October Grades 3-4 Book Club: Nightbooks

For October's Book Club, we read Nightbooks by J.A. White. Cameron, Hunter, Lucy, Micah, and Rileigh were present. Please read some of the comments about the book below.

Please use one word to describe your first impression of Alex:

-creepy
-gullible
-dumb
-odd
-brave


Please use one word to describe your first impression of Yasmin:

-unfriendly
-strict
-obedient


Please use one word to describe your first impression of Natacha:

-capturing (Alex)
-mean
-trickster


Who was your favorite character in Nightbooks? Least favorite? Why?:


-My favorite was Alex because he didn't give up.
-My least favorite was Aunt Gris because she was really creepy and evil.
-My favorite was Alex because he pretended to be the witch's friend in order to save his friends.
-Aunt Gris because she tried to eat the kids.
-My favorite was Lenore because she was a cat and she tried to save Alex.
-My least favorite was Natacha because she tried to capture all of the kids.
-I liked Alex and Natacha. I liked her because she is clever.
-I liked Yasmin as well.

What's your favorite scene of the story?:

-The beginning.
-I loved the Unicorn Girl.
-My favorite part was when Yasmin came out and said that she was a vegetarian.
-My favorite part was the candy house that put people to sleep when they took a bite.


Do you think that there was a message in this book, beyond the story it told? What might the message be?:

-The message is don't fall for tricks in general. If you're doing something you're not supposed to be doing, don't do it.
-Don't enter other people's houses unless you know them.
-Don't trust strangers.

What did you think about the ending of the book? Do you think there will be a sequel?: 

-This book will have a sequel.
-It could stand alone but I always like a book series better than just a standalone.
-What's going to happen next?


Please use one word to describe your last impression of Alex. Your last impression of Yasmin.:

-Yasmin was nice again. Alex was nice and kind.
-Yasmin was better to Alex than she had been. Alex got smarter and he learned his lesson.
-They both could escape.

Please rate this book from 1-5, with 5 being the best:

-Three 3s
-One 5
(one didn't vote)

For November's Book Club, we will be reading Just Like Jackie by Lindsey Stoddard.

Fifth grader Robbie is determined to stay out of trouble so that she does not worry her grandfather whose memory is failing and to make sure that she and her grandfather stay together as he is the only family she has left.

We will be meeting on Wednesday, November 13 at 3:00 p.m. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk. Please be sure to sign up for book club so that Miss Lisa can buy enough snacks!

November Grades 3-4 Book Club Suggestions

Captain Superlative by J.S. Puller

"Have no fear, citizens! Captain Superlative is here to make all troubles disappear!"

Red mask, blue wig, silver swimsuit, rubber gloves, torn tights, high top sneakers and . . . a cape? Who would run through the halls of Deerwood Park Middle School dressed like this? And why?

Janey-quick to stay in the shadows-can't resist the urge to uncover the truth behind the mask. The answer pulls invisible Janey into the spotlight and leads her to an unexpected friendship with a superhero like no other. Fearless even in the face of school bully extraordinaire, Dagmar Hagen, no good deed is too small for the incomparable Captain Superlative and her new sidekick, Janey.

But superheroes hold secrets and Captain Superlative is no exception. When Janey unearths what's truly at stake, she's forced to face her own dark secrets and discover what it truly means to be a hero . . . and a friend.

Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

Virgil feels out of place in his crazy-about-sports family. Valencia is deaf, smart, and loves everything about nature. Kaori is a self-proclaimed psychic, whose little sister, Gen, is always following her around. And Chet wishes the weird kids would just stop being so different so that he can concentrate on basketball. They aren't friends. But when Chet pulls a prank that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well, Kaori, Gen, and Valencia begin a quest to find the missing Virgil.

Just Like Jackie by Lindsey Stoddard

For as long as Robinson Hart can remember, it’s just been her and Grandpa. He taught her about cars, baseball, and everything else worth knowing. But Grandpa’s memory has been getting bad—so bad that he sometimes can’t even remember Robbie’s name.

She’s sure that she’s making things worse by getting in trouble at school, but she can’t resist using her fists when bullies like Alex Carter make fun of her for not having a mom.

Now she’s stuck in group guidance—and to make things even worse, Alex Carter is there too. There’s no way Robbie’s going to open up about her life to some therapy group, especially not with Alex in the room. Besides, if she told anyone how forgetful Grandpa’s been getting lately, they’d take her away from him. He’s the only family she has—and it’s up to her to keep them together, no matter what.

September Grades 3-4 Book Club: The Wild Robot

For September's Book Club, we read The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. Caitlin, Cameron, Kaitlyn, Lucy, Matt, Micah, Mira and Rileigh were present. Please read some of the comments about the book below.

Please use one word to describe your first impression of Roz:

-excited
-explorer
-wild
-smart
-robot
-skinny
-curious
-helpful


Who was your favorite character in The Wild Robot? Least favorite? Why?:

-Roz because I liked what she did. She was very helpful. My least favorite was the human who shot the birds.
-The owl because she was funny. Then she got more comfortable with Roz and became more friendly.
-Broadfoot was my favorite because he's a giant moose. The fox ate most of the animals so you didn't like him so much.
-Roz because she explored everything. She's very curious, just like me.
-My least favorite was Roz because I liked the old cat more.
-My favorite character was the fox because he wanted to eat everything. I'm always hungry so I can relate to him.

What's your favorite scene of the story?:

-I liked it when Roz first got to the island. The otters didn't know what to make of her.
-The first scene was good.
-The first scene.
-My favorite scene was when RECO 1 was shot. He was the last one to be "alive" and try to capture Roz. Or when Roz jumped off the cliff and ended up "killing" some of the eggs. Only Brightbill survived.
-The first scene.
-When Roz rescued Brightbill when the nest fell down. She saved Brightbill's life.
-When the fox was on the log and he was like "help me" because he had porcupine quills on his face. Roz helped him.
-When the man came into the greenhouse where all of the ducks were "hanging out" and shot one of them. This was my least favorite scene.


Do you think that there was a message in this book, beyond the story it told? What might the message be?:


-Don't judge a book by its cover. Like Roz being a monster.
-Anyone can survive in the wilderness.
-To be helpful.
-To be curious.
-She wouldn't have survived if she hadn't helped the others out.

What did you think about the ending of the book? Do you think there will be a sequel?: 

-Yes.
-She made a good choice to go and try to figure out where she came from.


Please use one word to describe your last impression of Roz:

-helpful
-brave
-courageous
-amazing
-talkative
-when she got to the island (it's the last part I read)

Please rate this book from 1-5, with 5 being the best:

-One 1

-Three 3s

-Three 4s

For October's Book Club, we will be reading Nightbooks by J.A. White.

Nightbooks by J.A. White

A boy is imprisoned by a witch and must tell her a new scary story each night to stay alive. Alex’s original hair-raising tales are the only thing keeping the witch Natacha happy, but soon he’ll run out of pages to read from and be trapped forever. He’s loved scary stories his whole life, and he knows most don’t have a happily ever after. Now that Alex is trapped in a true terrifying tale, he’s desperate for a different ending—and a way out of this twisted place.

We will be meeting on Wednesday, October 9 at 3:00 p.m. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk. Please be sure to sign up for book club so that Miss Lisa can buy enough snacks!

October Grades 3-4 Book Club Suggestions

Nightbooks by J.A. White

A boy is imprisoned by a witch and must tell her a new scary story each night to stay alive. Alex’s original hair-raising tales are the only thing keeping the witch Natacha happy, but soon he’ll run out of pages to read from and be trapped forever. He’s loved scary stories his whole life, and he knows most don’t have a happily ever after. Now that Alex is trapped in a true terrifying tale, he’s desperate for a different ending—and a way out of this twisted place.

Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech

Louie doesn't have the best luck when it comes to nurturing small creatures. So when his father brings home a sickly newborn mini donkey, he's determined to save him. He names him Winslow. Taking care of him helps Louie feel closer to his brother, Gus, who is far, far away in the army.

Everyone worries that Winslow won't survive, especially Louie’s quirky new friend, Nora, who has experienced loss of her own. But as Louie's bond with Winslow grows, surprising and life-altering events prove that this fragile donkey is stronger than anyone could have imagined.

The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown

After being captured by the Recons and returned to civilization for reprogramming, Roz is sent to Hilltop Farm where she befriends her owner's family and animals, but pines for her son, Brightbill.

April Grades 3-4 Book Club: The Collectors

For April's Book Club, we read The Collectors by Jacqueline West. Gavin, Kailynn, Luna, Mira, and Mark were present. This is some of what we talked about.

Please use one word to describe your first impression of Van at the beginning of this book:

-nervous
-curious
-Collector
-nervous
-low-self-esteem

Later in the book:

-two-sided
-confused
-Collector
-sneaky
-mischievous
-confident
-curious
-hopeful
-scared
-brave

Who was your favorite character in The Collectors?  Why?:

-Pebble, Van, Barnavelt and Lemmy
-Lemmy and the wish eater that made the chandelier shake
-Barnavelt was funny
-Lemmy was cute
-Pebble was interesting
-Van was observant

Who was your least favorite character in this book?  Why?:

-Nail, because he was creepy
-Jack was intense
-Mr Falberg, although I liked him at the beginning
-Mr. Gray
-Peter

What's your favorite scene of the story?:

-When Van jumped out the window at Peter's birthday party. It was unexpected.
-The scene where Van and Peter were getting along at the pizza place. The part where Pebble and Van said that they were friends. And the part with Lemmy coming out of the box.
-The part with Lemmy and the chandelier.
-The whole entire book.
-I liked when he was talking to Mr. Falborg and Pebble at the end of the book.
-Renata/Chuck talking to Van at the end.



Least favorite scene:

-Van running back to his house. It was hard to imagine.
-When Van let all of the wish eaters out, because that could cause something bad to happen.

Did you think that Van was a bad person because he often stole things at the beginning of the story and reinvented the truth to serve his purposes later in the book?:

-Mr. Falborg was controlling Van when he let the wish eaters out of their changes
-You knew that there was something up with Mr. Falborg because he seemed too nice. It was kind of like Sweep and Crud offering Nan his breakfast, which was a trick.
-Razor seemed really creepy and mean at the beginning but then ended up being nice.

What's up with Peter? Why is he so mean to Van? Are his actions justified?:

-He thinks his dad is going to marry Van's mom
-Yes
-His actions are somewhat justified.

Let's talk a little bit about Mr. Falborg. Is he evil or just misunderstood?:

-Evil
-Evil
-He made Pebble by wishing for her. He wanted another collector with him.
-He's an evil collector.
-He made Pebble to help take care of his wish eaters.

How does Van change by the end of the story? Is he a different person than when it started?:

-Braver
-More confident
-He has higher self-esteem
-He's proud of himself

Do you think that there was a message in this book, beyond the story it told? What might the message be?: 

-Pay attention to your surroundings. Mr. Falborg totally tricked Van.
-Working for both sides might be possible.
-Van should have just chosen one side.
-Mr. Falborg asked Van to be a spy on the evil side, though he didn't know it at the time.

-Be yourself.
-Don't judge yourself. And don't judge others.

Please use one word to describe your last impression of the collectors and The Collectors.

-Amazing
-Nicer
-Mysterious
-Sneaky
-Nicest
-Misunderstood by Van

What did you think about the ending of the book? Do you think there will be a sequel or did the author complete the story in one book?: 

-no sweep and this book was a tie
-there could be a sequel
-no sequel
-there could be a sequel

Rate this book from 1-5:

-4.5
-4.5
-5
-4
-4.5

For the Grades 3-4 Book Club in May, we will be reading Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina.

Merci Suárez knew that sixth grade would be different, but she had no idea just how different. For starters, Merci has never been like the other kids at her private school in Florida, because she and her older brother, Roli, are scholarship students. They don't have a big house or a fancy boat, and they have to do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. So when bossy Edna Santos sets her sights on the new boy who happens to be Merci's school-assigned Sunshine Buddy, Merci becomes the target of Edna's jealousy. Things aren't going well at home, either: Merci's grandfather and most trusted ally, Lolo, has been acting strangely lately -- forgetting important things, falling from his bike, and getting angry over nothing. No one in her family will tell Merci what's going on, so she's left to her own worries, while also feeling all on her own at school.

We will meet on Wednesday, May 8 at 3:00 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk. Please do not forget to register so Miss Lisa knows how many participants to expect!

March Grades 3-4 Book Club: Winterhouse

For March's Book Club, we read Winterhouse by Ben Guterson. Caitlin, Kailynn, Mira, and Mark were present. This is some of what we talked about.

Please use one word to describe your first impression of Elizabeth at the beginning of this book:

-nerdy
-curious
-kind
-smart
-adventurous
-interesting
-interested

Later in the book:

-nosy
-sneaky
-deceptive

Who was your favorite character in Winterhouse?  Why?:

-Elizabeth and Freddy
-Elizabeth because she was the main character
-Elizabeth because she was in all the scenes
-Elizabeth because she was adventurous

Who was your least favorite character in this book?  Why?:

-Gracella because she was evil
-Gracella wanted to destroy Winterhouse
-Gracella was envious of Norbridge

What's your favorite scene of the story?:

-Walking into Winterhouse for the first time
-The scene where the light shattered outside of Gracella's room
-When Gracella was in the coffin
-How the whole book was a puzzle. And how the necklace was the key.

Did you think that Elizabeth was a bad person because she often lied to Freddy and Norbridge?:

-No, because she did it for good reasons
-She lied to save Winterhouse

Let's talk a little bit about Gracella. Was she evil or just misunderstood?:

-She was both
-She was misunderstood because she just really wanted to be in charge of Winterhouse. She was jealous of Norbridge.
-She did evil things and not really for a good reason but you can understand her motivations

Do you think that Elizabeth is a good friend to Freddy? How about Freddy to Elizabeth?:

-Yes, because she's nice
-They're equals
-Freddy is a good friend to Elizabeth.
-He tries to save her from so many things and she doesn't listen.

How does Elizabeth change by the end of the story? Is she a different person than when it started?:

-She is surprised because Norbridge is her grandfather.
-She is happier because she's gotten a new family and doesn't have to go back to her awful aunt and uncle.
-She's a better person at the end.
-She's got a better family.

Do you think that there was a message in this book, beyond the story it told? What might the message be?: 

-Be patient.
-Don't be like Freddy.

Please use one word to describe your last impression of Winterhouse, the place:

-creepy
-magical
-spooky
-beautiful/creepy

What did you think about the ending of the book? Do you think there will be a sequel or did the author complete the story in one book?: 

-Good

Rate this book from 1-5:

-Four 5s!

For the Grades 3-4 Book Club in April, we will be reading The Collectors by Jacqueline West.

Van has always been an outsider. Most people don't notice him. But he notices them. And he notices the small trinkets they drop, or lose, or throw away--that's why his collection is full of treasures. Then one day, Van notices a girl stealing pennies from a fountain, and everything changes. He follows the girl, Pebble, and uncovers an underground world full of wishes and the people who collect them. Apparently not all wishes are good and even good wishes often have unintended consequences--and the Collectors have made it their duty to protect us. But they aren't the only ones who have their eyes on the world's wishes--and they may not be the good guys, after all.

We will meet on Wednesday, April 10 at 3:00 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk. Please do not forget to register so Miss Lisa knows how many participants to expect!

April Grades 3-4 Book Club Suggestions

The Collectors by Jacqueline West

Van has always been an outsider. Most people don’t notice him. But he notices them. And he notices the small trinkets they drop, or lose, or throw away—that’s why his collection is full of treasures. Then one day, Van notices a girl stealing pennies from a fountain, and everything changes. He follows the girl, Pebble, and uncovers an underground world full of wishes and the people who collect them. Apparently not all wishes are good and even good wishes often have unintended consequences—and the Collectors have made it their duty to protect us. But they aren't the only ones who have their eyes on the world’s wishes—and they may not be the good guys, after all.  


Granted by John David Anderson

Everyone who wishes upon a star, or a candle, or a penny thrown into a fountain knows that you’re not allowed to tell anyone what you’ve wished for. But even so, there is someone out there who hears it. 

In a magical land called the Haven lives a young fairy named Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets. Ophela is no ordinary fairy—she is a Granter: one of the select fairies whose job it is to venture out into the world and grant the wishes of unsuspecting humans every day.

It’s the work of the Granters that generates the magic that allows the fairies to do what they do, and to keep the Haven hidden and safe. But with worldwide magic levels at an all-time low, this is not as easy as it sounds. On a typical day, only a small fraction of the millions of potential wishes gets granted.

Today, however, is anything but typical. Because today, Ophelia is going to get her very first wish-granting assignment.

And she’s about to discover that figuring out how to truly give someone what they want takes much more than a handful of fairy dust.

Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina

Merci Suárez knew that sixth grade would be different, but she had no idea just how different. For starters, Merci has never been like the other kids at her private school in Florida, because she and her older brother, Roli, are scholarship students. They don't have a big house or a fancy boat, and they have to do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. 

So when bossy Edna Santos sets her sights on the new boy who happens to be Merci's school-assigned Sunshine Buddy, Merci becomes the target of Edna's jealousy. Things aren't going well at home, either: Merci's grandfather and most trusted ally, Lolo, has been acting strangely lately -- forgetting important things, falling from his bike, and getting angry over nothing. No one in her family will tell Merci what's going on, so she's left to her own worries, while also feeling all on her own at school.