October 2019 Pick--Halloween Scares!!!

TRUE STORIES OF GHOSTS!

Is there really such a thing as a true ghost story? The strange tales in this book are all based on actual reports by people who believe they had been haunted by ghosts or poltergeists. You can make up your own mind after reading their stories. 

ORDER AT:  https://p8120.myubam.com

Best Ghost Stories for Kids and Teens by Common Sense Media

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-ghost-stories-for-kids-and-teens

Bismarck Activities:

https://bismarckonthecheap.com/free-halloween-stem-spectacular-saturday-october-12th/

All City Halloween Party:

https://www.facebook.com/events/world-war-memorial-building/all-city-halloween-party/1312319148929568/

Books for Littles (Usborne):

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

NOW A BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE!!

Official Trailer:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MM8OkVT0hw

1. As Starr and Khalil listen to Tupac, Khalil explains what Tupac said “Thug Life” meant. Discuss the meaning of the term “Thug Life” as an acronym and why the author might have chosen part of this at the title of the book. In what ways do you see this is society today? (Chapter 1, p. 17) 

2. Chapter 2 begins with Starr flashing back to two talks her parents had with her when she was young. One was about sex (“the usual birds and bees”). The second was about what precautions to take when encountering a police officer (Chapter 2, p.20). Have you had a similar conversation about what to do when stopped with the police? Reflect upon or imagine this conversation.

 3. Thomas frequently uses motifs of silence and voice throughout the book. Find instances in the book where silence or voice and speech are noted, and talk about the author’s possible intentions for emphasizing these motifs. 

4. At the police station after Starr details the events leading up to the shooting, the detective shifts her focus to Khalil’s past. Why do you think the detective did this? Discuss Starr’s reaction to this “bait” (Chapter 6, pp. 102-103). 

5. Once news of Khalil’s shooting spreads across the neighborhood, unrest arises: “Sirens wail outside. The news shows three patrol that have been set ablaze at the police precinct...A gas station near the freeway gets looted...My neighborhood is a warzone” (Chapter 9, 136-139). Respond to this development and describe some parallels to current events. 

6. How do you think Starr would define family? What about Seven? How do you define it? 

7. Chris and Starr have a breakthrough in their relationship – Starr admits to him that she was in the car with Khalil and shares the memories of Natasha’s murder (Chapter 17, 300-304). Discuss why Starr’s admission and releasing of this burden to Chris is significant. Explore the practice [or concept?] of “code-switching” and discuss how you might code-switch in different circumstances in your own life. 

8. How and why does the neighborhood react to the grand jury’s decision? (Chapter 23) How does Starr use her voice as a weapon, and why does she feel that it is vital that she does? Refer back to “Thug Life” and discuss how the acronym resonates in this chapter. 

9. Starr pledges to “never be quiet” (p. 450). After reading this book, how can you use your voice to promote and advance social justice? Reflect on how you and your community discuss and address inequality. 

JUNE 2018 Pick of the Month

          

  JUNE 2018 

Overview

It started as an assignment. Everyone in Caitlin's class wrote to an unknown student somewhere in a distant place.


Martin was lucky to even receive a pen-pal letter. There were only ten letters, and fifty kids in his class. But he was the top student, so he got the first one.

That letter was the beginning of a correspondence that spanned six years and changed two lives.

In this compelling dual memoir, Caitlin and Martin recount how they became best friends --and better people--through their long-distance exchange. Their story will inspire you to look beyond your own life and wonder about the world at large and your place in it.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Talk about the wide gap between Martin's hardscrabble life in Zimbabwe and Caitlin's privileged one in the U.S.  How did two 12-year-olds from such vastly different backgrounds and expriences bridge the gap between them?

2. What do each of the two pen pals reveal about themselves as they write to one another? What dreams do each have, especially Martin?

3. How does her growing awareness of Martin's poverty affect her? In what way does the correspondence change Caitlin with regard to her American classmates?

4. What do you make of Caitlin sending a portion of her babysitting money to Martin? Was her act naive, condescending, or a genuinely inspired act of kindness?

5. What moved you most about his book? 

ACTIVITIES:

Stamp Collecting for KIDS Website:  http://www.2-clicks-stamps.com/article/stamp-collecting-for-kids.html

There is magic in postage stamps! You can travel around the world without leaving your seat. Meet important people. Learn exotic plants and animals, know different languages…and many more. All these can be yours in stamp collecting.

PEN PALs:  http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/menu_penpals.php  

REMEMBER: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MONITOR YOUR CHILD'S CORRESPONDENCE.

Zimbabwe for Kids:  https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Zimbabwe/345821

Beginner's GUIDE to Story Telling:  https://www.mensaforkids.org/teach/lesson-plans/the-art-of-storytelling/

Letterboxing 101:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DlVAXwMnLQ

PURCHASE AT:

BARNES AND NOBLE:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-will-always-write-back-caitlin-alifirenka/1121120716?ean=9780316241335#/

AMAZON:   https://www.amazon.com/Will-Always-Write-Back-Changed/dp/0316241334/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1529787419&sr=8-1&keywords=i+will+always+write+back

August Book of the Month

Calpurnia Virginia Tate is eleven years old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones. With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger. As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award.

Amazon Link: 

 https://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Calpurnia-Tate-Jacqueline-Kelly-ebook/dp/B002LA09MG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502581928&sr=8-1&keywords=the+evolution+of+calpurnia+tate

Activities:

Snacks to go with book:  Pecan cookies, in honor of the Tate’s pecan grove and the prominence that pecans have throughout the book in the foods the Tate's eat and Granddaddy’s experiments with distilling pecans.

How to Make a Calpurnia Science Notebook

Printables for NOTEBOOK:  http://creeksidelearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Calpurnia-Tate-Inspired-Printables-from-Creekside-Learning.pdf

Discussion Questions:  http://www.startsateight.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Evolution-of-Calpurnia-Tate-Study-Guide.pdf

Learn Microscope Basics – Learn about the basic parts of a microscope and how they work. You can also look up old microscopes and check out how they have changed throughout the years.

 View Prepared Slides – Use a set of prepared slides to give kids the opportunity to use the microscope with the guarantee of finding something interesting and distinct on the slide!

 

Toys or Us Online!!!

Dragonfly Art Project:  https://artachieve.com/art-classes-level-i/level-i-art-lesson-5-the-dragonfly-from-ecuador

Insect Nature Study:  http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/insect-nature-study-printables-learning-about-bugs/

July Book of the Month (2017)

Overview

In the tradition of Bridget Jones’s Diary, a lovably flawed high school student chronicles her life as she navigates the highs and lows of family, friendship, school, and love in a diary that sparkles with humor and warmth.

I’m Chloe Snow, and my life is kiiiiind of a disaster.

1. I’m a kissing virgin (so so so embarrassing).

2. My best friend, Hannah, is driving me insane.

3. I think I’m in love with Mac Brody, senior football star, whose girlfriend is so beautiful she doesn’t even need eyeliner.

4. My dad won’t stop asking me if I’m okay.

5. Oh, and my mom moved to Mexico to work on her novel. But it’s fine—she’ll be back soon. She said so.

Mom says the only thing sadder than remembering is forgetting, so I’m going to write down everything that happens to me in this diary. That way, even when I’m ninety, I’ll remember how awkward and horrible and exciting it is to be in high school.

START YOUR OWN JOURNAL!!!
http://www.bestproducts.com/parenting/teen/g1075/teens-writing-journals/?slide=5

April Book Choice!!

Out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler. 

At the center of the tale is Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, whose personal quest captures the spirit of his generation—the generation that would prove in the coming years that the Nazis could not prevail over American determination and optimism.

This deeply emotional yet easily accessible young readers adaptation of the award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller features never-before-seen photographs, highly visual back matter, and an exclusive new introduction.

Inspiration for the PBS American Experience Documentary 'The Boys of '36'

March is National READING Month!

Featured Book:

Samantha Kingston has it all: looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last.

The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. Living the last day of her life seven times during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

NOW in Theaters--(Warning--this movies is pretty racy for this age group--preview prior to taking your child)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1691916/

READING MONTH CHALLENGE!!

Pick 2-3 of these types of books to read this month!

1. Read one of your parents’ favorite books.
2. Read again a book you read when you were younger.
3. Read a book set in Africa.
4. Read a book about a missionary.
5. Read a book recommended by a friend.
6. Read a classic book, not required for homeschool (or school).
7. Read a book with a one-word title.
8. Read a book whose author was younger than 25 when they wrote it.
9. Read a book of historical fiction. 
10. Read an autobiography written by someone you’ve never heard of. 
11. Read a book that is a travel journal.
12. Read a book in which the main character is an animal.
13. Read a book in which animals speak.
14. Read a book with a giant in it.
15. Read a book set in London.
16. Read a book about a sports figure or artist.
17. Read a book based on true events.
18. Read a book that takes place in the Middle Ages.
19. Read a book that has a child as the main character.
20. Read a book that has a character with a disability of some sort.
21. Read a book that involves a flood or other natural catastrophe.
22. Read a book whose title contains the name of a city or country.
23. Read a book whose setting spans more than one hundred years.
24. Read a book that was authored by two people.
25. Read a book where one of the main characters is in law enforcement or the military.
26. Read a book in which a character is adopted.
27. Read a book written by G.A. Henty.
28. Read a book that is a compilation of short stories.
29. Read a book about someone who signed the Declaration of Independence.
30. Read a book that has been translated into another language.
31. Read a book with “how to” in its title.
32. Read a book that you never thought you would read.
33. Read a book where most of the action takes place on an island.
34. Read a book that is the first in a series.
35. Read a book written in the 1800s.
36. Read a book that takes place in the future.
37. Read a book that has a cover where the author’s name is written bigger than the title of the book.
38. If you’re a girl, read a book with a male protagonist. If you’re a boy, read a book with a female protagonist.
39. Read a dystopian novel.
40. Read a book with a color in the title.
41. Read a mystery novel.
42. Read a book that’s been made into a movie.
43. Read a book in which something happens that could never happen in real life.
44. Read a book written by C.S. Lewis.
45. Read a book that is a biblical allegory.
46. Read a book that contains time travel.
47. Read a book of poetry.
48. Read a book of mythology.
49. Read a book that has more than 500 pages.
50. Read a book that was the winner of the Newbery Medal.
51. Read a book that is set during a war.
52. Read a book that fits in at least 3 of the above categories.