ADVISORY

Students are being introduced to their final Advisory Project of the year.  The Learning Difference Project.  Please read over the requirements and e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns. 

Due: June 3rd

BOOKS:

If you like Diary of a Wimpy Kid you might like these books. 

Lawn Boy (Paperback)

This short and hilarious tale pitches an ordinary preteen with an old riding lawn mower into a dizzying ascent up the financial ladder. His sights set no higher than a new inner tube for his bike, the young narrator is thrilled to make $60 in one day, mowing his neighbors' lawns. Just as demand for his services skyrockets, he meets Arnold, an honest, home-based stockbroker who becomes his business manager . . and less than a month later, the lad has a dozen migrant laborers in his employ. The legality of these workers is left vague, but their young employer treats them fairly, and the thousands of dollars he earns goes into some wildly successful investments--including sponsorship of a rising prizefighter whose help comes in handy when the burgeoning enterprise attracts a shakedown artist. Thanks to quick lessons in, to quote some of the chapter heads, "Capital Growth Coupled with the Principles of Product Expansion" and "Force of Arms and Its Application to Business," the young tycoon ends up smarter than when he started out, and worth half a million dollars. When it comes to telling funny stories about boys, no one surpasses Paulsen, and here he is in top form. John Peters

Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Along Came Spider by James Preller

May 28, 2009 · Filed under Older Fiction, Realistic Fiction

Spider , nicknamed because he climbed the climbing wall like a spider, is in 5th grade and he is beginning to be popular because of his basketball ability. Boys who have ignored him before have begun to ask him to play and invite him over to their houses. Until now, his best friend has been Trey, his next door neighbor. They grew up together and have always played together. But Trey is not being accepted by the other boys because he is odd. Trey picks odd times to sharpen his pencils, he blurts information out in class, sometimes he goes into his own little world and can’t be reached and he definitely can’t play team sports. Not just because he isn’t athletic but because he doesn’t get it. Spider isn’t sure how to handle this. He likes Trey but he needs other friends and activities. He finally tells Trey that Trey needs to have more friends, at least two more and Trey sets out to do this with surprising results.

Spider is really kind-hearted for a 5th grade boy but he is also a regular guy. One of his favorite classes is the writer’s workshop and he finally is able to express himself by writing about the kids in his class and illustrating his ideas with cartoons. I’m sorry this book wasn’t illustrated like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Anyway, it is a nice story about friendship and fitting in and loyalty and there is a little come-uppance in the end for one of the mean jocks. All those Diary of a Wimpy Kid readers would do well with reading this book too.

So You Want to Be a Wizard by Diane Duane

May 26, 2009 · Filed under Adventure, Fantasy, Older Fiction

Would you really want to be a wizard so you could solve your problems with a magic spell or two? Or would you rather read about how Nita, a bullied 13 year old girl, and Kit, whose Spanish accent brought on bullies, learned how to be wizards. While trying to solve their problems with their spells they discovered many more problems in a broken down parallel universe of New York City. Their adventures range from scary to funny, especially when Fred, the white hole, tries to help. Middle school students who like this book will be glad to know that there are seven more books in Diane Duane’s Young Wizards Series: Deep Wizardry, High Wizardry, A Wizard Abroad, A Wizard’s Dilemma, A Wizard Alone, Wizard’s Holiday, and Wizards at War.

The Goodbye Time by Celeste Conway

May 18, 2009 · Filed under Older Fiction, Realistic Fiction

Fifth graders Katie and Anna are best friends who are inseparable. They spend every day after school playing a fantasy game that involves talking in English accents and pretending that to be a rock star and his family. Their own real families are as different as night and day.

Anna has a happy family that includes a stylish mother, a friendly father and a genius older brother. Katie’s family includes a busy single mom, a loner older sister and a mentally disabled brother.

As graduation approaches, the girls are excited about parties and dresses. They wonder what it will be like in middle school. They soon discover, though, that middle school won’t be the only change they each must face. Change can certainly be scary, even with an understanding friend by your side – and sometimes an understanding friend isn’t even enough.

Stink (Book #1): The Incredible Shrinking Kid

Gr. 2--4. The pesky little brother in McDonald's popular Judy Moody series gets his own book and tells his own story here. Little is the word for James ("Stink") Moody; he's short, the shortest kid in his second-grade class. Is he shrinking? Judy is his bossy older sister, but he learns to handle her. For Presidents' Day, Stink's hero is not big tall Lincoln but another James, James Madison, the shortest president ever. The narrative is fun and laced with puns--from Mt. Trashmore to "newt in shining armor," and it's peppered with black-and-white illustrations, including comics ("The Adventures of Stink") reflecting Stink's triumphant fantasies. Stink sometimes seems younger than his years, so try this as a read-aloud for preschoolers or kindergarteners fed up with big, bossy types telling them what to do.

Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker (Book #2

Gr. 2-4. Stink discovers the power of the pen when he writes a letter of complaint to the manufacturer of a disappointing jawbreaker and receives a 10-pound box of the candies in response. The flurry of correspondence continues with more complaint letters, a thank-you note, and, eventually, a written apology. Like big sister Judy Moody, Stink sports a memorable name and a talent for self-expression. His predicaments and triumphs have a childlike air, and the quick-witted dialogue will keep readers entertained. The idioms that Stink learns in his classroom, such as "strike a deal" and "cost an arm and a leg" (36 of them are listed on the book's last page) seem a little less credible, though teachers doing units on idioms or letter writing may find the book an appealing adjunct to the curriculum. With large print, an attractive format, and an eye-catching cover, the second book in the Stink series will attract its share of readers who are just getting comfortable with chapter books. Carolyn Phelan

Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers (Book #3

From the class trip to the science museum's "Gross-Me-Out" exhibit to experiments with toilet water to a retelling of how, years before, baby Stink's dirty diaper inspired his name, this book rewards readers drawn by the word Stink in the title. After working to create the vilest entry in a smelly sneaker contest, Stink proves his worth as a substitute judge. Some readers will find that the recurring references to stench grow steps toward his chosen career: professional smeller. Appealing artwork adds to this humorous chapter book's, uh, charm. Carolyn Phelan

Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express (Book #4)

All Stink wants is a guinea pig. And all his mother can say is NO. They already have a cat and a toad and they are NOT going to add a guinea pig to the menagerie if she has anything to do with it. Stink understands, but he really wants Astro, a blue-eyed, spiked-hair pig. Goodhearted pet store owner Mrs. Birdwhistle has taken in 101 guinea pigs that were being mistreated by a cosmetics lab and now she's in a pickle. She needs to find homes for all the squeaking rodents and enlists the help of Stink and his punny friends. Along the Virginia highway, in a renovated camper - now pet store - Mrs. Birdwhistle introduces the young reader to the nuts and bolts of raising and caring for guinea pigs. Fans of Judy Moody and her brother Stink will find everything they love here - friendships, riddles, adventure and animals. Parents everywhere, beware! Lots of kids are going to be looking for the Squeals on Wheels bus so they can have a pig of their own. (Fiction. 5-8) (Kirkus Reviews) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Clementine

Grade 2-4–Clementine, a not-so-common third grader, knows her way around the principal's office as well as she does the art-supply closet. Daily rituals take on a different view when seen from her eyes. She's constantly being told that she needs to pay attention, but to her mind she is paying attention and making astute observations. Whether looking out the window during the Pledge of Allegiance at the janitor locked in an embrace with the lunch lady or dealing with a pesky pigeon problem at her apartment building, her concentration is always focused. Clementine goes to great lengths to be friends with fourth-grade neighbor, Margaret, but more times than not, both girls end up in trouble. Humorous scenarios tumble together, blending picturesque dialogue with a fresh perspective as only the unique Clementine can offer. When the protagonist pleads to skip school because of a self-inflicted haircut fiasco, she tries to convince her mom that she must have caught arthritis from old Mrs. Jacobi or has possibly come down with the heartbreak of sore irises. Frazee's engaging pen-and-ink drawings capture the energy and fresh-faced expressions of the irrepressible heroine. And even though she confesses that I do not think fathers should be comedians, her parents are portrayed as being fairly cool. A delightful addition to any beginning chapter-book collection.

Clementine's Letter

Clementine can't believe her ears - her beloved teacher, Mr. D'Matz, might be leaving them for the rest of the year to go on a research trip to Egypt! No other teacher has ever understood her impulsiveness, her itch to draw constantly, or her need to play "Beat the Clock" when the day feels too long. And in his place, he's left a substitute with a whole new set of rules that Clementine just can't figure out. The only solution, she decides, is to hatch a plan to get Mr. D'Matz back. If it means ruining her teacher's once-in-a-lifetime chance -- well, it's worth it. Isn't it?

The Talented Clementine

Winner or washout?

When it comes to tackling third grade, Clementine is at the top of her game-okay, so maybe not all the time.  After her teacher announces that the third and fourth graders will be putting on a talent show, Clementine panics.  She doesn't sing or dance or play an instrument.  She can't even hop with finesse.  And as if she didn't feel bad enough, her perfect best friend, Margaret, has so many talents, she has to alphabetize them to keep them straight.

As the night of the big "Talent-palooza" draws closer, Clementine is desperate for an act, any act.  But the unexpected talent she demonstrates at the show surprises everyone--most of all herself.

This Clementine sequel is sure to bring the house down!

Phineas L. MacGuire . . . Erupts!: The First Experiment (From the Highly Scientific Notebooks of Phineas L. Macguire)

Gr. 3-5. PhineasListermanMacGuire, known as "Mac," considers himself quite a scientist, but his plans to win the fourth-grade science fair may be ruined when Mrs. Tuttle assigns new kid "Mac R." as his partner. Though the boys share the same name, they aren't alike; obnoxious Mac R. has already alienated the whole class. But to his surprise, Mac discovers that the new boy (whose real name is Ben) is really a gifted artist and decent guy, and he finds a way to help the kid start fresh. Using repetitive phrasing and lots of lists (from project ideas to facts Mac learns about science and Ben), Dowell brings to life a likable, nerdy kid who thrives on scientific thinking. A departure from Dowell's Dovey Coe (2001), this book targets a younger audience; the type is large and well spaced, and black-and-white art playfully captures the characters, including the quirky Mrs. Tuttle, who apparently loves frogs. Budding scientists will find instructions for their own experiments at the end of the book.

The World According to Humphrey

Gr. 2-5. Humphrey the hamster enjoys being Room 26's classroom pet. He adores Ms. Mac, and every day brings new learning and experiences. Then Ms. Mac unexpectedly leaves; worse, returning teacher Mrs. Brisbane despises small furry creatures--leaving Humphrey both brokenhearted and worried about his future. Going home on weekends with school staff members and students helps, revealing diverse, often surprising stories and situations that allow both Humphrey and his human caretakers to learn from one another. Humphrey, a delightful, irresistible character, is big hearted, observant, and creative, and his experiences, whether escaping a nosy dog or helping an immigrant family speak English, range from comedic to touching. His lively, first-person narrative, filled with witty commentary on human and hamster behavior, makes for an engaging, entertaining read that illustrates "you can learn a lot about yourself by getting to know another species." A wonderful addition to the animal-fiction collection, this story should have wide appeal.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Claudia Kincaid is almost twelve, a straight "A" student, only girl and eldest child of four, who decides to run away to somewhere beautiful, comfortable, and preferably indoors.

Claudia is in fact rebelling against the monotony of her life, unfair distribution of labor, limited television choices and low allowance.

Ever the organizer, she carefully formulates a master plan to escape to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and enlists her middle brother Jamie to join her. Of course, there are very practical reasons that Jamie was the chosen one, and after Claudia tears down his defenses, he becomes a willing accomplice.

The story tells of their grand adventure, and how they were able to survive undetected inside the Met for a whole week. While there, they take the opportunity to learn new things, and become captivated by the newest exhibit, a marble angel that may just be a genuine Michelangelo sculpture.

There and then, Claudia resolves to solve the mystery before returning home, but unfortunately, finances are running low and time is running out for the fugitives.

Through dogged determination, they use the last of their resources to locate the former owner of the angel, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the lady of the title and narrator of the story. After winning the good lady's favorable consideration, they negotiate a deal with her, the outcome of which decides the success or failure of their adventure.

A charming story, with a little educational material sneakily tucked between the paragraphs. A good book for children with enquiring minds, and a useful tool when planning your next family or school trip to the Met.

Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster

Grade 3-5-This inventive picture book is a spelling book, a vocabulary book, a game book, and a costume book all rolled into one. Sage, a fifth grader who is home sick, phones a classmate to get her homework assignment. In a big hurry, Starr spells each word out except for the last one. Mistakenly, Sage writes what she hears, Miss Alaineus. When she returns to school, Mrs. Page holds a Vocabulary Bee and gives her the word miscellaneous. Her creative spelling and definition sends the class into gales of laughter, much to Sage's dismay. Resolution occurs 10 days later when she arrives at the Annual Vocabulary Parade dressed as "Miss Alaineus, Queen of all Miscellaneous Things." The student's ability to take her mistake and remake it into a positive experience is a valuable lesson. The text and marker illustrations are detailed and appealing, crammed full of fun ways to promote the study of the English language. There is a hidden-word game on the endpapers, an extra credit assignment using alphabetical sentences on every page, and pictures of Sage's Vocabulary Parade Scrapbook on the last three pages.