Project Mulberry

Here is a brief summary:
While working on a project for an after-school club, Julia, a Korean American girl, and her friend Patrick learn not just about silkworms, but also about tolerance, prejudice, friendship, patience, and more. Between chapters are short dialogues between the author and main character about the writing of the book.

The Liberation of Gabriel King has similar themes --- prejudice, friendship, etc. How are these two books the same and how are they different?

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Here is a brief summary:
Edward Tulane, a cold-hearted and proud toy rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from the little girl who adores him and travels across the country, acquiring new owners and listening to their hopes, dreams, and histories.

This book is by Kate Dicamillo, author of Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux. If those books offer any clue as to the quality of this book, it promises to be a winner! Ms. Dicamillo has wonderful character development. I am anxious to meet Edward Tulane. How does this character compare to those in the other books I have mentioned?

The Liberation of Gabriel King

Here is a brief summary:
In Georgia during the summer of 1976, Gabriel, a white boy who is being bullied, and Frita, an African American girl who is facing prejudice, decide to overcome their many fears together as they enter fifth grade.

WOW! I haven't read this one yet, but it is definitely moving to the top of list!!

The Last Holiday Concert

Here is a brief summary:
Life is usually easy for popular fifth grader Hart Evens, but when his music teacher puts him in charge of the holiday concert, hart must use all of his leadership skills to unite the other students.

Could you relate to Hart in any way? How are you similar to him and how are you different? Would you have handled this predicament in a different way? How?

Each Little Bird That Sings

Here is a brief summary of this book:
Comfort Snowberger is well acquainted with death since her family runs the funeral parlor in their small southern town, but even so the ten-year-old is unprepared for the series of heart-wrenching events that begins on the first day of Easter vacation with the sudden death of her beloved great-uncle Edisto.

Becoming Naomi Leon

Here is a brief summary:
When Naomi's absent mother resurfaces to claim her, Naomi runs away to Mexico with her great-grandmother and younger brother in search of her father.

This was a great book! What I found really neat about it (besides the fact that it was a great story) was all of the connections I was able to make. The book is set in San Diego, California. I started reading it right after I returned from San Diego! I didn't know that was the setting when I first started it, but when I discovered it, I was immediately able to create some visual images of where things were happening. In the story, Naomi and some of her family also take an important trip to Mexico. I also went to Mexico while staying in San Diego and I was able to recognize and visualize some of the places she went to as well. I thought that was so cool! Making those connections really make the book come alive for me!

Now, tell me what you thought about the book? Did you make any connections? Did you have any questions while you were reading? What did you like best?

Bluegrass Award Nominees

Some of the most highly recommended books have been nominated for the Kentucky Bluegrass Award. You can help decide which book gets the award! All you have to do is read some of the books and tell us what you think about them.....What did you like best?; what questions did you have while reading the book?; did you make any text-to-text, text-to-self, or text-to-world connections?; would you recommend it to a friend?--why or why not?

It's simple!!!! Just let us know what you think!

Any student that posts intelligent and thought provoking comments about 5 or more books will be asked to vote for their favorite title in the Spring of 2007!!