reading rockstars - LUNCH BUNCH
february 2020
january 2020
For January, the Reading Rockstars read Lamar Giles book Spin.
Even in murder, the music lives on.
When rising star Paris Secord (aka DJ ParSec) is found dead on her turntables, it sends the local music scene reeling. No one is feeling that grief more than her shunned pre-fame best friend, Kya, and ParSec's chief groupie, Fuse -- two sworn enemies who happened to be the ones who discovered her body.
The police have few leads, and when the trail quickly turns cold, the authorities don't seem to be pushing too hard to investigate further. But nobody counted on Paris's deeply loyal fans, ParSec Nation, or the outrage that would drive Fuse and Kya to work together. As ParSec Nation takes to social media and the streets in their crusade for justice, Fuse and Kya start digging into Paris's past, stumbling across a deadly secret. With new info comes new motives. New suspects. And a fandom that will stop at nothing in their obsessive quest for answers, not even murder...
Even in murder, the music lives on.
When rising star Paris Secord (aka DJ ParSec) is found dead on her turntables, it sends the local music scene reeling. No one is feeling that grief more than her shunned pre-fame best friend, Kya, and ParSec's chief groupie, Fuse -- two sworn enemies who happened to be the ones who discovered her body.
The police have few leads, and when the trail quickly turns cold, the authorities don't seem to be pushing too hard to investigate further. But nobody counted on Paris's deeply loyal fans, ParSec Nation, or the outrage that would drive Fuse and Kya to work together. As ParSec Nation takes to social media and the streets in their crusade for justice, Fuse and Kya start digging into Paris's past, stumbling across a deadly secret. With new info comes new motives. New suspects. And a fandom that will stop at nothing in their obsessive quest for answers, not even murder...
november 2019
The Reading Rockstars read Lovely, Dark, and Deep by Justina Chen in November.
When Viola Li returns from a trip, she develops a sudden and extreme case of photo-sensitivity -- an inexplicable allergy to sunlight. Thanks to her crisis-manager parents, she doesn't just have to wear layers of clothes and spaceship-sized hat. She has to avoid all hint of light. Say goodbye to windows and running outdoors. Even her phone becomes a threat.
Viola is determined to maintain a normal life, particularly after she meets Josh. He's a funny, talented Thor look-alike with his own mysterious grief. But their romance makes her take more risks, and when a rebellion against her parents backfires dangerously, she must find her way to a life -- and love -- as deep and lovely as her dreams.
The Reading Rockstars discussed how we can deal with our situations in a positive way and learn from tough situations.
When Viola Li returns from a trip, she develops a sudden and extreme case of photo-sensitivity -- an inexplicable allergy to sunlight. Thanks to her crisis-manager parents, she doesn't just have to wear layers of clothes and spaceship-sized hat. She has to avoid all hint of light. Say goodbye to windows and running outdoors. Even her phone becomes a threat.
Viola is determined to maintain a normal life, particularly after she meets Josh. He's a funny, talented Thor look-alike with his own mysterious grief. But their romance makes her take more risks, and when a rebellion against her parents backfires dangerously, she must find her way to a life -- and love -- as deep and lovely as her dreams.
The Reading Rockstars discussed how we can deal with our situations in a positive way and learn from tough situations.
october 2019
For October, the Reading Rockstars read Don’t Cosplay with My Heart by Cecil Castellucci. In this novel, Edan has a troubled life and escapes into the world of comics, and her favorite character, Gargantua. When Kirk, a boy from her high school, gets her into the sold out ComicCon, it starts to look like she might be able to take control of her life after all. Students had fun blogging on our website and discussing the book over lunch.
february 2019
This is the story of 'Spoon' Witherspoon, a black teenager who returns to his home in Harlem after spending time at an elite boarding school in New England. When he returns, he discovers that his friends’ lives have changed for the worse.
Spoon becomes uncertain about what the future hold for him. Should he go back to the luxurious life in New England or should he stay and help his friends? |
january 2019
The Reading Rockstars read Tuck Everlasting in January. After reading the book, we took a field trip to Playhouse on the Square to see the play. It was educational and entertaining. After the play, we went back to school for a pizza lunch in the library.
DEcember 2018
In December, A Christmas Carol got the Reading Rockstars in the Christmas spirit!
october 2018
september 2018
Poor Princess Anya! Forced to live with her evil stepmother’s new husband, her evil stepfather, has the unfortunate ability to break curses with magic kisses, AND now forced to go on the run when her stepfather decides to make the kingdom entirely his own. She is not alone, aided by a loyal talking dog, a boy thief trapped in the body of a newt, and some extraordinarily mischievous wizards. Anya sets off on a Quest that, if she plays it right, will ultimately free her land—and teach her a thing or two about the use of power, the effectiveness of a well-placed pucker, and the finding of friends in places both high and low.
Our Reading Rockstars luncheon for September will be held on Thursday, September 27 during 7th grade lunch. Please stop by and take the quiz and blog on our website to be eligible to participate.
april 2018
In collaboration with National Poetry Month, students read a poetry book and blogged on our website. They discussed the book they read, the author of the book and wrote their own poem. We enjoyed discussing our poems and books over pizza for our final Reading Rockstars meeting of the year.
march 2018
For March, the Reading Rockstars read the historical fiction novel "The Watsons go to Birmingham" by Christopher Paul Curtis. It tells the story of a loving African-American family living in the town of Flint, Michigan in 1963. When the oldest son (Byron) begins to get into a bit of trouble, the parents decide he should spend the summer and possibly the next school year with Grandma Sands in Birmingham, Alabama. The entire family travels there together by car, and during their visit, tragic events take place.
february 2018
In February, the Reading Rockstars enjoyed Louisa May Alcott's classic novel "Little Women" about the struggles and triumphs of the March family in New England during the Civil War.
january 2018
Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other's lives. What happens then? As Kate DiCamillo would say: Reader, it is your destiny to find out.
With black-and-white illustrations and a refreshed cover by Timothy Basil Ering.
Please join us as we read this fun novel for our January book.
December 2017
To get in the holiday spirit, the Reading Rockstars read books about Christmas this month and blogged about the books on our website.
On December 15, we held our monthly meeting to discuss our books. We watched A Charlie Brown Christmas while enjoying our pizza luncheon.
On December 15, we held our monthly meeting to discuss our books. We watched A Charlie Brown Christmas while enjoying our pizza luncheon.
november 2017
For the month of November, our Reading Rockstars read books from the Dear America and My Name is America Series. Dear America is a series of historical fiction novels for older girls. Each book is written in the form of a diary of a young woman's life during an important event or time period in American history.
For our November meeting, we watched the Dear America movie, Color Me Dark, and enjoyed pizza.
For our November meeting, we watched the Dear America movie, Color Me Dark, and enjoyed pizza.
october 2017
October's theme for the Reading Rockstars was science fiction. We read The Gardener by S. A. Bodeen.
Mason has never known his father, but longs to. All he has of him is a DVD of a man whose face is never seen, reading a children's book. One day, on a whim, he plays the DVD for a group of comatose teens at the nursing home where his mother works. One of them, a beautiful girl, responds. Mason learns she is part of a horrible experiment intended to render teenagers into autotrophs―genetically engineered, self-sustaining life-forms who don't need food or water to survive. And before he knows it, Mason is on the run with the girl, and wanted, dead or alive, by the mysterious mastermind of this gruesome plan, who is simply called the Gardener.
During our luncheon, we watched an interview with the author, S. A. Bodeen.
Mason has never known his father, but longs to. All he has of him is a DVD of a man whose face is never seen, reading a children's book. One day, on a whim, he plays the DVD for a group of comatose teens at the nursing home where his mother works. One of them, a beautiful girl, responds. Mason learns she is part of a horrible experiment intended to render teenagers into autotrophs―genetically engineered, self-sustaining life-forms who don't need food or water to survive. And before he knows it, Mason is on the run with the girl, and wanted, dead or alive, by the mysterious mastermind of this gruesome plan, who is simply called the Gardener.
During our luncheon, we watched an interview with the author, S. A. Bodeen.
SEPTEMBER 2017
Reading Rockstars September Book is Wayside School is Falling Down by Louis Sachar.
Bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author Louis Sachar knows how to make readers laugh. And there are laughs galore in perennial favorite Wayside School Is Falling Down!
Yum! Miss Mush is dishing out her famous Mushroom Surprise in the Wayside School cafeteria. Ron says it tastes like hot dogs and grape jelly. Clean your plate and you’ll turn green in time for class picture day. Wear your craziest outfit and you’ll fit right in between Maurecia in her striped bikini and Clavin, who’s wearing his birthday tattoo. Say cheese!
More than nine millions readers have laughed at the wacky stories of Wayside School. So what are you waiting for? Come visit Wayside School!
Please take the quiz and blog on our website by Friday, September 29 so you can join us for our lunch discussion on Monday, October 2.
Bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author Louis Sachar knows how to make readers laugh. And there are laughs galore in perennial favorite Wayside School Is Falling Down!
Yum! Miss Mush is dishing out her famous Mushroom Surprise in the Wayside School cafeteria. Ron says it tastes like hot dogs and grape jelly. Clean your plate and you’ll turn green in time for class picture day. Wear your craziest outfit and you’ll fit right in between Maurecia in her striped bikini and Clavin, who’s wearing his birthday tattoo. Say cheese!
More than nine millions readers have laughed at the wacky stories of Wayside School. So what are you waiting for? Come visit Wayside School!
Please take the quiz and blog on our website by Friday, September 29 so you can join us for our lunch discussion on Monday, October 2.
april 2017
For National Poetry Month, the Reading Rockstars blogged about a poetry book they read. They also wrote an original poem. We read the poems out loud during our April pizza luncheon on Thursday, April 13.
March 2017
In March as we read a book of our choice from our Colonial online library. We have recently added 59 new, interactive audio eBooks to our online collection. Students picked an eBook of their choice to read and blog about. We had our lunch discussion on March 31.
january 2017
DECEMBER 2016
november 2016
october 2016
For the month of October, the Reading Rockstars learned about the Old Lincoln Hospital. Located in Fayetteville, TN, the hospital it is filled with a diverse number of supernatural phenomenon. Lincoln Hospital is the site of many strange sightings, including vague silhouettes on windows, strange noises, passing shadows and unusual sensations on the skins. In addition to these, the hospital is also reported to be the residence of numerous ghosts and apparitions.
Students participating in October's luncheon, read the short story and watched the documentary on the hospital.
Students participating in October's luncheon, read the short story and watched the documentary on the hospital.
september 2016
summer 2016
Our Reading Rock Stars summer read is The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer 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.
You may read the book online. Click Home and ebooks. Username: Colonial Password: Library
Our Reading Rock Stars will meet on Friday, August 26 during 7th Grade lunch. Stop by the library before Wednesday, August 24 to take the quiz.
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.
You may read the book online. Click Home and ebooks. Username: Colonial Password: Library
Our Reading Rock Stars will meet on Friday, August 26 during 7th Grade lunch. Stop by the library before Wednesday, August 24 to take the quiz.
We discussed the book over a pizza and Rockstar Energy drinks. Everyone received a Fourteenth Goldfish bookmark.
april 2016
march 2016
FEBRUARY 2016
For the month of February, the Reading Rockstars celebrated Black History Month by reading Leon's Story. In this grepping story, Leon tells it like it was to be a young black boy growing up in North Carolina in the 1930s. Our Reading Rockstars discussion was held on Thursday, February 25. In order to participate in our discussion, students read the book, passed the quiz and blogged on our website by the due date.
january 2016
December 2015
December's Lunch Bunch Theme was Holidays Around the World.
Students had the choice of reading a book about holidays around the world or a holiday novel. We learned many new things about holiday customs that we did not already know.
Students had the choice of reading a book about holidays around the world or a holiday novel. We learned many new things about holiday customs that we did not already know.
november 2015
We had fun at our November Lunch Bunch meeting discussing The Westing Game mystery and having pizza!
october 2015
The Library Lunch Bunch theme for October was Scary Stories. We had fun reading a scary story of our choice this month. We took the AR test and blogged on our website. During our Lunch Bunch, we watched R. L Stine's Stay Out of the Basement for more scary chills!
september 2015
The Lunch Bunch book for September was An Abundance of Katherines by John Green. We held our monthly book discussion and luncheon on Friday, September 25. Students had fun answering questions about the book and eating pizza.
2015 summer reading
Thanks for checking in with Lunch Bunch this summer!
If you would like to participate in Lunch Bunch, please click on EBOOKS on the Home Page of the Colonial Middle School Library website and download the book Beaten by Suzanne Weyn. (The username is Colonial and the password is Library.) After reading the book, post a comment on our Library Blog page. We will have our Lunch Bunch meeting in August when we return for our 2015-2016 school year.
If you would like to participate in Lunch Bunch, please click on EBOOKS on the Home Page of the Colonial Middle School Library website and download the book Beaten by Suzanne Weyn. (The username is Colonial and the password is Library.) After reading the book, post a comment on our Library Blog page. We will have our Lunch Bunch meeting in August when we return for our 2015-2016 school year.
april 2015 national poetry month
For April, the Lunch Bunch blogged about their favorite poems. We watched the documentary Louder Than A Bomb and created our own group poem.
FEBRUARY 2015 SELECTION
The Road to Paris
by Nikki Grimes
Our book for February was The Road to Paris by Nikki Grimes. Grimes tells a
beautiful story of family, friendship, and faith from the viewpoint of a child in
search of home in a harsh world. Thanks to all who joined our February Lunch Bunch.
The Road to Paris
by Nikki Grimes
Our book for February was The Road to Paris by Nikki Grimes. Grimes tells a
beautiful story of family, friendship, and faith from the viewpoint of a child in
search of home in a harsh world. Thanks to all who joined our February Lunch Bunch.
Our Lunch Bunch had an informative conversation about Paris and foster homes.
NOVEMBER 2013 SELECTION
The Giver
by Lois Lowry
Jonas lives in a "perfect" world where war, disease, and suffering have all been eradicated. Everything is in order; everything is under control. The people have no worries or cares. The Community strives for "sameness," in which everyone and everything are the same and equal. To help the Community function as a cohesive unit, each member is assigned a position in society. When Jonas turns twelve, the Community selects him to be the new "Receiver of Memories." Only the "Giver" knows the truth and memories of the past, and now he must pass these memories on to Jonas.
The Giver is a wonderful book. Lois Lowry skillfully crafted an intriguing and profoundly thoughtful story. She subtly creates an uneasy feeling that something is wrong with this "perfect world." The Community's advisors intend to establish security within utopian society, but they really establish a stifling dystopia. To protect people from the risks of making poor or wrong decisions in life, the advisors plan and dictate the lives of the people. In effect, the citizens have no freedom of choice; they do not choose their job or even their spouse. Moreover, the advisors inhibit the people's ability to feel because they want to spare them from the hardships and pain of life. For instance, individuals must take a pill everyday, which suppresses passionate feelings. The citizens do not know or experience true emotions like love. One of the goals of the Community is to achieve "sameness" so that no one feels embarrassed or gets excluded for being different. However, this limits individuality and freedom of expression because everyone conforms to a certain desired image. Finally, to relieve the population of the horrors and devastation of the world and the past, the advisors isolate the Community from the rest of the world (also known as "Elsewhere) and give the burden of holding the memories of the past to a single member of society: the "Receiver." Therefore, the Community lives only in the present, and the people have a narrow perspective of life because they only know their community and way of life. They are naive; they do not gain knowledge or wisdom from the memories. While receiving the memories, Jonas learns a different and better way to live and realizes what he and the Community have been missing. He decides that something must be done to change the current conditions and enlighten his community. Although it is a Newbery Award Winner, The Giver is a controversial book that has been challenged and even banned. After parents complained that the violent and sexual passages were inappropriate for children, the Bonita Unified School District in California temporarily banned the novel from classes. The Giver has been challenged in other school districts around the country for its "mature themes" of euthanasia, infanticide, and suicide. I do not agree with banning and challenging of this novel. It is a great book, and part of what makes it so great is the incorporation of these controversial issues. They force readers to wrestle with their own thoughts and figure out their stance on the issues. Good literature makes readers think. Banning this book takes away the freedom of speech, the freedom to read, and the freedom to learn and explore. The banning of The Giver is ironically similar to the actions of the Community that lead the Community to its suppressive and stifling state. A powerful story, The Giver keeps readers in suspense, touches them, and stays with them for a long time. I love this book, and I encourage everyone to read it.
Our Lunch Bunch this month will be held on Wednesday, November 13.
The Giver
by Lois Lowry
Jonas lives in a "perfect" world where war, disease, and suffering have all been eradicated. Everything is in order; everything is under control. The people have no worries or cares. The Community strives for "sameness," in which everyone and everything are the same and equal. To help the Community function as a cohesive unit, each member is assigned a position in society. When Jonas turns twelve, the Community selects him to be the new "Receiver of Memories." Only the "Giver" knows the truth and memories of the past, and now he must pass these memories on to Jonas.
The Giver is a wonderful book. Lois Lowry skillfully crafted an intriguing and profoundly thoughtful story. She subtly creates an uneasy feeling that something is wrong with this "perfect world." The Community's advisors intend to establish security within utopian society, but they really establish a stifling dystopia. To protect people from the risks of making poor or wrong decisions in life, the advisors plan and dictate the lives of the people. In effect, the citizens have no freedom of choice; they do not choose their job or even their spouse. Moreover, the advisors inhibit the people's ability to feel because they want to spare them from the hardships and pain of life. For instance, individuals must take a pill everyday, which suppresses passionate feelings. The citizens do not know or experience true emotions like love. One of the goals of the Community is to achieve "sameness" so that no one feels embarrassed or gets excluded for being different. However, this limits individuality and freedom of expression because everyone conforms to a certain desired image. Finally, to relieve the population of the horrors and devastation of the world and the past, the advisors isolate the Community from the rest of the world (also known as "Elsewhere) and give the burden of holding the memories of the past to a single member of society: the "Receiver." Therefore, the Community lives only in the present, and the people have a narrow perspective of life because they only know their community and way of life. They are naive; they do not gain knowledge or wisdom from the memories. While receiving the memories, Jonas learns a different and better way to live and realizes what he and the Community have been missing. He decides that something must be done to change the current conditions and enlighten his community. Although it is a Newbery Award Winner, The Giver is a controversial book that has been challenged and even banned. After parents complained that the violent and sexual passages were inappropriate for children, the Bonita Unified School District in California temporarily banned the novel from classes. The Giver has been challenged in other school districts around the country for its "mature themes" of euthanasia, infanticide, and suicide. I do not agree with banning and challenging of this novel. It is a great book, and part of what makes it so great is the incorporation of these controversial issues. They force readers to wrestle with their own thoughts and figure out their stance on the issues. Good literature makes readers think. Banning this book takes away the freedom of speech, the freedom to read, and the freedom to learn and explore. The banning of The Giver is ironically similar to the actions of the Community that lead the Community to its suppressive and stifling state. A powerful story, The Giver keeps readers in suspense, touches them, and stays with them for a long time. I love this book, and I encourage everyone to read it.
Our Lunch Bunch this month will be held on Wednesday, November 13.
october 2013 SELECTION
Al Capone Shines My Shoes
by Gennifer Choldenko
What do you do when your neighbors are a bunch of hit men, con men, and mad dog murderers? Well, if you're Moose Flanagan, you ask the most notorious convict of them all, Al Capone, for help. But when that convict comes through for you and then asks you for a favor in return suddenly it's a whole different ball game. Picking up where the Newbery Honor winning Al Capone Does My Shirts left off, this lively second romp featuring Moose, his friends, and some of Alcatraz's "finest" is just as satisfying as the first.
During or October Lunch Bunch meeting, we discussed the book and researched Alcatraz via the Smartboard.
by Gennifer Choldenko
What do you do when your neighbors are a bunch of hit men, con men, and mad dog murderers? Well, if you're Moose Flanagan, you ask the most notorious convict of them all, Al Capone, for help. But when that convict comes through for you and then asks you for a favor in return suddenly it's a whole different ball game. Picking up where the Newbery Honor winning Al Capone Does My Shirts left off, this lively second romp featuring Moose, his friends, and some of Alcatraz's "finest" is just as satisfying as the first.
During or October Lunch Bunch meeting, we discussed the book and researched Alcatraz via the Smartboard.
september 2013 selection
Al Capone Does My Shirts
by Gennifer Choldenko
Murderers, mob bosses, and convicts . . . these guys are not your average
neighbors. Unless you live on Alcatraz. It's 1935 and 12-year-old Moose
Flanagan and his family have just moved to the infamous island that's home to
criminals like notorious escapee Roy Gardner, Machine Gun Kelly, and of course,
Al Capone. Now Moose has to try to fit in at his new school, avoid getting
caught up in one of the warden's daughter's countless plots, and keep an eye on
his sister Natalie, who's not like other kids. All Moose wants to do is protect Natalie, live up to his parents' expectations, and stay out of trouble. But on Alcatraz, trouble is never very far away.
Gennifer Choldenko's second novel, Al Capone Does My Shirts, is a 2005 Newbery Honor Book and a School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year.
by Gennifer Choldenko
Murderers, mob bosses, and convicts . . . these guys are not your average
neighbors. Unless you live on Alcatraz. It's 1935 and 12-year-old Moose
Flanagan and his family have just moved to the infamous island that's home to
criminals like notorious escapee Roy Gardner, Machine Gun Kelly, and of course,
Al Capone. Now Moose has to try to fit in at his new school, avoid getting
caught up in one of the warden's daughter's countless plots, and keep an eye on
his sister Natalie, who's not like other kids. All Moose wants to do is protect Natalie, live up to his parents' expectations, and stay out of trouble. But on Alcatraz, trouble is never very far away.
Gennifer Choldenko's second novel, Al Capone Does My Shirts, is a 2005 Newbery Honor Book and a School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year.
Our Lunch Bunch participated in an Al Capone Does My Shirts Jeopardy Game during our lunch.
Angelina, Janay, Roby and Jomario joined Mrs. Broughton and Ms. Bowers for our Lunch Bunch discussion.
MARCH 2013 SELECTION
The Tiger Rising
by Kate DiCamillo
In this 2001 National Book Award finalist, twelve-year-old Rob is mourning the death of his mother and adjusting to living in a new place with his father, who refuses to talk about their shared loss. Isolated at home and at school, Rob's life changes one eventful day when he encounters a caged tiger in the woods and meets Sistine, a new girl at school who blasts her emotions as forcefully as Rob hides his. As their friendship develops, they both learn that feelings, and tigers, don't belong in cages.
Our group this month created bio-poems about their favorite characters in The Tiger Rising.
Nardia and Ashley chose to write about Rob.
Rob
Shy, doubtful, quiet
Admirer of Willie May and his mother
Who needs love to rise to his heart
Who fears the opening of his suitcase
Who feels lonely and neglected
Who gives nothing less of himself
Rob
by Kate DiCamillo
In this 2001 National Book Award finalist, twelve-year-old Rob is mourning the death of his mother and adjusting to living in a new place with his father, who refuses to talk about their shared loss. Isolated at home and at school, Rob's life changes one eventful day when he encounters a caged tiger in the woods and meets Sistine, a new girl at school who blasts her emotions as forcefully as Rob hides his. As their friendship develops, they both learn that feelings, and tigers, don't belong in cages.
Our group this month created bio-poems about their favorite characters in The Tiger Rising.
Nardia and Ashley chose to write about Rob.
Rob
Shy, doubtful, quiet
Admirer of Willie May and his mother
Who needs love to rise to his heart
Who fears the opening of his suitcase
Who feels lonely and neglected
Who gives nothing less of himself
Rob
February 2013 selection
Tides of Avarice
Sagaria
by John Dahlgren
In anticipation of author John Dahlgren's visit to Colonial Middle in late February, the Lunch Bunch selection was either of two of Mr. Dahlgren's popular YA fantasy novels. The Tides of Avarice follows a lemming librarian on a futuristic pirate adventure. Sagaria takes place three hundred years earlier. You can find out more at TidesofAvarice.com .
Due to illness, Mr. Dahlgren was unable to travel to the United States and lead our Lunch Bunch discussion of his novels. We hope to reschedule his appearance for the next time he is in our area. Mr. Dahlgren is a native of Scandinavia. The untamed northern landscapes and Nordic mythologies were a strong early infulence on his writing. This is evident in his tales that present a Victorian writing style with a touch of fairy tale epic. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Dahlgren to the Colonial library to discuss his books and writing with our students.
Fantasy Fiction Silver Medal winner (Tides of Avarice)
Sagaria
by John Dahlgren
In anticipation of author John Dahlgren's visit to Colonial Middle in late February, the Lunch Bunch selection was either of two of Mr. Dahlgren's popular YA fantasy novels. The Tides of Avarice follows a lemming librarian on a futuristic pirate adventure. Sagaria takes place three hundred years earlier. You can find out more at TidesofAvarice.com .
Due to illness, Mr. Dahlgren was unable to travel to the United States and lead our Lunch Bunch discussion of his novels. We hope to reschedule his appearance for the next time he is in our area. Mr. Dahlgren is a native of Scandinavia. The untamed northern landscapes and Nordic mythologies were a strong early infulence on his writing. This is evident in his tales that present a Victorian writing style with a touch of fairy tale epic. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Dahlgren to the Colonial library to discuss his books and writing with our students.
Fantasy Fiction Silver Medal winner (Tides of Avarice)
JANUARY 2013 SELECTION
The Ear, the Eye and the Arm
by Nancy Farmer
The year is 2174. The place is Zimbabwe, Africa. Three adventurous children escape their parents’ heavily guarded mansion to explore the dangerous world outside. They soon learn how dangerous it really is. The book by award-winning author Nancy Farmer combines elements of science-fiction and African culture, and depicts the struggle of a notorious general's three children to escape from their kidnappers in a crime-infested area of Zimbabwe.
1995 Newberry Honor Book
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Notable Children's Book
Parent's Choice Award Winner
by Nancy Farmer
The year is 2174. The place is Zimbabwe, Africa. Three adventurous children escape their parents’ heavily guarded mansion to explore the dangerous world outside. They soon learn how dangerous it really is. The book by award-winning author Nancy Farmer combines elements of science-fiction and African culture, and depicts the struggle of a notorious general's three children to escape from their kidnappers in a crime-infested area of Zimbabwe.
1995 Newberry Honor Book
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Notable Children's Book
Parent's Choice Award Winner
NoVEMBER 2012 SELECTION
Skin
by Rick Jasper
The Lunch Bunch ventured into the horror genre with this month's selection. Skin tells the story of Nick, a teenager who begins experiencing physical and psychological changes when a rash appears on his skin like an ancient code, bringing with it feelings of uncontrollable anger. It seems that something evil is living under his skin, but where did it come from, and what does it want? With the help of a dead child's diary, a nun, and a local professor, Nick slowly finds out what is wrong with him. But how does he fight and destroy this evil inside him?
by Rick Jasper
The Lunch Bunch ventured into the horror genre with this month's selection. Skin tells the story of Nick, a teenager who begins experiencing physical and psychological changes when a rash appears on his skin like an ancient code, bringing with it feelings of uncontrollable anger. It seems that something evil is living under his skin, but where did it come from, and what does it want? With the help of a dead child's diary, a nun, and a local professor, Nick slowly finds out what is wrong with him. But how does he fight and destroy this evil inside him?
OCTOBER 2012 SELECTION
The Westing Game
by Ellen Raskin
This highly inventive mystery involves sixteen people who are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. They could become millionaires, but it all depends on how they play the tricky and dangerous Westing game, a game involving blizzards, burglaries, and bombings! Ellen Raskin has created a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense.
1979 Newberry Medal Winner
1979 Banta Award
1978 Horn Book Award for Best Fiction for Children
by Ellen Raskin
This highly inventive mystery involves sixteen people who are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. They could become millionaires, but it all depends on how they play the tricky and dangerous Westing game, a game involving blizzards, burglaries, and bombings! Ellen Raskin has created a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense.
1979 Newberry Medal Winner
1979 Banta Award
1978 Horn Book Award for Best Fiction for Children
September 2012 Selection
The Thief
by Megan Whalen Turner
Because of his bragging - and his great skill - Gen lands in the King's prison, shackled to the wall of his cell. After months of isolation, he is released by none other than the King's scholar, the Magus, who believes he knows the site of an ancient treasure. The thief he needs for the long, dangerous journey is Gen. To the Magus, Gen is just a tool. But Gen has some ideas of his own.
1997 Newberry Honor Book
ALA Notable Book
ALA Best Books for Young Adults
by Megan Whalen Turner
Because of his bragging - and his great skill - Gen lands in the King's prison, shackled to the wall of his cell. After months of isolation, he is released by none other than the King's scholar, the Magus, who believes he knows the site of an ancient treasure. The thief he needs for the long, dangerous journey is Gen. To the Magus, Gen is just a tool. But Gen has some ideas of his own.
1997 Newberry Honor Book
ALA Notable Book
ALA Best Books for Young Adults