Is the sequel really better?

Is the sequel really better than the original?

The Fifth Grade Boys' Book Club enjoyed our Skype with author, Carrie Ryan so much that they insisted we read the sequel to the book we just finished.  So our next book will be "City of Thirst."  

When the magical waters of the Pirate Stream begin flooding Marrill’s world, the only way to stop the destruction is to return to the Stream and find the source of the mysterious Iron Tide. Reunited with her best friend Fin–who has been forgotten all over again–Marrill, her disbelieving babysitter, and the Enterprising Kraken crew must make the treacherous trek to the towering, sliding, impossible world of Monerva and uncover the secrets of its long-lost wish machine. Only there can Fin wish to finally be remembered. Only there can Marrill wish to save her world and all the people she loves. But to get everything they’ve ever wanted, Marrill and Fin may have to give up on the most important thing they already have: each other.

We'll meet to discuss this installment on December 7 during lunch!

This year is going to be Amazing!  

We have a host of exciting selections for our boys' only book club.  Our first book, The Map to Everywhere by Carrie Ryan (the author of The Forest of Hands and Teeth--one of my all time favorite books!) and John Parke Davis, will not disappoint.  This book is packed full of adventure, fantasy, and the promise of more volumes to come!

Mark your calendars for our first book club adventure on Monday, October 19. We'll meet in the Media Center during lunch, so pack a lunch and prepare for an exciting discussion.  We also have the honor of skyping with Carrie Ryan during our meeting!  Be sure to come with questions to ask this amazing author.

If you would like to check out a Kindle from the LS Media Center to read this month's book club book, please have a parent complete this form, which can be turned into the Media Center.  Or, if you would like to bring in your own e-Reader for book club, please complete the Acceptable Use Policy Form, and return it to Lauren Ward.

Book Club Bash and Spy School

Although the boys didn't mention this much, I really did feel like Doll Bones was as creepy as I thought it would be. I really enjoyed it. When I suggested that we hold an end of year book club bash on Monday, May 11th, that turned out not to be enough and the book clubbers insisted on squeezing in one more read. Therefore, not only will we be partying on May 11th to celebrate a successful year of reading and learning together, we will be talking about the book Spy School by Stuart Gibbs. Turns out this is a perfect pick considering many of us will be heading off to summer camp in the very near future and there is a sequel to Spy School called Spy Camp. Click here to hear the author talk about his name's origin.

Save the date for Monday, May 11th as we celebrate several things: a) reading some fabulous books all year long b) finishing off the year with a final book, Spy School by Stuart Gibbs, and c) my BIG birthday on this very same date. Can't wait to celebrate so please save the date!

Doll Bones by Holly Black

We had a lively discussion regarding Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins.  One reader has already moved on to book four! We especially enjoyed dining on cockroach cupcakes in the spirit of the Underland.

Our next book club pick is Doll Bones by Holly Black.  Doll Bones is a Newbery Honor book this year and has received many accolades.  The author, Holly Black, is the co-creator the Spiderwick Chronicles. It is a great choice for us as we approach Spring Break!  We will meet on Monday, April 27th in the Media Center.  Our library has several copies available for check out as do the public libraries. Watch below for a suspenseful book trailer:

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

We had the BEST discussion about Masterminds by Gordon Korman!  Some of the readers commented on enjoying the changing perspectives each chapter and the inclusion of so many cliffhangers!  We can't wait to see what happens in the second book when it comes out!  

Our next pick is Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games.  We will be meeting on Monday, March 30th during lunch. Check out the author's awesome website about the Underland series here: http://www.scholastic.com/underlandchronicles/ and enjoy!  Copies of the book are available for check out in our media center as well as at your local public library.

Masterminds by Gordon Korman!!!

It's not every day that you get to meet the author whose books you read for book club.  Well, it must be our lucky day because author Gordon Korman will be coming to visit us on Wednesday, February 11th!!!  We are SO excited for his visit.  Not only did we enjoy reading and discussing Ungifted but now we have voted to read his newest book, Masterminds.  Masterminds is said to be a masterpiece of a book.  With hair-raising adventures, wild characters, and an irresistible mystery, I know it's going to be a good one!  If you would like to order a copy of Masterminds early so that you have plenty of time to read it before book club takes place on March 2nd, please click here for the order form.  He will still be able to autograph your book during his visit if you would like.  To get your copy early, you must submit your order form to the Media Center or the Lower School front lobby by Friday, January 30th.  All other book orders will be due on February 3rd and received on February 11th.  I am looking forward to meeting Mr. Korman with you on February 11th and discussing his newest book with you on March 2nd during book club! 

Ungifted by Gordon Korman

Do we have a treat for you!?  On February 11th, world famous author Gordon Korman will be visiting The Davis Academy!!!  In preparation for this exciting visit, we will be reading Ungifted and will be discussing it during book club on Monday, January 26th.  We are super excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity!  You won't want to miss out.  All 5th grade boys are encouraged and invited to read and share in our book club discussion on Monday, January 26th during lunch in the Lower School Media Center.  

In Ungifted, Donovan, a middle school student, pulls a serious prank but instead of landing himself in trouble, he finds that as a result of a mix-up, he is entered into the Talented and Gifted program.  Read Ungifted to find out what he discovers about himself and what those around him discover as Donovan teaches them a thing or two about what it really means to be "gifted".