Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Cabin Fever

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Cabin Fever

Summary: Rowley and Greg are at it again. They put up posters for their Christmas bazaar and the rain stains it onto the school walls. Greg is being considered the main culprit but he insists he's innocent. Then, a miracle happens. The Heffley family get stuck inside the house in an angry blizzard. Greg begins to wonder if his punishment for the school vandalism crime could ever be worse than spending the winter holidays stuck inside with his family. With Christmas coming and Santa's scout watching carefully, Greg tries to behave but behaving is not Greg's piece of cake!

Evaluation by genre: Realstic Fiction because this story relates to real life and it feels as though it is real

Motivational Activities: 

• Write up a list of things you would do for fun if stuck in a blizzard.
• Make pretend posters about a Christmas bazaar and he winner gets a surprise

Reader Response Questions: 

What are they planning in the story?

What Holiday is it about?

What gift does Greg get?

Personal Comments:This book was a realistic fiction that will take you through Greg Heffley's wimpy life. The main characters are Greg Heffley, who is the narrator of this story. Rowley, which is Greg's best friend. My favorite part of the book was when Greg and Rowley tries to earn money for Greg's virtual pet. So they decide to throw a bazaar! The only thing that may stop them is that they had planned on having it on the same night as the school's bazaar. They had thought that if they had made bright green posters it will most likely catch people's attention  When they were finished it began to rain so therefore the bright green ink from the posters had ran all down the school's property! I enjoyed that part because it was very entertaining and funny. My favorite character was Manny, which is Greg's little brother. He is my favorite because he made you laugh and say, "Aw he is so cute !". I can't wait to read the seventh one of Jeff Kiney's series I would recommend this to a friend who enjoys funny but enjoyable books.

Reference: 

1.  "Diary of a Wimpy Kid becomes 2011's fastest seller". BBC. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
2.  "Next 'Wimpy Kid' Book to Get Six Million-Copy First Printing". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 25 November 2012.

Diary of A Wimpy Kid The third Wheel

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 7: The Third Wheel

Jeff Kinney
Age 9+

Summary: A Valentine's Day dance at Greg's middle school has turned his world upside down. As Greg scrambles to find a date, he's worried he'll be left out in the cold on the big night. His best friend, Rowley, doesn't have any prospects either, but that's a small consolation.

An unexpected twist gives Greg a partner for the dance and leaves Rowley the odd man out. But a lot can happen in one night, and in the end, you never know who's going to be lucky in love.

Evaluation by genre:  This story is a realistic fiction in which the storyline is within reason.

Motivational Activities: 
Plan a dance
Put names in a hat and whoever you pick will be your date

Reader Response Questions: 

Who was Greg?

What is the big dance he is going to?

Who is Greg's best friend?

Did Greg find a date for the dance?

Personal Comments: "The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) by Jeff Kinney:" This is another humorous fiction book about Greg Heffly and his middle school experiences. Greg Heffly is going through some hard times when his uncle decides to move in with Greg's family after losing his job. His uncle messes up the family's lifestyle by sleeping where Roderick sleeps on the couch during the day, and sleeping in Manny's room at night. Not only does the uncle invade their privacy, but he unfortunately talks in his sleep and has night terrors. When he is not sleeping, he is in Greg's room using his computer, keeping Greg awake. The strength of this book is how the author does a good job of making his characters realistic and the events believable. For example, I like the scene where everyone is pantsing each other in the gym. That scene makes me feel like I'm right there standing next to Greg, hoping that I'm not next. I think "The Third Wheel" is a great addition to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. I don't want to put this book down and can't wait for book #8 to come out.

Reference:  David Browne (March 20, 2011). "All about Jeff Kiinney. Parade.com. Retrieved December 27, 2011.

Kevin and His Dad

Summary: A simple, graceful text and illustrations infused with warmth and love make this story of a day a boy and his dad spend together a special reading experience. Young boys and their fathers will relish this book that celebrates the ordinary things dads and kids can do together. Full color. Kevin feels excitement, pride, pleasure, and love as he spends an entire day working and playing with his father.

An evaluation by Genre:  Fiction book with a touch of  creativity

Motivational Activities: Write the heading How We Have Grown on chart paper attached to an easel. Read the heading aloud to the class and invite students to list the grown-up things they can now do. As you write each student's activity on the chart paper, say the words slowly, stretching out the sounds, so that students can help you spell the words. If possible, have students write letters or parts of words they know. 

When all students have contributed to the list, review it by having the class read it aloud. Point out initial consonants, various letter patterns, and other concepts of print to help students connect with the text. 

Provide small squares of construction paper and ask each child to draw a picture of an activity on his or her square. Glue these around the list to illustrate how the class has grown

Discussion Questions:

 • Why do you think the dog is on this cover?

• Whose dog do you think it is?   

• What do you think the dog might have to do with this story? 

Personal Comments:While Mom's away one Saturday, Kevin and his dad spend a companionable day together. First, they clean the house, then they have a little batting practice in the park, and, finally, the guys enjoy an action movie followed by a snack and a walk home. The simple language and unobtrusive rhyme of the text is well matched by the soft, realistic illustrations in oils, which show an African-American father and son quietly savoring their time together. Good humor-and a bit of lighthearted silliness that transforms ordinary chores into something special and enjoyable-is shown in such recognizable bits of action as using a feather duster on the nose of their golden retriever, who manages to involve himself in every activity. Soft, sunny tones and large areas of color, applied thinly enough to show the texture of the canvas, convey the action, yet allow readers to focus on the affectionate interaction between father and son rather than only on the tasks being performed. With its easy, rhythmic language and readily recognizable activities, this is a good choice for storytime. And, of course, young dog lovers will follow everything that the golden retriever does.

Okay For Now

Title: Okay For NowAuthor: Gary D. Schmidt
Genre: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Young Adult
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication date: April 5th 2011

SUMMARY: As a fourteen-year-old who just moved to a new town, with no friends and a louse for an older brother, Doug Swieteck has all the stats stacked against him. So begins a coming-of-age masterwork full of equal parts comedy and tragedy from Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt. As Doug struggles to be more than the “skinny thug” that his teachers and the police think him to be, he finds an unlikely ally in Lil Spicer—a fiery young lady who “smelled like daisies would smell if they were growing in a big field under a clearing sky after a rain.” In Lil, Doug finds the strength to endure an abusive father, the suspicions of a whole town, and the return of his oldest brother, forever scarred, from Vietnam. Together, they find a safe haven in the local library, inspiration in learning about the plates of John James Audubon’s birds, and a hilarious adventure on a Broadway stage. In this stunning novel, Schmidt expertly weaves multiple themes of loss and recovery in a story teeming with distinctive, unusual characters and invaluable lessons about love, creativity, and survival.

Evaluation By Genre:  Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction,

Motivational Activities:

• Buddy reading ---one student reads a page and they take turns and each takes the test.
• silent reading.
• whisper reading ---2 curved pieces of plastic PC pipe and a short straight piece to connect
• them. It will look like a telephone receiver, students whisper in one end and can hear themselves reading. 
• Read to the class mascot or any stuff animal
• Read and record a book and take the recorder and book home for the night and share with their family
• Reader Response Questions:  
• Who did doug fall in love with?
• What do you think of the deli owners daughter? Who was she.
• What time period was this book taken place?
• Who where the main characters? What did you think of them?

Personal Comments: Doug Swieteck is new to town. He shares his humorous story with us as he gets a job as a delivery boy for the local deli and as he falls for Lil Spicer, the deli owner’s daughter. We meet a fantastic cast of characters from the crazy customers that Doug delivers to the grumpy Marian the librarian.

It is hard to pick a favorite part of this book. I loved the relationship Doug has with the librarian, Mr. Powell, and the Audubon photos that they try to preserve. Maybe I’m just a sucker for anything library because I am a librarian?! I loved to hate the way Doug is treated by his father. The reason why he doesn’t follow the rules in gym class by going shirtless has everything to do with his relationship with his dad (for those that listened to this — I was heartbroken!). Doug filling in for Lil in the play. I can’t believe he had to do that and did it well. I was so proud!

The fact that it was a book taking place during the Vietnam War was not that obvious to me. I hardly remembered while listening that his brother was in the war and that this was a book that was not taking place during current times. Doug was such a great character that the things happening in his life today was all that really mattered to me.

Overall, this book had great character development. I loved Doug. It made me laugh tons of times, broke my heart, and was an overall good read. It was a pleasant experience to be able to watch Doug grow. I’ve never re-listened to a book but this may be a first.

Bibliography

Schmidt, G. D. (2011). Okay For Now. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

What Cant Wait

What Cant Wait

  SUMMARY:

Marisa is a good, hardworking daughter who gets good grades and gives half her paycheck from her cashier’s job to help pay the bills.  Lately though, she can’t seem to do enough to please her parents.  They want her helping out at home more and can’t understand why she would even think about not taking the promotion and extra hours at work.  Marisa’s teachers are concerned that her grades are slipping and are frustrated by her reluctance to talk about the fast approaching deadlines for college applications.  Marisa can’t figure out how to tell her parents that she wants to go to college, or how to explain to her teachers that her parents will never let her go. What Can’t Wait is a powerful, authentic story, in turns heartbreaking and inspiring. Marisa’s an admirable, strong, sympathetic character, and it’s easy to feel for her as she struggles to find her own path in life while dealing with a multitude of distractions and obligations. She’s proof that even when you’re smart enough to understand the problem, wise enough to avoid temptation, and stubborn enough to pursue a dream, it’s not always easy to follow through. As she juggles family, work, school, friends, a relationship, and her future, we see her make some hard choices, and some harder mistakes. Luckily, she has people who care for her, and a chance at success.

Evaluation By Genre

Realistic Fiction

Motivational Activities:

Readers' BINGO. Brainstorm 25 to 30 words that deal with books and write them on the board. Give your students 9" x 12" newsprint and have them fold it into nine squares. Then have the students write nine of the words from the board into each of the squares on their sheet. Give them corn or candy for markers. Randomly call off words from the board. When a student has filled in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row, he/she should call out "BOOKS!" I give the winner a paperback book. For variety, the teacher can play Readers' BINGO by giving the definition of words rather than the words themselves.

Two Characters Meet. Pick a favorite character from the book and write a new story or play in which they meet. Have the members of your class act out the new story.

Ask the teens what they love and hate the most about there parents.

 Reader Response Questions:

1. What was the problem between Marissa and her parents?
2. Why did Marissa Run away?
3. What do you think of Marissa’s parents?
4. If you where in Marissa’s shoes would you have put your dreams on hold?

Personal Comments:

I’m not ashamed to admit that I bawled through much of this book.  Not because it was especially heartrending, although the story is well told and touching, but because I’ve known so many Marisas and there are so few books out there telling their story.  Marisa’s parents are never portrayed as backward or cruel, they just human – and have expectations that clash with those of the culture they have moved into.  Marisa’s teachers are kind and sometimes helpful, but their ignorance and arrogance gets in the way.  Marisa is strong and kind and talented, but still a teenager ans still without superpowers; the conflicting expectations and dismissal of her own wants and needs is often too much for her to handle.  The resolution is spot on as well, from the fights, to the running off, to the last minute blessing from her mother and reassurance that Marisa will always be family.  I want this book available everywhere because if coming across it meant this much to me, I can’t imagine what it must feel like for the girls who lives are like Marisa’s.  Its Heavily peppered with Spanish phrases, steeped in a blend of Texan and Mexican culture, this is a powerful look and a valuable insight into the sort of problems and challenges teens from that background face. As a child of Mexican immigrants, Marisa’s determined to make a better life for herself than her parents or siblings have, and it’s a fight worth cheering for. Of course, there’s plenty of other memorable characters. Her best friend, Brenda, who seems to be more interested in boys and parties, yet who proves deeper than all that. Her would-be boyfriend, Alan, an aspiring artist and a genuinely good guy (especially compared to some of the less-than-admirable guys we see elsewhere in the book.) And of course there’s Ms. Ford, the helpful, inspirational, somewhat pushy AP Calculus teacher who motivates Marisa.

Bibliography

Perez, A. H. (2011). What Cant Wait. Minneapolis.

The Chocolate War

The Chocolate War

by

Robert Cormier

Summary:

 Jerry Renault has just lost his mother to cancer and is beginning his freshman year at Trinity school, an all boys Catholic school. He is trying out for the football team.

The Assistant Head Master of Trinity, Brother Leon, has doubled the quota and selling price of the annual chocolate sale, designed to raise money for the school. He asks Archie Costello, an important member of The Vigils, an underground but very influential student organization, to assist in the sale. Archie is concerned about his grade in Leon’s class, so he agrees.

Archie’s job as the "Assigner" for The Vigils is to pick students to perform absurd tasks. Because the group is so powerful everyone always does what The Vigils demand. Archie chooses Jerry Renault for an assignment refusing to sell chocolates for ten days. The Vigils have a black box which holds five white marbles and one black marble. Archie must choose a marble after each assignment. If he chooses the black marble, he must perform the task himself. He has never chosen black.

After ten days of refusing to sell chocolates Jerry continues to refuse because he does not agree with the sale, which is supposedly voluntary. His actions inspire other students to do the same, as most students never wanted to sell the chocolates to begin with. Sales are doing very poorly and Leon says that Archie better do something about it because he promised the support of The Vigils.

Archie and The Vigils transform the chocolate sale into something popular in the school and soon everyone becomes involved. Archie secretly terrorizes Jerry by calling him at all hours and laughing on the phone. He then makes Emile Janza call Jerry queer and beat him up. Emile brought some friends with him to hurt Jerry as well. Jerry is hurt very badly after the fight.

Archie calls Jerry and tells him there is a way he can get even with Emile and that he should come to the football field that night. When Jerry arrives, the entire school has also come. They are told there will be a fight between Emile and Jerry. Archie is selling raffle tickets: each boy gets to write how they want Emile or Jerry to hit the other, the winning shot gets one hundred dollars and fifty boxes of chocolate.

Before the fight Obie, another Vigil who hates Archie, decides that Archie must draw two marbles from the box. Archie is mad but agrees. He draws two white marbles and is safe. The fight begins and the participants follow the instructions. Then a card is read that should have been declared illegal: a low punch to the groin for Jerry. Without thinking Emile attacks Jerry’s groin, as Jerry tries to defend himself the crowd is worked into a frenzy. Emile and Jerry fight freely. Jerry is badly, badly hurt.

The lights go out, but not before Obie sees Brother Leon watching from outside--Archie tipped off Leon, thinking he would enjoy the fight. Archie goes to investigate the lighting situation and finds Brother Jacques has turned out the lights to end the fight. As Jacques yells at Archie, Brother Leon comes to his rescue saying that boys will be boys.

As they wait for the ambulance, The Goober (Jerry’s friend) holds Jerry and tries to comfort him. Jerry tells The Goober to do whatever he is told and to never stand up for himself because it is not worth it.

Later, Archie and Obie discuss the events. Obie tells Archie that he will get his one day-that maybe the black box will work, or he will meet another kid like Reynolds.

Evaluation by genre:

This story is Contemporary fiction because this story could actually happen I know people whom have went through similar issues as the character did in this story. The characters seem very real.  I actually would not have none this was actually fiction if the book didn't tell me.

Motivational Activities:

·        Retell the story in your own word

·     Make out a short play acting out this story

·     Quote one of your favorite lines from the book

·     Compare some of the problems with situations at their own school and make inferences about your own lives and families.

·     Demonstrate your understanding of texts on four levels: factual, interpretive, critical, and persona

     Reader Response Questions:

1. What is the tone of the book so far? Think about the first sentence of the book why did the author use it?

2.      How would you define Jerry as a character?

3.      Who are Obie and Archie?

4.      What does this story have to do with chocolate? Why is the title chocolate war?

 Personal Comments:

This story highlights the fact that sometimes life is not fair and that people sometimes find themselves in situations that they cannot control. All the characters have flaws and many are outright mean. Brother Leon and Archie are very much alike. They are controlling, manipulative, self-centered, and cold hearted. This book, deals with life's cruelty, and deals with complex issues with intensity. Evil in all its ugliness pervades the story, which Robert Cormier sets in a private Catholic school, presenting evil as something that can invade even our own protected lives. The overall setting of the Chocolate War is vague so the reader can easily imagine that it can take place anywhere and at any time. The book has a great plot but at some parts are a bit “down” and depressing. The main and minor characters are described in detail and you can really feel like you know them. Their connections and interactions are clear and help to build the story and move it along. Unfortunately the book is a bit confusing at times. The writing is simple but there are a lot of descriptions and people to remember. 

Only a few villains cause all the mayhem, and the book exposes them early. However, Cormier won't spare us from life's nasty truths. Readers might wonder, "Would any of us have done better, or would we make the same easy compromises as Cormier's characters?" For that reason, this book remains relevant: It forces readers to face the reality of evil, and examine how to confront it.

Biographic Info:

Cormier, Robert. The Chocolate War. New York: Alfred A Knopf, 1974.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian
Sherman Alexie
Little, Brown and Company, 2007

Summary:

Fourteen year old Arnold “Junior” Spirit had been looking forward to taking geometry

class freshmen year of high school – up until he realized that not only were they using used old

textbooks but they would be using textbooks that his parents had used when they were in high

school.  Angered over the poor standards and conditions on the “Rez,” he throws the textbook

which hits and breaks the nose of his teacher.  Struggling with physical challenges and the

hopelessness of living on the Spokane Indian Reservation, Arnold realizes that he must take

some action.  He begins attending a small high school in Reardon, a rich, white farm town that is

22 miles away from the Rez.  This begins his career as a part-time Indian.  On the Rez, he is

Junior, the funny looking kid everyone likes to beat  up.  At Reardon, he is Arnold, the only

Indian in school, except for the mascot, who dares to stand up to the jock and kiss one of the

prettiest girls.  Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by acclaimed artist Ellen Forney, that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to Live

Evaluation by genre:

This story is a Contemporary Realistic Fiction because this story really could happen and has happened in the real world. The contemporary setting makes this story just seem so real. When its actually fiction. I would have not actually known the story was fiction if the book didnt tell me it was.

Motivational Activities:

1. Lead a discussion among your classmates as to what Penelope’s motivation was in developing a relationship Junior. Do you think Penelope was merely curious about Junior’s culture? Do you suspect that her attraction to Junior would have been the same if he were white? Did she like him because he was different? Or was there some common quality or interest that they shared?

2. In what ways are Mr. P (Junior’s  math teacher at Wellpinit) and the rich white man who showed up for Grandmother Spirit’s funeral (the man with the powwow costume) alike, and how do they differ?.. 

Reader Response Questions:
 

1.  If you was in his same situation would you go to another school where you will be the only race of your kind at that school. 

2. Do you think this story contained to much graphic material.

3. Why did Junior leave his first school?
Personal Comments:

This is truly a coming of age story that shines far above the rest. Despite having multiple instances of profanity (tons actually) and some not so discreet references to masturbation and sex, True Diary is a hilarious read. The witty writing and extremely goofy drawings (did I mention that Junior is an epic cartoonist?) had me laughing until the last page. The book was also banned by multiple libraries and schools, which gives it the seal of approval from me. Hey, if they don't want you to read it, it's most likely too awesome for them

Biographic Info:

• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007)

• Fiction and Poetry Award Winner: The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian". Horn Book Magazine 85 (1): 25–28. 2009.