March Grades 3-4 Book Club: The One and Only Bob

 For March's Grades 3-4 Book Club, we read the book The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate. Alex and Emily was present. Here's what we discussed! 

How does Bob feel about the phrase “man’s best friend,” which he heard on a TV show he watched with Ivan? Why does that phrase make him so angry? 

Discuss how Bob's early experiences in life shaped his personality. What does Bob mean when he says, “When you’re an animal, it helps to be a realist”? (p. 32)

 

Compare Bob’s character with Ivan’s. How were their early lives different and how were they similar? Why do you think Ivan was so accepting of Bob sleeping on his stomach when he first came to the mall?

 

Discuss the difference between Bob’s friendship with Ivan and Ruby and his interactions with Minnie and Moo, the guinea pigs, and Nutwit, the squirrel. Why does he dislike Snickers, the poodle?

 

According to Bob, what are the biggest differences between dogs and humans? What is the one human feature that he says he would find very useful? 

 

Why does Bob hate to walk past the animal shelter? Describe his feelings about the animals he can hear in the shelter. What does he mean when he says, “. . . the shelter harshes my mellow.”? (p. 77)

 

Compare Bob’s stories about his conversations with Droolius, when he was a stray, and with Kimu the wolf, when he visits the zoo. How does Bob feel about their different environments and their interactions with humans?

 

Describe Bob’s impressions of the zoo and the animals that live with his friends Ivan and Ruby. What does he mean when he says he is considered “enrichment” at the zoo? (p. 102) 

Why doesn’t Bob like Kinyani?

 

Why has Bob never told anyone the secret that haunts him? Why does he think he is really a coward? 

Describe the ways in which Bob shows bravery at the zoo after the tornado and at the animal shelter later.

 

How does Ruby come up with the idea to save the baby gorilla Kudzoo? 

Why do the other elephants allow Ruby to go with Bob to find Ivan? Why does Bob call Ruby “wise beyond her years”? (p. 191)

 

Why hasn’t Bob told any of his animal friends about Boss? Why did he not look for her on the highway? What does he mean when he says, “There’s a certain freedom that comes with owning your faults”? (p. 234)

 

Compare Boss’s experience of the last several years to Bob’s. How has her life experience affected her feelings about people? What does Boss mean when she says, “I’ve had to forgive myself plenty, just, you know, to get through the day”? (p. 256) Why is it so hard for Bob to forgive himself?

 

Why does Bob go to look for Boss’s puppy? What does he mean when he says to Ivan, “I let her down once, and now, well, I have a second chance”? (p. 290) 

What is the bravest thing Bob does in his rescue of Rowdy? How have Bob’s feelings about people changed throughout this story?

If the author writes another story about this group of animals (a Ruby story or one about Kimu, perhaps?), do you think you will read it?

Please rate this book between 1 and 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 the best.

-2 Fives!

Book Club will be meeting on Wednesday, April 14 at 3:30 p.m. We will be reading The 13 Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths. We will be meeting via Zoom. 

Who wouldn't want to live in a treehouse? Especially a 13-story treehouse that has a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a tank full of sharks, a library full of comics, a secret underground laboratory, a games room, self-making beds, vines you can swing on, a vegetable vaporiser and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots your favourite flavoured marshmallows into your mouth whenever it discerns you're hungry. Life would be perfect for Andy and Terry if it wasn't for the fact that they have to write their next book, which is almost impossible because there are just so many distractions, including thirteen flying cats, giant bananas, mermaids, a sea monsters pretending to be mermaids, enormous gorillas, and dangerous burp gas-bubblegum bubbles!

Books are already available. Please be sure to register so that Miss Colleen can email you the Zoom password!

February Grades 3-4 Book Club: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

 

For February's Grades 3-4 Book Club, we read the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Alex and Emily was present. Here's what we discussed! 

Who does Charlie live with? Where do they live? 

What does he get as his only birthday present? And why does he eat it so slowly?

 

What would have happened if Charlie hadn't found a Golden Ticket? How would he have survived?

What role does Grandpa Joe play in Charlie's life?

Is it strange that no one ever comes out of Willy Wonka’s factory?

Tell me a little bit about the other 4 ticket winners: Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee and Violet Beauregarde.

 

Which is the worst offense: being gluttonous (eating too much), greedy, spoiled, or lazy? Which of those do you relate to the most? (No one's judging – we're all guilty of something!)

 

Do you think that Roald Dahl believes that the parents of the contest participants are good?

 

How do the kids react when they are in the factory?

 

In what ways does Willy Wonka tempt the children to misbehave?

 

What can one tell about Willy Wonka's character? Is he likable and kind, or sneaky and cruel?

 

What is the Oompa-Loompas' purpose in the novel?

 

How does the theme of karma play a role in the story?

 

What will Charlie be like as the factory owner? Will he let children come explore, or keep it closed to the public?

 

If you could create a candy – any candy in the world – what would it taste like and what other effects would it have? Go crazy; it doesn't have to be rooted in reality. Willy Wonka certainly isn't.

 

Which would have been the most fun room in the factory to explore? Why?

 

Would you call the end of the book a happy one? Why or why not?

Would you read the sequel to this book, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator? 

Please rate this book between 1 and 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 the best.

-2 Fives!

Book Club will be meeting on Wednesday, March 10 at 3:30 p.m. We will be reading The One and Only Bob (the sequel to The One and Only Ivan) by Katherine Applegate. We will be meeting via Zoom. 

Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family.

Books will be available within a week. Please be sure to register so that I can email you the Zoom password!

March Grades 3-4 Book Club Suggestions

                                                            

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl

Last seen flying through the sky in a giant elevator in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie Bucket's back for another adventure. When the giant elevator picks up speed, Charlie, Willy Wonka, and the gang are sent hurtling through space and time. Visiting the world’' first space hotel, battling the dreaded Vermicious Knids, and saving the world are only a few stops along this remarkable, intergalactic joyride.

Masters of Disaster by Gary Paulsen

Roped into wacky attempts to break world records, imitate scenes from books, and other inspired ideas, Riley and Reed follow their fearless leader Henry into the wilderness, the bull-riding ring, a haunted house, a cataclysmic collision with explosive life forms, and off the roof of a house on a bike.

Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck

In 1887, the social-climbing Cranstons voyage from New York to London, where they hope to find a husband for their awkward older daughter, secretly accompanied by Helena and her mouse siblings, for whom the journey is both terrifying and wondrous as they meet an array of titled humans despite their best efforts at remaining hidden.

January Grades 3-4 Book Club: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

 

For January's Grades 3-4 Book Club, we read the book Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. Alex and Emily was present. Here's what we discussed! 

How does Peter get a pet turtle?

How does Peter’s mother react to his new pet? 

Why doesn’t Peter’s mother want him hanging around the park alone?

Why doesn’t Peter like Sheila very much?

What happens to Fudge when his mother leaves him with Sheila, Peter and Jimmy Fargo?

What did Sheila write on the report that upset Peter and Jimmy?

 What is Peter’s dad doing on the day Fudge and Peter were at the office?

What was Peter’s father’s idea to get Fudge to ride the Toddle-Bike? And, did it work?

What day will Peter never forget? 

Why do you think Fudge decides to swallow Dribble?

Do you think Peter sees the puppy as his reward for being a good kid? Does it make up for all he's been through?

Why does Peter need boundaries from Fudge? Is it only to protect his stuff?

Do you think that Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher treat Fudge better than they treat Peter? Why or why not?

How does living in New York City make Peter's childhood unique and interesting?

Why does Mrs. Hatcher always seem to take Fudge's side over Peter's?

What do we learn about how Peter's parents really feel about him vs. what he thinks they feel about him?

Do you think events like those in the book could ever happen? Why or why not?

Would you call the end of the book a happy one? Why or why not?

Would you read the sequels to this book? It is a series.

Please rate this book between 1 and 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 the best.

Book Club will be meeting on Wednesday, February 10 at 3:30 p.m. We will be reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. We will be meeting via Zoom. 

Each of five children lucky enough to discover an entry ticket into Mr. Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory takes advantage of the situation in his own way.

Books will be available within a week. Please be sure to register so that I can email you the Zoom password!

February Grades 3-4 Book Club Suggestions

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Kidsnatched from her orphange by a BFG (Big Friendly Giant), who spends his life blowing happy dreams to children, Sophie concocts with him a plan to save the world from nine other man-gobbling cannybull giants.

The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker

After reluctantly kissing a frog, an awkward, fourteen-year-old princess suddenly finds herself a frog, too, and sets off with the prince to seek the means--and the self-confidence--to become human again.

Ragweed by Avi

Ragweed, a young country mouse, leaves his family and travels to the big city, where he finds excitement and danger and sees cats for the first time.

December Grades 3-4 Book Club: Clean Getaway

For the December's Grades 3-4 Book Club, we read the book Clean Getaway by Nic Stone. Alex and Emily was present. Here's what we discussed, with help from the publisher's website. 

Reflect on the following quotes:

 

 a. “Looks like we’re both trying to make a run for it.” (p. 48)

 b. “It’s possible to know too much about the folks in your life.” (p. 77)

 c. “So people don’t have to enjoy the wrong they’re doing to do it?” (p. 85)

 d. “Man, I hate this world sometimes.” (p. 136)

 e. “They get seventeen more days. Most of them good.” (p. 211)

 

 

Guilt is a recurring theme in this book. How does guilt motivate G’ma? How does guilt affect Scoob?

 

What is your opinion of G’ma? Was she a good person? Explain the multiple facets of her character. Is anyone all good or all bad?

 

What are some lessons or universal themes in this book? Did it make you think about anything in a new way? What? And why?

 

What are your thoughts about the relationship between G’ma and G’pop? Do you agree with her choice to not bring their son to visit G’pop in prison? Do you agree with her choice to keep secrets from her son? Reflect on this relationship.

Do you think Scoob will ever tell his dad about what G’ma confessed to him? Why or why not?

 

What realization does Scoob come to when he says, “I’m sorry you lost your mom.” (p. 215) Do you think kids sometimes forget their parents are people, too?

 

What do you think of Scoob’s decision to bury G’ma’s treasure box in Mexico? What would you have done?

Do you think events like those in the book could ever happen? Why or why not?

 

Would you call the end of the book a happy one? Why or why not?

Please rate this book between 1 and 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 the best.

-4

-4

Book Club will be meeting on Wednesday, January 13 at 3:30 p.m. We will be meeting via Zoom. We will be reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume.

"Peter finds his demanding two-year-old brother an ever increasing problem."

Books will be available within a week. Please be sure to register so that I can email you the Zoom password!

January Grades 3-4 Book Club Suggestions

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again.

Crenshaw is a cat. He's large, he's outspoken, and he's imaginary. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything?

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

Life with his little brother, Fudge, makes Peter Hatcher feel like a fourth grade nothing. Whether Fudge is throwing a temper tantrum in a shoe store, smearing mashed potatoes on the walls at Hamburger Heaven, or trying to fly, he's never far from trouble. He's an almost three-year-old terror who gets away with everything, and Peter's had it up to here! When Fudge walks off with Dribble, Peter's pet turtle, it's the last straw. Peter has put up with Fudge for too long. Way too long! How can he get his parents to pay attention to him for a change?

Upside Down Magic by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins

It's never easy when your magic goes wonky.

For Nory, this means that instead of being able to turn into a dragon or a kitten, she turns into both of them at the same time -- a dritten.

For Elliott, the simple act of conjuring fire from his fingertips turns into a fully frozen failure.

For Andres, wonky magic means he's always floating in the air, bouncing off the walls, or sitting on the ceiling.

For Bax, a bad moment of magic will turn him into a . . . actually, he'd rather not talk about that.

Nory, Elliott, Andres, and Bax are just four of the students in Dunwiddle Magic School's Upside-Down Magic class. In their classroom, lessons are unconventional, students are unpredictable, and magic has a tendency to turn wonky at the worst possible moments. Because it's always amazing, the trouble a little wonky magic can cause . . .