This Book is not Good For You

This is the third novel in the Secret Series.  It is 390 pages and is sure to make your taste buds tingle!

Cass and Max-Ernest learn of an ancient abject used by the Aztecs to make food taste like anything.  Will the midnight sun manipulate Cass for it?

This book's strong points are the Great Escape, and the dark and devious night in a "blind", Chef's restaurant.

If you want taste, you need smell and hearing, get The Name of This Book is Secret, and If You're Reading This, It's Too Late.

Captives are held, secrets are told, and lots of chocolate ( dark chocolate) is eaten. I'd think twice before biting this tasty novel.

By Paul

Better or Worse?

Yikes, during the last two chapters of Schooled, we heard from Hugh and from Zach.  Neither of them are very happy with Cap right now.  Things seem to be going better and better for Cap, and not so well for both of them.

Discussion Points:
1. Give some examples of how things seem to be getting better for Cap, and worse for Hugh and Zach.
2. What do you predict will be the high part of the story mountain, or the turning point in this story? Be sure to explain your thoughts fully and use examples( or evidence0 whenever possible.

12-12-12

Hello  2308 Readers!
What a fun day we had today celebrating the number 12! For today's blog post, in honor of 12-12-12, let's list twelve of our favorite books!

Here is my list:
1. The Last of the Really Great Wangdoodles
2. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
3. Mandy
4. Maniac Magee
5. Charlotte's Web
6. The Phantom Tollbooth
7. The Black Stallion
8. Misty of Chincoteague
9. James and the Giant Peach
10. The BFG
11.Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
12. The Hunger Games

Gosh, there are many more that I love, but there are 12 books I love anyways.  I can't wait to read your lists........
Happy Reading and 12-12-12!

Mrs. S

Magyk Book Talk

I rate Magyk by Angie Sage a ten because how she explains the scene, characters, and the way they feel.  Magyk is an adventurous novel with action, adventure, and excitement bursting out of the seams.  In this book you will meet Jenna who is actually is the princess, you will also meet boy 412, and Jenna's "brothers" and family.  This book is about first finding the seventh son of the seventh son, and saving Jenna from the assassins trying to kill her so she will not take over the throne, because the supreme custodian wants the throne to belong to him forever until he dies.  This book is part of a five book series and I am on the second named Flyte and I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.  So do you love it or hate it?  If you ahte it I suggest you change your philosophy and at least try it because it is good, really good.


Discussion Points:

1.  Please share what you noticed and liked about this book talk.  Remember to reference the 5 S's......Specifics, summary, strong points, suggestions, and selling point.
2.  Give any feedback for grammar and editing points that you notice.  Please remember to give feedback in a respectful and helpful way.

Character Changes

In our class read aloud, we talked about how we noticed some characters changing their attitudes.  Character development is something we are working on in our writing as well.

In Maniac Magee, one of our earlier read alouds, one of the characters, Mars Bar, started out as quite a bully.  He was nasty to Maniac.  Throughout the story, Maniac had various interactions with Mars Bar.  Towards the end of the story, Mars Bar begins to respect Maniac, and they really become friends.

Discussion Points:

1. From Schooled, pick a character and talk about any small changes that they may have made recently.  Be sure to give examples from our reading.

2.  From your own reading, or from a previous book you have read independently, discuss how a character changed throughout the story.  Be sure to use examples from your reading to back up your claim.

Story Mountains

Hello Crazy Room 2308 Readers!
What an exciting chapter we read today!  I can't believe things could get worse for Cap, poor guy! Not only is he the butt of everyone's jokes, gets things thrown at him at every moment....now he is in the back of a police car when he was only trying to help.

We have been talking about story mountains in our writing class, and mapped out our last read aloud together, "Witches" by Roald Dahl.  Today we briefly talked about where today's chapter would be on a story mountain.

Discussion points:
1.  Where do you think this chapter falls on a story mountain?  Tell me why you think what you do, using at least one example from the story.
2.  What is happening in the book you are reading now?  Where do you think you are on your independent book's story mountain? Use examples from your book to back up what you say.
3.  Hugh Winkleman's point of view was expressed today in one of the chapters.  What do you think of him?  Is he a good character or a bad one? Give examples from the book to back up your answer.

What Makes a Good Story?

Hmmmm, what makes a good story?  Check out the interview below with Gordan Korman, the author of our class read-aloud, "Schooled". 

www.nbclearn.com/writersspeak

Discussion Points:

1.  What did you think about the interview?  Did you agree with Mr. Korman?
2.  What ideas did you get from the interview that you could use in your own fiction story you are working on in writing?
3.  What other books have you read by Gordan Korman?  If you have not, what ones look interesting to you?  You can see more about the author at http://www.gordonkorman.com/

Capricorn

Capricorn Anderson is turning out to be an interesting character in our class read aloud "Schooled".  Today in writing class we made t-charts and focused on developing our own main characters before we start writing our fiction stories.  We discussed internal and external characteristics. 

Discussion Points:
1. I know we have only read a few chapters, but, based on what we have read, what are some internal and external characteristics that we could say describe Capricorn?

2. Does Capricorn remind you of any other characters from other books you have read?  How so? Are there ways that he is different?

The Sister's Grimm

Discussion Points:

1.  What did you like about this book talk?
2. Is this a book you might add to your "What's Next" list?
3. What other books have you read in the fantasy genre?

Book Talk from Mr. G

Hello Class of Readers!
So happy you were able to get all your book talks recorded today! I can't wait to watch them!
For today's blog, I would like you to visit Mr. G's blog, Bloggin with your Noggin, and read his latest post.  It is a book talk on a great book. 

The link to connect to this is http://blogginwithyournoggin.blogspot.com/, which is also at the side of our blog.
You will notice the look of his blog is a bit different than ours, and you will want to click on the picture that says "Judy Blume". 

After you have read the post, answer the discussion questions here......
Happy Blogging!

Discussion Points:
a. Can you find any of the writing strategies we've been learning to use in class, in this book talk? Which ones?
b. Have you read Freckle Juice?
c. If so, what did you think of it? Why?
d. SPECIFIC feedback on this booktalk?
e. What did you like or not like about it?

The Garden of Abdul Gasazi

 

Today we read a book by one of my favorite authors, Chris Van Allsburg.  You probably all know one of his other books, "The Polar Express". He has written many others, including "Zathura", "Jumanji", and "The Stranger".

Discussion points

1. Have you read any other Chris Van Allsburg books?  If so, which ones?

2. Imagine that Fritz didn't come back to Miss Hester's house. What would Alan have done? Or imagine that Fritz did come back but he remained a duck. How would Alan have explained that to Miss Hester?

3. The author gives a great picture of what the character of the dog is like.  He does not describe the dog, or tell you what he is like, but shows you in other ways.  How would you describe the dog?  Tell me how the author shows you that.

First or Third?

Hello Room Full of Readers!

What an exciting day, the day after the election! I enjoyed our advisory time today, hearing your thoughts, comments and reflections about this year's election and issues.
I also enjoyed our workshop on point of view.  I am so glad you enjoyed "Voices in the Park", and am looking forward to reading it again with you tomorrow and focusing on the pictures and tone of each voice.
We talked today about first-person  and third-person points of view.  Brianna mentioned that "Voices" is told in multiple first-person voices. We also read the beginning of "Charlotte's Web" and decided that that was told in third-person, as if someone was looking down on a story and telling what was happening without being "in" the story.

Discussion Points:

1.  What type of story is the one you are reading for your independent book, is it first or third- person?  Give me an example why, quoting from the book.  ( remember to use quotations if you are using exact words)

2.  Why do you think an author chooses first person or third person over the other type.  Is there one type you prefer to read, or think you have read more of?

3.  Have you ever read a second-person story?  If so, let us know what it was and if you enjoyed it.
How was it different?

Happy Reading!

Witches....First Person

Witches is told from the point of view of a child.  We don't know his name, or exactly how old he is, but we do know he is a kid. 
When we read a story told from someone's point of view, when they use "I", then that is called first person.

Discussion points:
1.  Why do you think Roald Dahl chose to tell the story from the boy's point of view?  How would it change if it was told from the Grandmother's point of view?

2.  What other types of points of view, or perspectives, can stories be told from?  How do they differ from first person perspective?

3.  What perspective is your independent book written from?


Happy Reading and Blogging!
Mrs. S

Witches

Hello Smelly Children!
I am having so much fun sharing one of my favorite books with you.  I know, I know....I have a lot of favorite books........what can I say? I do so love Roald Dahl though, and especially like reading "Witches" this time of year.
I want to hear your thoughts on the story so far.  

Discussion Points:

1.  How were you feeling about the book before we started it? Do you feel different now that we have read a few chapters?  How so?

2.  What other Roald Dahl books have you read or know the stories to? What are your favorites? Have you read them or seen the movies perhaps?

3. What genre would you use to describe this book?

Happy Reading tonight.....watch out for women with gloves and blue spit.....:)
Mrs. S

Maniac Goes Home

Well, we finished! I can't wait to hear more about what you think! I so loved reading this book with you and hearing and reading your thoughts.  You are developing into great readers and great communicators about reading.  Today's post has quite a few discussion points.  Pick at least two to discuss in your post.

How would you describe the relationship between Maniac and Mars Bar?  How does it change from when they first encounter each other until the end?  Why do you think this change occurs?
 

Why do you think Amanda is able to get Maniac to come home?  Why does he leave and why doesn’t he want to come back?

Why do you think that Maniac stays with the McNabs for as long as he does?

What families does Maniac encounter during this story?  Which ones did you like best? (Maniac’s Aunt and Uncle, the Pickwells, the Beales, Grayson, the McNabs).  How are some of them different?  How are they the same?  How does Maniac fit in?

How would you describe the style of this book?  How is it different than other books that you have read?  Did this make the book easier to read? Harder? Or didn’t it affect your ability to get into the story?

101 Band Shell Boulevard

In the pages we read today, the story ended with Maniac painting the number "101" outside the equipment room where he had been staying.
In class, we talked about "turning points" in books, and how there is usually a place where something happens, and it turns, or changes the direction the story is going.


Discussion Points;
1.  When Maniac paints the address number outside the equipment room, how do you think this could be described as a "turning point" in the story? How do you think this changes, or turns the story in a different direction?
2.  What events led up to this turning point?
3. Grayson and Maniac had a certain type of relationship a few chapters back, and this relationship has changed recently.  Describe how their relationship was in the beginning, and how it is at this point in the story.

Please be sure to discuss all three discussion points.  Edit your work before sending it off, looking especially at capitals at the beginning of your sentences and punctuation at the end.

Bullies from Each Side!

Bullies! In "Maniac Magee" both the East End and the West End, there are bullies.

Discussion Points:
1. Tell about two times that Maniac has had to deal with or been affected by bullying so far in the story.
2.What do you think makes someone a bully?
3. Maniac left town at the end of Part one of the book.  Make a prediction as to where he is going to go and what will happen to him.
4.  What questions do you have in your mind after part one?

Main and Secondary Characters

Hello again room 2308 Readers!
Well, Maniac sure has had some interesting....and scary...encounters with a variety of people in the story so far, and we are only up to chapter 12!
Maniac Magee is the main character, and you did a nice job of describing some his character traits last night. 
I think we can agree that Amanda is going to be important to Maniac's story.  She is the secondary character in the story. She is important, but not the main focus of the story.

Discussion Points:
1.  Using the Character Traits handout that you found in your mailbox today, describe Amanda's character.  Please be sure to use examples from the story to back up what you say.
2.  In your own independent reading book, ( that you are reading in class and for 20 minutes each night), tell us about the main and secondary characters.  Explain what character traits they have, as always, using examples from the book to back up what you say.

Happy, happy reading tonight!
Mrs. S

Maniac

Wow, I don't know about you, but I am totally hooked on this book.  It has been awhile since I read it and I am remembering how well written it is as we read it in class.  I love the protagonist, Jeffrey Magee.  I love how the author gives you a good picture of what type of person he is, using Jeffrey's deeds and actions.
Even though we are at the beginning of the story, we have learned quite a bit about Jeffrey. We know he is a small kid, scraggly, sort of non-descript.  We have also learned about what type of a person he is.

Discussion point:
1. Describe what type of person Jeffrey "Maniac" is.  For example, Max, in "Where the Wild Things Are" is a daring, out-of-control, strong-willed and imaginative child. We know this because he gets in trouble, calls his mom names, and used his imagination to go to a new world. What is Jeffrey like?  Tell me why you choose the words you do to describe him.

Series? or not.......

Hi Class!
What a great job you did today writing on our blog for the first time.  How fun to start our blog discussion off with such a successful start!
I finished my book about the owl this weekend and really enjoyed it.  I learned so much about barn owls!
I am looking forward to starting a new book this evening.  I am thinking of rereading the Harry Potter series.  It is one of my all time favorite book series.  I also really enjoyed reading the Narnia series as well as the Wrinkle in Time series.  Funny, they are all fantasy books...hmmmm, did I tell you I enjoy reading fantasy?

Discussion Points:

What is your favorite book series that you have read?  Is there a series you have been thinking of starting?  Are there any you have re-read? ( I have already read the entire Harry Potter series twice:)
If you do not usually read a series, what is your all-time favorite book and have you ever re-read a book?

Happy Reading, don't forget your 20 minutes tonight!
Mrs. S

Welcome to Our Reading Blog!

Hello Room Full of Readers!
I am excited to hear that many of you have heard of blogging! This will be the first post of the year that you are required to post at. Starting in October you will be required to post three times a week as part of your reading grade. A post should be at least 5 sentences, thoughtful, and edited for conventions. If you make a claim, make sure you give evidence or explain your thinking.

For this first post, please share with your classmates what your favorite genre of books is and what you are currently reading. Also, tell us where is your favorite place to read.
One of my favorite places to read when I was your age was  curled up in a big soft chair. I had a lamp right over the chair and after school I would make myself a big snack, curl up with my book and pass the hours away.
Another place I loved to read was outside, in the fall. I would take a blanket and curl up in the sun with my book and snack.

I am currently reading "Wesley the Owl, The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl" by Stacey O'Brien.  It is classified as a Biography, but I will let you know if I agree with that as I read it.  I am just starting it today.
My favorite genre is probably fantasy, although I do really enjoy reading books about animals.  I tend to like the ones that are told as a story.  One of my favorite ones was "The Good, Good Pig" by Sy Montgomery, which was about a special pig named Christopher. I also enjoy mysteries and realistic fiction.

I can't wait to hear about your favorite genres, your current book and your favorite places to read. Happy Blogging and Reading!
Mrs. S