April Grades 3-4 Book Club: The 13-Story Treehouse

 

For April's Grades 3-4 Book Club, we read the book The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton. Alex, Emily, and Emme were present. Here's what we discussed! 

1. There are lots of rooms in the 13-Story Treehouse. Which one is your favorite? What type of rooms would you include in your own treehouse?

2. In Chapter 2, Andy wakes up to find Terry painting an animal. What type of animal is Terry painting? Why? 

3. In Chapter 3, we meet Jill. Who is Jill? Who is she looking for?  

4. On page 30, Andy points out, "...although the first part of my sentence (no) was technically a lie, the second part (she's not here) was definitely the truth, which cancels out the lie." Do you agree with Andy? 

5. Who is Mr. Big Nose? What is he angry about? What happens when he gets angry?

6. Terry has a super long to-do and to-don't list. Do you make lists? What type of lists?

7. In Chapter 5, Andy and Terry have a disagreement. What is the disagreement? 

8. Who is Bill? What does he bring Terry?

9. Who is Mermaidia? How does she trick Terry? How does Andy prove to Terry what Mermaidia truly is? What happens to Mermaidia?

10. Terry gets trapped in a bubble of burp gas. How does Andy free him?

11. What happens the second time Bill comes?

12. Who saves Andy and Terry from the gorilla?

13. How does Andy and Terry's book get delivered to Mr. Big Nose?

Last question: In your opinion, what was the funniest (or best) part of the book? Why?

Rating: on a scale of 1—5 (1 is the lowest; 5 is the highest), what do you rate this book? Would you recommend it?

4! 4! 5! 

For an average of 4.333333... 

and yes, they would recommend it!

For May's Book Club, we will be reading:

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Rhode Island Children's Book Award Winner 2016

Newberry Medal Honor

"Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful—and very awkward—hearing aid. The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear—sometimes things she shouldn't—but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All." And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for." — from the publisher's website

We will be meeting on Wednesday, May 12 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside on the Library lawn, under the trees on the Swinburne Street side. Masks are required, and social distancing will be practiced. In the case of inclement weather, Book Club may be moved indoors or via Zoom. Participants will be notified by noon, the day of, if the location changes. 

To register, visit the circulation desk or email Miss Colleen at jamlibyouth@gmail.com 

Be sure to stop by the library to pick up your copy!

May Grades 3–4 Book Club Suggestions

 

Rhode Island Children's Book Award Winner 2016

Newberry Medal Honor Book 

El Deafo by Cece Bell 

"El Deafo is a funny, deeply honest graphic novel memoir for middle graders. It chronicles the author's hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with a powerful and very awkward hearing aid called the Phonic Ear. It gives her the ability to hear—sometimes things she shouldn't—but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her, Phonic Ear and all. Finally, she is able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All." And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for." — provided by the publisher

National Book Award Longlist

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

"After being forced to give up his pet fox Pax, a young boy named Peter decides to leave home and get his best friend back" — provided by the publisher

Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee 2022

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

"Zoe Washington isn't sure what to write. What does a girl say to the father she's never met, hadn't heard from until his letter arrived on her twelfth birthday, and who's been in prison for a terrible crime?

A crime he says he never committed.

Could Marcus really be innocent? Zoe is determined to uncover the truth. Even if it means hiding his letters and her investigation from the rest of her family. Everyone else thinks Zoe's worrying about doing a good job at her bakery internship and proving to her parents that she's worthy of auditioning for Food Network's Kids Bake Challenge.

But with bakery confections on one part of her mind, and Marcus's conviction weighing heavily on the other, this is one recipe Zoe doesn't know how to balance. The only thing she knows to be true: Everyone lies." — summary