing you learned while reading this novel? Do you think novels can sometimes be more valuable for teaching facts than a straight non-fiction narrative? Why?

11. Even after Kyle saves Daren it does not change his behavior toward him. What gives Kyle the courage to stand up to Daren? What realization does he make about himself? What information does Kyle threaten Daren with for next year at school?

12. How did Norm, Josie and Pansy help the children survive? What happened to each of them? What gave Norman strength to continue on?

13. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are out on the Elegant Empress. How do they learn about what has happened on shore? How are they reunited? Do you think they’ll let Kyle baby-sit again? Why?

14. How do you think BeeBee will be changed by the events in the story? Predict what she’ll be doing in five years.

15. How did your understanding of tsunamis change? What images will stick with you after closing the last page of this novel? Why do some books stay with you while others are forgotten? What will you remember most about this book?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Character Study:

We learn about characters by their actions, their words, and their relationships with others. Fill out the following chart on the characters from Escaping the Giant Wave.

Characters:	Actions	Words	Relationships
Kyle
BeeBee
Daren
Mr. & Mrs. Davidson
Norm & Josie

Science:

Fill out this KWL (Know, Want to Know, Learned) graph before you begin your self-directed research on tsunamis or earthquakes. Be sure to fill out the KNOW section before you begin your project as this helps you access all the information you know and will help your comprehension of new material. After researching the answers to your compelling questions, create a poster, graph, or other visual that shows what you learned on the topic and share!

KWL Chart on Tsunamis or Earthquakes

What I already KNOW	What I WANT to know	What I LEARNED:

Art:

Create a three-dimensional model of the setting of the novel. Extra points if you can show the scale of the waves in relationship to the buildings!

Music:

Find a piece of CLASSICAL music that would be used to accompany one of the scenes from the film. Write a brief journal explaining your choice. How does the music capture the mood of the scene? How does it add drama or fear?

History:

Research a natural disaster that had a major impact on history. Find out the five journalist questions about your topic: the who, what, when, where and why and how of the event. Consider volcanoes, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes,

Resources: