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.
