May Grades 3–4 Book Club: El Deafo

 

Rhode Island Children's Book Award Winner 2016

Newberry Medal Honor

For May's Grades 3-4 Book Club, we read the book El Deafo by Cece Bell. Alex and Emme were present. Here are some of the questions we answered during our discussion:

1. El Deafo is a memoir. What is a memoir? Are there benefits to writing a memoir as a graphic novel? What about drawbacks?

2. How does Cece lose her hearing? 

3. We learn about Cece's friendships. Could you relate to any of Cece's friendships? How do Cece's friendships comfort her? How do they challenge her? 

4. How does Cece use her El Deafo identity to cope with tough situations? 

5. People react to Cece's Phonic Ear in a variety of ways. What are they, and why are their reactions important to Cece's story?

6. Cece grapples with her own feelings towards the Phonic Ear. Overall, do you think the Phonic Ear is something positive or negative for Cece? Why?

7. Cece describes feeling like she is in a bubble of loneliness. What does this mean? Have you felt this way? 

8. How does Cece change throughout the book? 

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! 

And yes, we would recommend it!

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

Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee 2022

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marky

"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

We will be meeting on Wednesday, June 9 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside on the lawn—Swinburne Street side. In 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!

June Grades 3–4 Book Club Suggestions

 

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 

Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat (Book #1) by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth

"Klawde had everything. Sharp claws. Fine fur. And, being the High Commander of the planet Lyttyrboks, an entire world of warlike cats at his command. But when he is stripped of his feline throne, he is sentenced to the worst possible punishment- exile to a small planet in a quiet corner of the universe...named Earth.

Raj had everything. A cool apartment in Brooklyn. Three friends who lived in his building. And pizza and comics within walking distance. But when his mom gets a job in Elba, Oregon, and he is forced to move, all of that changes. It's now the beginning of summer, he has no friends, and because of his mother's urgings, he has joined a nature camp. It's only when his doorbell rings and he meets a furball of a cat that Raj begins to think maybe his luck is turning around..." — summary

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 

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.