And Then There Were None #2

Describe the poem Vera Claythorne finds on display above the mantel in her bedroom in chapter 2.  What kind of poem is it?  How are tlhe poems meaning and imagery changed by its context in this novel?  How does it relate to the centerpiece of small china figures that first appears in the subsequent dinner scene in chapter 3?  Hwo does this poem relate to the larger plot or structure of the novel?

And Then There Were None #1

Who is U.N.Owen?  What do we learn about him in the novel's opening pages?

Author Skype

Yesterday we Skyped with author Aimee Henley about The Scourge.  What comments did you find most interesting?  What did you learn about the book and writing that you did not know?  What did you think of Mrs. Henley?

Author Skype

Middle School Book Club Skyping with Aimee Henley, author of  The Scourge.

October 16,2012

The Scourge by Aimee Henley

The Scourge is a fascinating and suspenseful novel that examines the tendency of people to become distrustful, fearful, and superstitious.  Discuss the ways that the characters in The Scourge have become paranoid and irrational.

Scumble

Ledger believes his father’s biggest dream is that Ledger’s savvy will make him lighting fast as a runner.Why does Ledger feel so disappointed when his savvy doesn’t give him this extraordinary ability? What does he fear about his father’s reaction? Do you think his reaction is appropriate?

Savvy Question #2
Fish and Rocket have a terrible time scumbling their savvies. How does this cause a ruckus for the Beaumont clan and others who know them? Are there any parts of your own personality that you have a difficult time controlling? Is it better to tone down parts of yourself so that you fit in society or is it more important to be yourself completely?

Matched
What details and events make the world in Matched Ally Condie created realistic and believable? What do think the positive qualities of the world are? What do you think the negative qualities of the world are?

Happy Friday to my book club members!  Tell me about the chapters you have read in your book this week.  Give me an overview of what is happening and how you feel about the book.

Savvy by Ingrid Law

Describe Mib's relationship with her parents and siblings.  How is it complicated by their savvies?  Do you think the inheritance of a savvy is a curse or a blessing?  Why? What have you inherited from your family?

The Hunger Games Trilogy

Reality TV has seen tremendous growth in the 21st century with competitive shows and survival shows. Discuss this phenomenon with respect to The Hunger Games. How does the "entertainment value" of the games impact the tributes in the novel? How does it affect them to know they are being manipulated to make the Games more exciting for the gamblers and viewers? Does knowing they are on live TV make Katniss and Peeta behave differently? What other aspects of our popular culture do you see reflected in this story?

Independent Reading Selection

Tell me all about the book you are currently reading and why we should all read it too (or not).

YA Lit

Explore the Book Club LibGuide and discuss authors and books that look interesting and why. Who are some of your favorite Young Adult authors?

Unbroken - Blog #1

Laura Hillenbrand gives us a moving story, one that brings to life the suffering and courage of not just one man, but thousands whose stories are untold. What is it about Hillenbrand's writing that saves her book from feeling melodramatic? What do you admire most about Louis Zamperini? What enables him to survive the plane crash and POW ordeal? Does he possess special strengths-personal or physical? Did his training in track, for instance, make a difference in his resilience? What do you find most horrifying about Zamperini's experiences so far?