Blue Sword cancelled-- what's next?

All right, Bookies-- I need to know your suggestions for our next read. Hit me. Patrick G. and I are going to do a mini-book club about The Blue Sword, and if you're enjoying it, you are welcome to stick with it. Just let me know! But if the book isn't what you were hoping for, weigh in with your choice and we'll see what we can do~ I've heard To Kill a Mockingbird and A Princess Bride... what else?
I'm off to Mexico tomorrow... see you guys in nine days!
:)
Mrs. P

Blue Sword Discussion Questions-- to Chapter 6

All right, so who made it to the page goal? Thoughts so far? Questions? 6th graders, we'll take a vote tomorrow to see who wants to pick a different book. Well, I guess we can see if EVERYONE wants a different book! I'm going to post some discussion questions for the first five chapters for those of you who have hit the goal. Let me hear your thoughts!

1. In the first 3 chapters, we meet a great many characters. With the exception of Harry and Corlath, did any other characters make an impression on you and why?

2. From the first three chapters, what are your general impressions of the Homeland vs Damar/Daria and their respective cultures?

3. What is kelar? What sort of things does it do?

4. What do you think of Harry Crewe? Why do you think she handles being kidnapped so well? What do you predict might happen to her next?

Let's start with those. MEETING TOMORROW!

:)
Mrs. P

Bookies-- We Have a New Selection!

Our new read is one of my longtime favorite fantasy novels-- The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley. It's a 6.1 book level in AR, so it's no easy read; feel free to ask questions here!

We can't meet next Thursday (Mr. Custis is going to ROME, ITALY and I'll be having eye surgery-- gulp), so our reading goal for the following Thursday, November 17th is to read to page 74, chapter six. We'll talk here on the blog until then.

Come to the library to check out your copies ASAP!
:)
Mrs. P

Discussion Questions for Sleepy Hollow--Let's discuss them here and at our meeting NEXT THURSDAY, the 20th!

1. Describe Ichabod Crane's character based on what you have read in the story. What type of person is he, exactly? Why do you think this?

2. How does Ichabod differ from Katrina's other suitors?

3. Who are the Hessian soldiers of the American Revolution? Do some research for this one!

4. Contrast Ichabod Crane and Brom Bones. How are they different in physical
appearance? How are their actions different? What would have made Katrina
attracted to each of them?

5. What evidence is there that Ichabod Crane had an active imagination?

6. Who do the villagers believe the headless horseman is? How did he lose his head?
What do the villagers think he is doing out at night? Why is he said to be in such a
hurry?

7. Here's a big one-- what questions do you have about the story?

:)
Mrs. P

First page goal for Sleepy Hollow

Since not everyone has picked up a book yet, let's skip meeting this Thursday and all meet up next Thursday with the book finished. How's that sound?

Looking forward to chatting about this classic horror story with you!
:)
Mrs. P

We are good to go, Bookies!

We are going to start the year with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow! Swing by the library to check a copy out ASAP, and I'll let you know when each group will meet to talk about it early next week. Keep your eye on the blog for more information!

Two more things:
1. Clarification-- I will try to find the animated version of this story, but it may be difficult; it's old! Also, when I said it was scary... I was YOUNG. Younger than you guys. So you probably won't think it's scary. As a matter of fact, you'll probably think it's funny. But whatever! It will be fun to watch if I can find it somewhere. :)

2. You can register your email on the Feedblitz to the right of this post. It will not spam you or anything, but it will send you a quick update anytime I add a new post. So please sign up! I'll help you if you need it; just come see me in the library.

Woohoo!
:)
Mrs. P

Book Club is about to take off!

Hey Bookies!
Let's meet on Thursday, September 29th during 6th/7th lunch in Mr. Custis' room (B114)to do introductions, talk about the logistics of the club, and choose a first book to read. If you have suggestions for our first book, add them as a comment to this post, and I will take it under advisement as I make the choice. Woohoo for book club!
:)
Mrs. P