January Grades 5-6 Book Club: El Deafo by Cece Bell

For the January Grades 5-6 Book Club, we read the book El Deafo by Cece Bell. Courtney, Izzie, Izzie, Rileigh, Kelsey, Laurel, Harry, Cecilia, Olivia, Evan, Julia and Nina were present. Here's what we discussed.

When did Cece lose her hearing? After losing her hearing, why does she talk differently?  

-When she was four.
-She was sick.
-She lost her hearing because she had meningitis.
-Because if she can't hear as well as she used to, she wouldn't be able to react to things the way she used to. She wouldn't be able to hear her own voice and know what she sounded like.



What are the pros and cons of the Phonic Ear? Overall, was the Phonic Ear something positive or negative for Cece? 

-My grandma taught a class of kids who had a Phonic Ear.

-I think it was a positive thing for her after a while. At first, I felt bad for her. But then she embraced it as a superpower.
-In the beginning, she felt weird that she had wires coming from her ears.
-People spoke slowly to her at times which really annoyed her.
 

Have you ever felt as if you were in a bubble of loneliness like Cece? When
was it? What did you do to help pop your bubble? Would you rather have a friend like
Laura or be in a loneliness bubble? 

-When I was in 3rd and 4th grade, I was bullied and I felt alone. People ganged up on me. I would like a friend like Laura because she liked everyone and she would have liked me.
-In my old school, I was kind of bullied. People made up something about an allergy that I didn't even have. And that spread and people made fun of me.
-There are 2 girl groups and 1 boy group in 5th grade. The groups don't talk to each other but they're not mean to each other. Everyone is friends.
-In Kindergarten, I had no friends. I tried to do something. And then I became friends with ____. 
-Nope.
-I felt that I was in a bubble of loneliness during the first day of kindergarten. But then I met new people. Then I started playing with _____.
-Sometimes on Fridays, when my cousins come over, they play with my brother and not with me. But then I play with my baby cousin instead and my loneliness bubble is burst.
-_____ has bullied me since I first met him. The only way to get him to stop was to get him to change his classes. He abused me during every single class.
-In 3rd grade, I had no friends when I moved here.

What are some misconceptions about deafness that other people have throughout El Deafo? 

-You can't hear; you're disabled.
-Speaking slowly and doing sign language.
-Talking slowly. And introducing someone by their disability.
-That just because she's deaf, she can't hear (even with the Phonic Ear). She's really no different from anyone else.


How does Cece’s view of the Phonic Ear change throughout the book? 

-At first, she thought that she had to hide her device. But then she decided to embrace it and decided not to hide it.



In her author’s note, Cece Bell writes that being different turned out to be a strength. She says, “Our differences are our superpowers.” Could you give examples of how a difference could become a superpower?

-I have braces. When I grow up, I'll have straight teeth. People won't think I'm weird anymore.
-I pulled on my earlobes so much that they became long. Then I thought that I had super hearing because of my longer ears.
-Because I'm short, I'm good at the limbo.
-In 3rd grade, I felt like I had short arms. With my short arms, I could do the flexed arm hang better.
-I'm tall, so I'm not good at crouching down low. But I can use my height to intimidate people.
-I'm short so in games, I can hide better.
-I'm tall so I can reach stuff.
-I'm taller, so I can keep stuff away from my sister.
-Nuttiness. It can be a superpower because I can confuse anyone.
-If someone has glasses, they can pretend that they have X-Ray vision.
-My superpower would be my ADHD. It makes my brain work faster.


Please rank this book from 1-5, with 5 being the best.

-(0) 1
-(1) 2
-(1) 3
-(5) 4
-(5) 5



Here's a short interview with the author, Cece Bell, explaining the story behind the story and some great words of advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cnj5STG0SZo

For Book Club in February, we will be reading Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

"Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie's house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia. One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief."

Book Club will be meeting on Wednesday, February 11. Books will be available behind the Circulation Desk within the next few days. As always, snacks and good conversation will be provided at Book Club!

February Recommendations for Grades 5-6 Book Club

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson  Book Trailer
During the summer of 1793, Mattie Cook lives above the family coffee shop with her widowed mother and grandfather. Mattie spends her days avoiding chores and making plans to turn the family business into the finest Philadelphia has ever seen. But then the fever breaks out.

Disease sweeps the streets, destroying everything in its path and turning Mattie's world upside down. At her feverish mother's insistence, Mattie flees the city with her grandfather. But she soon discovers that the sickness is everywhere, and Mattie must learn quickly how to survive in a city turned frantic with disease.



The Witch's Boy by Kelly Regan Barnhill
When Ned and his identical twin brother tumble from their raft into a raging river, only Ned survives. Villagers are convinced the wrong boy lived. But when a Bandit King comes to steal the magic Ned’s mother, a witch, is meant to protect, it’s Ned who safeguards the magic and summons the strength to protect his family and community.

Meanwhile, across the enchanted forest that borders Ned’s village lives Áine, the resourceful and pragmatic daughter of the Bandit King, who is haunted by her mother’s last words to her: “The wrong boy will save your life and you will save his.” When Áine’s and Ned’s paths cross, can they trust each other long enough to stop the war that’s about to boil over between their two kingdoms?


Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Book Trailer
Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie's house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia. One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief.


The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne Valente Book Trailer
Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn't . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

December Grades 5-6 Book Club: The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

For the December Grades 5-6 Book Club, we read the book The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm. Courtney, Izzie, Izzie, Rileigh, Kelsey, Laurel, Harry, Cecilia, Olivia, and Evan were present. Here's a little of what we discussed.

Melvin teaches Ellie about the possible. What things would you want to make possible? 
 -I want to save polar bears from melting. I don't want them to drown.
-China closes its factories since there is so much pollution. Really bad air pollution. If you blow your nose after working in a factory, the Kleenex will be covered in black.
-I would make a cure for cancer.
-I would save the world. 
-I want to end world hunger.
-I would save the trees for the oxygen. By saving the trees, you would also save people from world hunger because food grows on trees. You wouldn't have fruit that grows on trees.
-I want extinct animals to come back. 
-I would want to solve a problem for digital books. There would be a special tablet that you would get, read and then reach your hand into the tablet and then pull the thing out. It could be anything.
-Find aliens.
-Faster than light travel. Explore space. Find aliens that have been hiding for years.
-A cure for sick animals so that cats, dogs and fish can tell you what is wrong with them.
-A cure for Ebola.
-Stop homework. Save the kids.
-If you have a pet, it would never die.
-Time travel.
-Save the endangered animals.
-Stop water pollution.
-Find something that you can spray on your socks and make them not stinky.
 

Would you want to stay young forever? Would you want to stay one age forever? Why or why not?

-I would not want to stay one age forever or stay young forever. There is no point in that. Everyone has to die. It is defying the circle of life.
-Reincarnation would not happen.
-I wouldn't because it would be endless and you might get bored of it.
-I would not want to have eternal youth because you would never grow up and get to boss your kids around.
-I would and would not want to stay young forever. I would be 10 years old for 3 human years and then I'd age.
-I would get older, then younger, then older.
-I wouldn't want to do that because I would live my life over and over again so it would be really confusing. 
-I wouldn't want to be young forever. Then I would never have a family and boss people around.
-I would not like to live forever.
-I would want to age but not die. I want to get older and older but never die. I want the knowledge of age and then go back to 10 years old and then repeat.
-I would like to be able to die at some point if I got really bored with my life. I want to be able to change my physical appearance and age as long as I've already reached that age and appearance.

Melvin is passionate about science, Ellie’s parents about drama, and Brianna about volleyball. Have you found your passion? How do you learn more about it? 

-My passion is books.
-Lacrosse, gymnastics and reading.
-Hugs.
-Art.
-Tennis.
-Working with animals. 
-Baseball.
-Books and being with my friends.
-Reading, writing, drawing and video games.
-My passion is being in the world of fiction in my brain.
-Physical education.
-My passion is hugs and being awesome. And being a fashion designer.
-Taking over the universe with my thumb.
-Skiing in Colorado.

Ellie learns that not all scientific discoveries are ultimately good, and that Jonas Salk said “Our greatest responsibility is to be good ancestors.”  How can we make sure we are good ancestors?

-You would be a good ancestor by having a good influence on people. By not being a crazy bad person.
-Being weird and being funny.
-Being good to the environment. 
-I would not be a good ancestor because I would take over the world.
-Being good in school, donating things, not being selfish. And being the world's best jug player.
-Have a good reputation.
-To be kind, respectful and awesome to the environment.
-Being an electronic pencil.

For Book Club in January, we will be reading El Deafo by Cece Bell

"Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful--and very awkward--hearing aid. The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear--sometimes things she shouldn't--but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All." And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for.

Book Club will be meeting on Wednesday, January 14. Books will be available behind the Circulation Desk within the next few days. As always, snacks and good conversation will be provided at Book Club!

January 2015 Recommendations for Grades 5-6 Book Club

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful--and very awkward--hearing aid. The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear--sometimes things she shouldn't--but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All." And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for.

Subjects: Graphic Novels; Deaf children; Friendship; School

The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson

Piper has never seen the Mark of the Dragonfly until she finds the girl amid the wreckage of a caravan in the Meteor Fields.The girl doesn't remember a thing about her life, but the intricate tattoo on her arm is proof that she's from the Dragonfly Territories and that she's protected by the king. Which means a reward for Piper if she can get the girl home. The one sure way to the Territories is the 401, a great old beauty of a train. But a ticket costs more coin than Piper could make in a year. And stowing away is a difficult prospect--everyone knows that getting past the peculiar green-eyed boy who stands guard is nearly impossible. Life for Piper just turned dangerous. A little bit magical. And very exciting, if she can manage to survive the journey.

Subjects: Imaginary places; Adventure

Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner

Goldie, an impulsive and bold twelve-year-old, escapes the oppressive city of Jewel, where children are required to wear guardchains for their protection, and finds refuge in the extraordinary Museum of Dunt, an ever-shifting world where she discovers a useful talent for thievery and mysterious secrets that threaten her city and everyone she loves.

Subjects: Adventure stories; Brigands and robbers; Secrecy; Robbers and outlaws; Fantasy

November Grades 5-6 Book Club: Floors by Patrick Carman

For the November Grades 5-6 Book Club, we read the book Floors by Patrick Carman. Ali, Courtney, Izzie, Rileigh, Kelsey, Laurel, Harry, Cecilia, Olivia, and Evan were present. Here's a little of what we discussed.

In the beginning of the story, we learn that Merganzer D. Whippet’s father’s dying words to him were “You will prosper in the field of wacky inventions.” How do these words shape Merganzer’s life as a young man?. Explain the true meaning of his father’s dying words.

-He felt that he had to obey his father and so he made the best, most wacky hotel possible.
-His father was a big part of his life and so he wants to do as his father says.
-It takes a big place in the story because Merganzer is always wondering "What does that mean?"
-I think that his father was a big part of his life, too, because he built the Whippet Hotel in honor of father.
-The last book is called The Field of Wacky Inventions.

Describe the ways in which Leo Fillmore and Merganzer D. Whippet are alike. How might these similarities affect their relationship?

-They are alike in how they both like to invent things. They are curious and mysterious. Those things make them similar. Leo's inspiration is the hotel and he wants the hotel to be his.
-They both own or owned a hotel at one point.
-They're similar because they both like to walk the ducks and they both like the Double Helix and they are good friends since they met. All of those things affect their relationship.
-They both love ducks, the Whippet Hotel and their love of inventions.
-They are very alike because Merganzer made the secret rooms and other challenging things for Leo because he knew that Leo would figure it out.
-I think that they were alike because they both have an interest in ducks.
-They are alike because they both like to walk ducks and the Double Helix.

-They are both eccentric.

Why do you think Merganzer D. Whippet has made it so difficult, and at times so dangerous, for Leo to find the hidden floors and rooms in the Whippet Hotel? 

-Because it's a challenge for him but he knows the hotel so well.
-He made the crazy rooms because Merganzer and Leo think the same way about things and they have the same strategy for solving things.
-The floors were kind of like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Willy Wonka and Merganzer are both eccentric and kind of similar.
-I think that Merganzer wanted Leo to find out the hidden floors because he thought that Leo was special and he could hand the hotel down to him.
-He knew that Leo would always find the way and he'd had fun by the challenge of the puzzle and mystery aspect of the hotel.
-He made it dangerous because he didn't want anyone else to get into it (like Miss Sparks) and he wanted to make it challenging for anyone who might have gotten in. He didn't want to make it too easy for Leo, though.

How does the scene inside each mystery box relate to Merganzer D. Whippet’s childhood experiences? 

-He liked making picture boxes as a child.

As the story progresses, Leo gets the sense that his father, Clarence, is changing; he is becoming less sad. Do Leo’s actions bring about any of these changes?

-He's starting to change because he has his wife's ring back. He has a closer bond with Leo because they are talking about the mother.
-I agree with the above comment because Clarence is usually a quiet, average person. When he gets the rings back, he seems more alive.
-They bond over the mother and her "newly-found" ring. He feels better about getting over the mother's death.

The Whippet Hotel is filled with unusual guests. Which guest would you most like to meet? Captain Rickenbacker, Mr. Yancy, Jane Yancy, Ms. Pompadore, or Theodore Bump? Why?

-The Captain because it signals that he is a captain, which is awesome. That is what I'd like to do.
-I would like to be Miss Sparks because she said "I will return!" I want her to return so that I can kick her in the shins.
-I think that I'd like to meet Captain Rickenbacker because he seems weird and insane.
-Same as the top comment.
-I want to be Jane Yancy because she is so rich and can afford an island.
-I would most like to meet the Captain because I'd like to go to his room and play the pinball there. I want to visit him because he sounds awesome and insane.
-I would like to meet Remi because he's cool. And he smells like enchiladas.

If you could live in any room in the Whippet Hotel, which room would you choose?

-I would like to stay in the Flying Farm Room because I get to see a flying pig.
-I would like to live in the giant pinball machine.
-I would like to live in the pinball machine because I want to play the really big pinball.
-I'm not sure. Maybe the robot room. Or the flying farm room. Or the cake room.
-Pinball.
-I want to live in the cake room.
-I would like to live in the Flying Farm Room because it has cute little animals.
-I would like to live in the Haunted Room or the Pond Room. (changed mind to Library)
-I would like to live in the Robot Room because I would have Blop around and it would make homework so much easier.
-I would like to live in the Library (Mr. Whippet's Room) because I love to read.
-Many people changed their minds to Cake Room. And the Robot Room.

Why do you think Merganzer D. Whippet chooses to leave the Whippet Hotel to Leo Fillmore? Would you have made the same choice? Why or why not?

-I think that I wouldn't have left the hotel to Leo because I don't know what Merganzer has been through. In terms of life experiences.
-I would not give the hotel to Leo. I wouldn't ever give it away.
-I would have given it to Leo. Merganzer knows that Leo loves the hotel just as much as he does.
-I think I would have given it to Leo. Leo went through a lot. Although he didn't know that the hotel was intended for him, Leo almost died in order to be considered as an heir to the hotel. His father being the janitor is also helpful.
-It would be rude to not give it to Leo.

For Book Club in December, we will be reading The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm. "Ellie's scientist grandfather has discovered a way to reverse aging, and consequently has turned into a teenager--which makes for complicated relationships when he moves in with Ellie and her mother, his daughter." Book Club will be meeting on Wednesday, December 10. Books will be available behind the Circulation Desk within the next few days. As always, snacks and good conversation will be provided at Book Club!

December Recommendations for Grades 5-6 Book Club

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade. She misses her old best friend. She even misses her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up. He’s bossy. He’s cranky. And weirdly enough . . . he looks a lot like Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist who’s always been slightly obsessed with immortality. Could this pimply boy really be Grandpa Melvin? Has he finally found the secret to eternal youth?
 With a lighthearted touch and plenty of humor, Jennifer Holm celebrates the wonder of science and explores fascinating questions about life and death, family and friendship, immortality . . . and possibility.


The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

This ingenious fantasy centers around Milo, a bored ten-year-old who comes home to find a large toy tollbooth sitting in his room. Joining forces with a watchdog named Tock, Milo drives through the tollbooth's gates and begins a memorable journey. He meets such characters as the foolish, yet lovable Humbug, the Mathemagician, and the not-so-wicked "Which," Faintly Macabre, who gives Milo the "impossible" mission of returning two princesses to the Kingdom of Wisdom.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

As the German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family.

Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.

The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel

All aboard for an exciting tale of steam-powered automatons, a bloodthirsty sasquatch, colorful circuses, and magical paintings. Aspiring artist Will Everett knows he's not cut out to follow in the footsteps of his railroad manager father, but his pampered life leaves little opportunity for adventure. Then he boards The Boundless, the world's largest and most luxurious train. After acquiring the key to the railway owner's funeral car, Will is running for his life, pursued by deadly enemies who will do anything to possess the car's valuable contents. He is rescued by Mr. Dorian, ringmaster of the famed Zircus Dante, and an escape artist called The Miraculous Maren. These two performers, however, have their own secret agenda for helping Will. As The Boundless thunders toward its destination, Will must decide who to trust, if anyone. Along the way, Will is on the adventure of a lifetime. With its imaginative plot, cast of colorful, well-rounded characters, and nonstop action, Oppel's latest is a delight to read from the first page right through the satisfying conclusion.

September Grades 7 and Up Book Club: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

In September, the Grades 7 and Up Book Club met to discuss Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. This novel is a Rhode Island 2015 Teen Book Award Nominee. Ben and Sarah were present. This is what we talked about.

1. Alina and Mal grew up in an orphanage in Kermazin. How does this relate to Alina’s experiences at the Little Palace? To Mal’s experiences in the First Army?

-It sort of relates. She thought the orphanage was really nice and grand. She walks into a library and thinks that it's beautiful and realizes that the orphanage was not really as rich. 
-I think that Alina thinks that the Palace is cool and she's wowed by her own room.

2. How is the Fold connected to the Darkling? What does it say about him and his power?

-He made it.
-His ancestors created it. The Fold is dark and he is dark.

3. How does Alina feel about her power? How do her feelings change? Why?

-At first, she says " I am not what you think I am." It reminds me of a teacher in sixth grade. A kid was throwing pencils out the window and the teacher said, "Who do you think you are?" and he responded "I think I am _____."
-I think that when she first began to practice her powers with Baghra, she thought her power was useless. She refuses to believe that she is Grisha. Once she lets go of her old anger, she realizes that she might be useful for something.

4. What is the connection between Alina and the Darkling? What does Alina think of this connection at different points in the novel?

-They are one of a kind.
-When she first meets him, she finds him mean and intimidating. But other times that they would meet and he told her how powerful she could be, she would think that maybe she liked him.
-Alina is sort of divided about the Darkling and his powers.

5. Why are other people afraid of what the Grisha can do?

- Because they're really powerful and they are close to the top of the government. The Darkling is able to tell you what to do.



6. What Grisha power would you want?

-The Beauty one. It's easy to get the right color on your face. Plus, if you look sick, like Alina, you can make yourself look better. 
-I would want to be Inferni from the Etherealki. I would want to be a Fire Summoner because when you need to cook your hot dogs fast and your grill has a blocked off gas pipe because of broken-off fried chicken let, you can just cook your food to perfection, quickly. 
- I want to be able to turn into a carpet or any kind of flooring. If you are sneaking into someone's house and trying to steal their hotdogs so that you can eat them and someone is about to catch you, you can turn into the flooring and they won't see them. 


7. Shadow and Bone

-Shadow Fold and the bone from the antler.


7. Please rate this book 1-5, 5 being the best.

-4
-5 million


The Grades 7 and Up Book Club will next meet on Wednesday, November 19th at 3:00 p.m. We will be discussing The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey. "After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one. Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother--or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.-summary" Copies of the book will be available behind the Circulation Desk by late September. Please be sure to sign up for Book Club at the time of book checkout so that Miss Lisa can plan for snacks!