6th grade reading and learning blog. We'll be discussing our favorite books and life in a 6th grade classroom.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Mayse share her views on Rules by Cynthia Lord
Now it's Jordan's turn to interview Mayse about Rules!
Mock Newbery Book Chat by Maddy and Ella
Ella interviews Maddy about:
Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle by George Hagen
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Ella and Brooklyn's Book Chat
Ella and Brooklyn chat about Trading Faces by Julia DeVillers and Jennifer Roy.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Kesha and Ella's Book Chat: Once Upon a Curse
Ella interview's Kesha about her book, Once Upon a Curse by E.D. Baker.
Mock Newbery Book Chat: Nightingale's Nest
Ella and Savanna have a very entertaining book chat for Nightingale's Nest by Nikki Loftin!
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece by Patricia Polacco
Mr. Wayne’s Masterpiece by Patricia Polacco speaks to the hearts
of so many students that love to read and write but have an absolute fear of
speaking in front of people, even their peers. Presented in picture book format, in true Polacco style,
this book is the inspiring story of how the author herself conquered her fear of
public speaking and discovered her own true voice. Many readers, both young and old, will relate to the fear
the main character feels as she attempts to take on the lead role in her school’s
play. The advice that her teacher,
Mr. Wayne, offers her helps her to find the courage within herself to continue
on. He reminds her to unlock her knees, forget the audience and…
Relax. Move around the stage……. Patricia let
the play take you.
Such simple directions, but directions that can help so many
conquer their fears and find their own true voices!
This is a book that I will be adding to my cache of mentor
texts. It’s the perfect book to
share with students as they prepare to present in class. Many students will connect with Patricia
in the story. The advice of Mr.
Wayne will resonate for them as they gain the courage to conquer their own fear
of public speaking.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald
Theodora Tenpenny is only thirteen years old, but since the
untimely death of her grandfather she now has the responsibility of running the
household, taking care of the chickens, tending the garden, dealing with an unruly
neighbor, and taking care of her reclusive mother. All this on a budget of less than $400, which is dwindling
fast. Theo has no idea what she’s
going to do to save her family, that is until a freak accident reveals a hidden
treasure. Could it be a lost masterpiece? Is this the “treasure” that her grandfather
spoke of to her with his last dying breath? Theo sets off on a mission to find out; only what she eventfully
uncovers is so much more than she could have ever imagined.
This book started out as a mystery. What exactly is the treasure
that Theo found? Is it worth anything? Can Theo use it to help save her home
and family? But then the story
takes incredible twists and turns. All of a sudden I found myself plunged into
the world of art history, World War II, the tragedy of the holocaust, and the
fight for survival. I wanted to write
more in my review, but I do not want to ruin the suspense for those who read
the book, and this is definitely a book that needs to be read! I know I’ve written this before, but
the sign of a good book is one that the reader feels compelled to discuss
afterwards. Under the Egg
is just such a book. Not only is
this a book that begs to be discussed, but also readers, including myself, will
not soon forget this story.
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