Raymie Nightingale

Raymie Nightingale is basically the story of a girl and her two friends.  They meet one another at the beginning while taking baton-twirling lessons.  At first, it doesn't seem like they'll be friends because each is so different from the others.  Raymie is hopeful and kind.  Louisiana is a dreamer and always positive.  Beverly is extremely talented in many things but also has a lot of anger.  Interesting adventures, uncomfortable situations, and unique characters made me laugh or smile and want to read on.  As the girls are forced to talk to one another, they realize that they have something in common:  dealing with the loss of a family member.
The story explores the themes of friendship and hope.  With a solid group of friends, you can make it through even the most difficult of circumstances.  Beverly is one example.  Much of her anger came from her father leaving and going to New York.  Through talking with her new friends, she admits that he's not coming back, and she knows that it's going to be OK.
If you like stories of close friends and how they deal with real-life problems, this is a great story for you.  Kate DiCamillo always writes in a way that is easily readable and leads you to understand deep human emotions.
Visit www.katedicamillo.com for more information.

The One and Only Ivan

"The One and Only Ivan" is the topic of a new 5th grade book club. I'm so glad a few students decided to check out this novel. I became interested in this book for a few reasons that are normal for most readers. I was intrigued by the title. It made me wonder what was so special about this gorilla. The cover illustration also drew me in. It's colorful, and the look on the gorilla's face is a little strange. Thirdly, I noticed the Newbery Medal. I value books that have received the award, so I figure they're worth a closer look.
I want to think about why Katherine Applegate, the author, deserved to be honored. Is it the quality of the story with interesting characters and a moving plot? Is it the quality of her writing that makes it easy and enjoyable to pick up the book?
Add a comment to tell your opinion. Feel free to share an example from the book of you like.

End of the No Talking Game

I just finished the book, No Talking.  It has a twist in some ways.  I suspected that the boys and girls would tie at the end, but I had no clue that the teachers would change their tune and eventually join the game.  I thought Andrew Clements tucked some neat themes into this book.  One I noticed was that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.  The students set their minds to silence (basically), and they stick to it.  I don't think I would have the will power to win this challenge.  Maybe my class could do it.  I also was interested in another, smaller theme in the story:  adults can be wrong sometimes.  It's interesting how the principal really flies off the handle with the protagonist, but then she realizes her mistake.  Not only does she recognize her mistake, she calls him to the office and apologizes.  I think that shows real courage as a teacher.  Everyone makes mistakes, but it can be hard for adults to admit it to children and apologize at times.
Overall, this book was a pretty quick read, and I'd definitely recommend it to 5th graders.
I'm interested to know what my book club partners' opinions are about No Talking.

Trouble With the Teachers

I'm about half way through "No Talking". The contest between the boys and girls is in full swing. I actually find it pretty impressive that this class of kids is working together in teams, and everybody is following the rules of the "game." I think that would take a lot of leadership to get everyone on the same page.
I was wondering how the teachers would react.  Now, I know.  Music class was pretty creative.  Andrew Clements seems to be using foreshadowing that the teachers also have conflicts between the men and women.  I'm interested to see if anything happens with that.
The teachers argue about what to do. Should they allow these "unshushables" to keep going or should they force them to talk again? What is your opinion?

No Talking

I've read a few of Andrew Clements's books, and I know he's really popular with my students. I'm not hooked on his books, but they always have characters that 5th graders can relate to.
I decided to read No Talking because of its title. As a teacher I feel like I've said these words a few times. However, the cover makes it seem like the kids don't want to talk.  This definitely intrigued me and made me want to read on.
There are a few 5th grade students that are reading this book with me.  If they follow this blog, I hope they'll contribute and share their thoughts through comments.
I thought the boy character was pretty believable. I remember a division between boys and girls when I went to New Berlin Elementary. What do you guys think about the characters or the school from the first few chapters?
See this earlier post for directions on making a safe comment.

Big Kid Eyes

I'm reading "Loser" by Jerry Spinelli. Zinkoff is a very unique protagonist. The book chronicles his school years, and I just got to the part where he enters 4th grade. It's at this point that the author says the kids at the school get "big kid eyes." These are the kind of eyes that notice things. Interesting or odd things that Zinkoff does used to go unnoticed, but now kids really see them. And talk about them.
I'm worried for this boy. It's hard to see kids get laughed at by their peers.
I'm interested to hear if 5th graders would agree with Jerry Spinelli. Is it around 4th or 5th grade that people get big kid eyes? What are some of your thoughts or experiences?

Class read-aloud: Wonder

We started reading a new novel in homeroom recently, Wonder, but R.J. Palacio.  August is the main character, and he has some type of birth defect on his face.  It's cool how the author connects this story to a song that I really like from Natalie Merchant that's also titled "Wonder".  Click here to check out the video.  So far, it seems like the author is slowly revealing details about the boy's face.  It's clear that the boy's embarrassed about it, but the author keeps us readers in suspense.  We're also wondering what's so bad.
He's just started at a new school, and he's scared about how people will react to him.  What do you think makes a good friend?  Which of his classmates demonstrate these qualities?  How is Auggie a good friend?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.