2013 JGMS SUMMER READING

WONDER by R. J. Palacio
Ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunts and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.

CLICK here for the youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qJEPq_2T7A




Here are some reading guidelines for the Fall Conversation Café book: 
 What does the book reveal about social issues?
 Who tells the story?
 Whose story is this?
 What did you think the author was saying to you?
 How did the book make you think about your own life?
 What associations (movies – songs – current events) were triggered in your mind?
 Do any of the themes relate to topics or events in the news?
 To whom would you recommend this book?
POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW (click the comments link)

Click here for the full JGMS Summer Reading page
http://www.bedford.k12.ma.us/images/stories/pdfs/jgms/library/summerlist2013.pdf

JGMS SUMMER READING

 ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL by Nora Raleigh Baskin
(Click title above for animoto video)

Jason Blacke is anything but typical.  He is an autistic 12 year old who is special.  He has difficulties in school but loves writing.  He post his stories to a website and becomes intriqued with Rebecca, known as Phoenix Bird.  When he has the opportunity to meet her at a Storyboard Convention, what will she do when she discovers who is really is?

LUNCH MONEY

Making money is very important to Greg.  If Greg were your friend, what would you advise him?

Why do you think Maura and Greg are always competing?  When they finally talk with each other, what do they begin to realize?

Talk about Mr. Z.  Why do you think Mr. Z helps Greg when he could be getting into trouble with the principal?

How would you like to help your school?