Have you seen her?

Bad Timing!

We finished the book just as the vacation started. Now we have to clear some cobwebs as try to finish our work with this book.

Ben was beginning to write a letter to "Librarian's Monthly" (his choice) to suggest that they stock this book . He was to include some information that would be useful to librarians in getting kids to read it. As a refresher: What sort of things might get a Librarian excited about this book or any book?

Reviews in?

I do not want to give away any of the closing details so I will not write about what happens in the last two chapters of the book. Some of the questions I had were answered. Others remain unclear to me. I am curious about how the author made her choices. Some I agree with and others I am puzzled by.

Though the book is over, work remains.

Ben, I would like you to write a review of this book.
Two important things to think about:
- Who is the audience of your review? Potential readers? Parents deciding if their child should read the book? Librarians deciding if they should put it on the shelves? The Author? Someone else?
(What might you write in a review directed at parents that you would not write in a review directed to other kids?)
- You thoughts should be supported by the text.
(Use specific example to support conclusions or observations.)

What was Avi's advice for writers?

This will be an edited piece of work. Because of the holiday break, it would be great if we could get the first draft should be finished Friday, but quality is more important then speed.
(Outline the writing first with a graphic organizer?)

Any Comments before you start to work on the Review?

Another Caper?

Bad News. I was not surprised by the answer from the Marinoff School but the Flanagan’s certainly were. Earlier Moose’s dad had told him that he was not sure Moose’s mom could handle another disappointment. How does she handle this one?

Moose’s reaction is a surprise to me. He decides not to take the news without putting up fight for Natalie. He calls on his ‘inner Piper’ to formulate a plan. I did not know he had it in him! His plan seems a bit farfetched to me. Do you think it will work?

…and what is up with Piper? (I seem to be asking that question most days.) Did she really learn her lesson from the Shirt Caper? It sounds like she did. If you were Moose, would you trust her?

One more day of reading and we will be at the end. Do you remember the ‘big questions’ we asked as we were getting going? If not, can you find them?

Phone Call

Ben, in today’s chapters (35 & 36) we will find out if Natalie gets back into the Marinoff school or not. Based on how Natalie has changed since the last time she was there, do you think she will get back in or not? (Your response should use specific evidence from the text.)

Today, with everyone having a cell phone nearby, it is hard to imagine a time when a building only had one phone that everyone shared. Near the end of today’s reading we find the Flanagan’s having a big celebration dinner after Natalie had a good interview day at the Marinoff School. Though the food sounds good, they are probably all (with the probable exception of Natalie) feeling anxious as they wait to hear Mrs. Caconi coming to tell them that there is a phone call for them. That phone call will deliver the news about whether Natalie is back in the school or not. What is your prediction?
The message delivered on the phone may not be the most important message that Moose hears that day. His mother’s comments to him earlier in the day are probably more important. What did she tell him?

The issue of Natalie’s age gets resolved today. Moose forces the issue. It was a hard thing for him to do. What event caused him to talk to his Mom? How is getting Natalie’s mom to acknowledge that she is really 16 important for Natalie?

Natalies Birthday

(From Ben) Today, we are reading chapters 33 and 34. It tells us that Natalie’s birthday was the day before the meeting. They have many questions at the beginning, but one stands out:
Should we celebrate Natalie’s birthday?
Do you think it was a good idea, or will it lead to more trouble?

I noticed that the first person asked was piper. It is obvious that Moose was not very happy about that. Do you think there is any particular reason that Moose did not want Piper besides the obvious?

I also noticed that Natalie wanted to invite Annie. I was wondering if you thought there was any particular reason for inviting her. It seems odd, considering she has not spent very much time with her.

During the birthday, Natalie is given a bag of buttons. Why do you think she was given it, if she had her buttons taken from her?

Ben's Turn

I usually read the two chapters of the day just before adding the days entry to the Blog. I have not read ahead and do not know how the book is going to end.

When I write this entry I am looking for ways to connect what we are reading to experiences Ben may have had. Sometimes I ask him to write on that personal experience before reading the chapter. The hope is that by first recalling his experience he will be better able to understand the chapter.

I look for common threads, interesting comments, or key moments that I think are worth discussing. Kris sends me ideas and sometimes I use her ideas but make them sound like mine. (She keeps sending me ideas so I guess that does not bother her too much.)

Today I want to do something different. Today it is Ben's turn. I want him to read Chapter 33 & 34 and prepare the blog entry like I would. Kris is welcome to help (She can send him an email or he can send one to her asking for help. No Blog posts). If he gets stuck in the mud a little he may want to go back and look at a couple of the earlier posts and see how they are related to the chapters.

Ben needs to send me an email by 7:45 am Friday. I will post it and follow it as a guide to those chapters.