Thursday, February 13, 2014

February Grades 3-4 Book Club: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

                                                                                                                          
We had a great book discussion about From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. participants were present, making this our largest book club so far! Thanks to Abbie, Alexandra, Cecilia, Julia, Kelsey, Molly, Natalie, Olivia, Rileigh, and Riley for attending! Please read some of the comments about the book below.


Why does Claudia pick Jamie to run away with?
-because he has lots of money and he's friendly to her
-he picks her because he has money and he's the only one who will keep his mouth shut
-he's rich, it's her brother
-because he can save money and he makes good company
-because he resists the urge to buy stuff
-because he has $24.63
-because he's really nice and he's a good companion. And he's rich.
-because he has a radio
-because he has lots of money and he's small. He can fit through things.
-rich, radio, small and smart

How does Jamie get his money? 
-by cheating in cards on his best friend
-every day on the bus, he plays War on the bus with his friend. He wins 50 cents every day by cheating
-he gets money later by going in the fountain  



Claudia thinks she is running away because of injustice. What's your opinion about Claudia's sense of injustice?
 -I don't think that running away for injustice is a good reason. You would need an important reason to run away.
-I think that you need a better reason to run away.
-Claudia is not being treated fairly

Have you ever wanted to escape or run away from something you didn't like? Do you think Claudia and Jamie were fair to their family when they ran away?
-I think that they were not fair to their family. They ran away with little reason.
-I don't think they were being fair because what did their family do to them? They were running away for a silly reason. They sent their family into a frantic search.
-They weren't fair to their family. They thought they had a good reason (not enough allowance, having to always take care of their brother)
-They weren't fair to their parents. Their parents had no idea where they were.
-I don't think it was fair. The parents took away the kids money, though. 
-No and no.
-Why would you run away for no apparent reason? Their parents don't know if they did do something wrong. Don't drive them frantic over something they didn't do.

How do you feel about the way Jamie wins in cards against Bruce? How do you think friends should treat one another?
-I don't think that Bruce cheated. If you want to have a good friendship, you should't cheat your best friend. It's rude.
-It's like lying to someone in order to get information. 
-It's not being a true friend. You're basically forcing someone to pay you to be your friend. Not cool. 
-I think it's not a very good friendship.

What section of the museum would you have chosen to study?
-the Egyptian wing
-I would chose the Egyptian wing because of the mummies
-the Spanish section
-the French Arts
-the Italian Renaissance 
-Medieval Arts
-all the arts
-the Medieval Treasury
-Arms and Armor 

Please rate this book from 1-5, with 5 being the best:
3
4
2
2
2.5
1.5
5.5
1,000
1,000,000
-1,0000 



The Grade 3-4 Book Club selection for March is Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea. "Seven fifth-graders at Snow Hill School in Connecticut relate how their lives are changed for the better by "rookie teacher" Mr. Terupt."--summary. Copies of the book will be available behind the Circulation Desk within the next week. Please remember to register for Book Club so that we know how many people will be attending.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Grades 3-4 Book Club Recommendations for March


The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch

Two eleven-year-old misfits try to solve the mystery of a dead magician and stop the evil Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais, who are searching for the secret of immortality. This is the story of a secret, and also a secret story. This is the story of Cass and Max-Ernest, two friendless 11-year olds who come together to solve the mystery surrounding a dead magician and the clues he left behind. When they find a mysterious case containing vials of liquid labeled The Symphony of Smells with an encoded message asking for help, they decide to investigate. Along the way they must solve puzzles and word games and face incredible danger to answer their questions. They encounter the dark and looming Dr. L and his seemingly ageless accomplice, Ms. Mauvais, who have kidnapped one of their classmates in a desperate attempt to unlock the secrets of immortality.- summary Book Trailer

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
Seven fifth-graders at Snow Hill School in Connecticut relate how their lives are changed for the better by "rookie teacher" Mr. Terupt.- summary Book Trailer


Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni describes her first summer in the town of Naomi, Florida, and all the good things that happen to her because of her big ugly dog Winn-Dixie.- summary Book Trailer




May Grades 3 & 4 Book Suggestions

One-Third Nerd by Gennifer Choldenko "Fifth grade is not for amateurs, according to Liam. Luckily, he knows that being more than one-t...