The Final Book Club of the Year!

Graphic Novel Version

Novel Version

We had so much fun discussing The Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel with Mr. Weismark! For our next pick, we are discussing The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. Students can choose to read the novel version or the graphic novel version (or even both). We will have one big bash on May 6th at 7:30am to discuss so please save the date! It is going to be quite the book bash! Rising fourth graders are invited to attend as well so they can get a taste of the fun for the year ahead.

Book Club Meets Comic Club on April 1st!

We are SO excited to host a very special book club on Monday, April 1st at 7:30am in the Lower School Media Center for 4th and 5th graders! All genders welcome. If you love comics, enjoy the story of Passover, and would like to interact with a very special guest then mark your calendar to arrive at school by 7:30am on Monday and head straight to the lower school media center.

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

We are looking forward to chatting about Amal Unbound on Monday, February 25th at 7:30am, especially after having her visit our school. Copies of the book are available in the media center or at the public library. Don't miss out!

Summary:
Life is quiet and ordinary in Amal's Pakistani village, but she had no complaints, and besides, she's busy pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher one day. Her dreams are temporarily dashed when--as the eldest daughter--she must stay home from school to take care of her siblings. Amal is upset, but she doesn't lose hope and finds ways to continue learning. Then the unimaginable happens--after an accidental run-in with the son of her village's corrupt landlord, Amal must work as his family's servant to pay off her own family's debt. 

Life at the opulent Khan estate is full of heartbreak and struggle for Amal--especially when she inadvertently makes an enemy of a girl named Nabila. Most troubling, though, is Amal's growing awareness of the Khans' nefarious dealings. When it becomes clear just how far they will go to protect their interests, Amal realizes she will have to find a way to work with others if they are ever to exact change in a cruel status quo, and if Amal is ever to achieve her dreams.

Sounds good, right? It is!

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

We had a great book club and skype session with Kristi Wientge, author of Kharma Kruller's Mustache! The author skyped with us all the way from Singapore. It was inspiring to hear about what inspired her to write a novel about differences and friendships in this realistic fiction story. We loved it! The students asked unique and thought-provoking questions. Our next book is Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo. We will meet to discuss on Monday, December 3rd at 7:30am in the Lower School media center. Can't wait! Check out the book trailer below:

Karma Khullar's Mustache

What a fantastic kick-off party we had?!  I mean, we Skyped with author, Taryn Souders, and we ate meatloaf for breakfast! (Sounds crazy, but it's actually delicious when the meatloaf is chocolate rice crispy treats!)  It really can't get any better than that!

Everyone seemed to enjoy the silly humor and likable characters portrayed in "Dead Possums are Fair Game."  We also really loved getting the inside scoop on all of those amazing characters from Taryn.  She even shared some math tips and tricks from her time as a middle school math teacher.

I have a hunch that our next book selection will be another great read!

Join us on Monday, October 22 at 7:30 am in the Media Center for our next book club meeting.  We will be reading "Karma Khullar's Mustache."  And we will be skyping with the author!!!

Karma Khullar is about to start middle school, and she is super nervous. Not just because it seems like her best friend has found a newer, blonder best friend. Or the fact that her home life is shaken up by the death of her dadima. Or even that her dad is the new stay-at-home parent, leading her mother to spend most of her time at work. But because she’s realized that she has seventeen hairs that have formed a mustache on her upper lip.

With everyone around her focused on other things, Karma is left to figure out what to make of her terrifyingly hairy surprise all on her own.

"I was immediately captivated. Growing up in a Punjabi household and having facial hair at the same age as Karma, her story and hardships sounded very similar to mine...I will most definitely be sharing this book, story and the lessons inside it to my younger siblings and future children." (Harnaam Kaur )"Debut author Wientge has sensitive, anxious Karma confronting the universal preteen problems of self-esteem, bullying, and changing friendships, with everyday details of her interracial family's Sikh faith and culture seamlessly woven in . . . Readers will enjoy seeing how Karma navigates the complexities of adolescence, middle school, and the 17 hairs on her upper lip in this realistic and humorous story of new friendships and family support." (Kirkus 6/1/17)

Book Club Launch Party: 2018-2019 School Year!

We are thrilled to host a book club launch party for 4th and 5th graders on Monday, September 17th at 7:30am in the LS Media Center. We will be discussing Dead Possums Are Fair Game by Taryn Souders. Please get your hands on a copy of the book either from our media center (copies available on a first come, first serve basis) or through your local public library. It's going to be a fabulous year of book clubs! 



Check out the author summarizing this book in this short video:

If you would like to check out a Kindle or an iPad with the Kindle app from the LS media center to read the month's book club book, please have a parent complete this form, which can be turned into the Media Center.  

5th Graders Only: 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 Myla Young in the administration office. 

Get ready for a fantastic end of the year book discussion and party!  We're ready to welcome 3rd grade to the book club and send off our fabulous 5th grade friends.  Come join us in the media center for a book related craft, snack, and a special skype with author, Ellen Airgood on Monday, May 21 at 7:30 am!  Stop by the library to pick up a copy of the book or visit your local public library.

Prairie Evers is finding that school isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. She’s always been homeschooled by her grandmother, learning about life while they ramble through the woods. But now Prairie’s family has moved north and she has to attend school for the first time, where her education is in a classroom and the behavior of her classmates isn’t very nice. The only good thing is meeting Ivy, her first true friend. Prairie wants to be a good friend, even though she can be clueless at times. But when Ivy’s world is about to fall apart and she needs a friend most, Prairie is right there for her, corralling all her optimism and determination to hatch a plan to help.

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

Picture this: It's 1947 and India is being divided into two: India and Pakistan. A 12 year old girl, who is half Muslim and half Hindu is struggling to figure out where she belongs. Her father decides that it is too dangerous to stay in India so they embark upon an arduous journey to discover a new home. Journey with Nisha as she goes through a physical and mental trek to discover who she is and where she belongs at the heart of it all. This book is going to be AMAZING! Don't miss out on reading and discussing it with your Davis Academy media crew. It's gonna be awesome! (Also, stay tuned for details about a future Skype date with the author.)

We will meet to discuss on Monday, April 23rd at 7:30am in the LS media center. Copies may be available in the LS Media Center on Kindle along with a few hard copies. But, be sure to check out your public library too!

It goes without saying that we had a blast discussing Bubble by Stewart Foster this month! We enjoyed bubble "tea", had an enlightening discussion and made unpoppable bubbles signifying Joe's inability to leave his own bubble. It was fantastic. The author (all the way in the UK) loved that we were discussing it too:

Booketh club wast so much excit'ment!

Booketh club wast so much excit'ment!

As you can see, our book club discussion on "All's Faire in Middle School" was very high-spirited! We spent the morning puzzling over medieval language and sampling "fairy elephant ears." We also pretended to be princesses and created some lovely princess accessories.  We all agreed that Victoria Jamieson is a genius and should write all the graphic novels forevermore.  Okay!  Maybe we didn't all say that, but we all really loved "All's Faire in Middle School." 

With that being said our next book has a lot to live up to, but it comes highly recommended.  The next book club meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 12 at 7:30 am, and the book will be "Bubble" by Stewart Foster.

Wonder meets Mark Haddon in the poignant and uplifting debut novel about superheroes, super-nurses, and the beauty you can find in hope. 

Eleven-year-old Joe has never had a life outside of the hospital, with its beeping machines and view of London’s rooftops. His condition means he’s not allowed outside, not even for a moment, and his few visitors risk bringing life-threatening germs inside his bubble. Then a new nurse offers Joe the possibility of going outside. But Joe doesn’t know if the nurse is serious—or whether he could survive the adventure. 

Bubble is the touching story of how Joe spends his days, copes with his loneliness and frustration, and looks—with superhero-style bravery, curiosity, and hope—to a future without limits.

Winter Time = Reading Time!

Just three days before the first day of winter, we are in the mood to read! We just wrapped up our discussion about Project 1065 by Alan Gratz. It was a lively discussion about WWII. We had our very own ration books and a photo opp Rosie the Riveter-style! It was a great morning. Our next pick is going to be awesome too! We voted to read and discuss All's Faire in Middle School, the latest novel by Victoria Jamieson, one of our favs.

We will meet to discuss All's Faire in Middle School on Monday, January 29th at 7:30am. We have a few copies and Kindles on hand in the media center but feel free to get a copy at your local public library. Can't wait!

Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz

We had an awesome book club discussion on Elsie Mae Has Something to Say by Nancy Cavanaugh! We learned a thing or two about the Okefenokee Swamp while enjoying some hot biscuits. For our next pick, we voted to read Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz. Projekt 1065 is a novel of espionage, mystery, hope and intrigue. Having won a number of awards since it was published in October 2016, it is sure to be an amazing read and an interesting discussion.

We will meet on Monday, December 18th at 7:30am for an exciting book club! A few copies of the book in print and ebooks are available for check out in the media center. Or, you may obtain a copy from your local public library (I did!). Happy reading!

Nancy Cavanaugh, "Elsie Mae has Something to Say"

Another Opportunity to Shine

The girls had an great time this morning discussing Kate T. Parker's book, "Strong is the New Pretty." We discussed strength in all of its various types, we talked about the layout of Kate's book, and we worked on our questions for the book club exclusive meeting with Kate tonight!      


                               

We all enjoyed strong mind and body fueling snacks.  The girls had a great time creating their own images of #davisstrong.

We are very excited to be reading "Elsie Mae has Something to Say" by Nancy Cavanaugh next!  Our next book club meeting is on October 30th at 7:30 am in the LS Media Center.  Just to up the excitement a little we are very pleased to announce that Nancy Cavanaugh will be visiting the Davis Academy next week on Tuesday, September 26 courtesy of Foxtale Book Shoppe!  You may order your books for this event here.  https://docs.google.com/document/d/12DGGuHe8wsaT_vTGiFMF-LZWp5jv4DULUAvl1iWUGzg/edit?usp=sharing

Elsie Mae is pretty sure this’ll be the best summer ever. She gets to explore the cool, quiet waters of the Okefenokee Swamp around her grandparents’ house with her new dog, Huck, and she’s written a letter to President Roosevelt that she’s confident will save the swamp from a shipping company and make her a major hometown hero. What’s more, Elsie Mae gets wind of hog bandits stealing from swamper families, and she sees another opportunity to make her family proud while waiting to hear back from the White House.

But when her cousin Henry James, who dreams of one day becoming a traveling preacher like his daddy, shows up and just about ruins her investigation with his “Hallelujahs,” Elsie Mae will learn the hard way what it really means to be a hero.

Historical Fiction full of mystery and adventure. A book that will take readers on a trip they’ll never forget.                                   

Welcome back!

Welcome back! We have a TREAT for you! We are SO excited to be kicking off our 2017-18 4th/5th grade girls book club with Strong is the New Pretty by Kate Parker. Kate will be visiting us on Monday night, September 18th at 7:00PM. We hope you will join us! Please visit davisacademy.org/events to reserve your seat.

Our first book club meeting will take place on Monday, 9/18 at 7:30am in the LS Media Center. We will have breakfast treats that tie into the theme of the book, discussion and activities.  

If you would like to check out a Kindle from the LS media center to read the month's book club book, please have a parent complete this form, which can be turned into the Media Center.  

5th Graders: 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. 

My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

We had SO much fun making magic and discussing The Girl Who Drank the Moon today! Our next pick is My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison. For a sneak peek, see below:

We will meet on Tuesday morning, May 9th for a breakfast book club! Copies can be checked out from our school library or your local public library. It's a great read!

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

To say that we had fun discussing Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu would be an understatement! It was so.much.fun. Our next pick is EXCITING (all caps kind of exciting)! We voted on the Newbery winning book! Every person that we (teachers and students) know that have read this book say the same thing: it is amazing. The book is The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill. For an interview with the author, see the video below:

We will meet on Monday, March 20th during lunch and recess. Physical and digital copies can be checked out from the media center and from your local public library. Don't miss out on reading this extraordinary book!

Up Next: Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Thank you to all the girls that came yesterday to chat about The Meaning of Maggie. We had so much fun! We are going to reschedule the author's visit for Monday, May 22nd and make it a Mother/Daughter book club event. Mark your calendar! 

For our next pick, we are discussing Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu. We will meet on Monday, February 6th to discuss the book! Here are just a few of the awards that it has won:

Awards and Honors

Amazon.com Book of the Year
Bank Street Best Children’s Books
Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books Blue Ribbon Book
Capitol Choices 2012 List
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Reading List
Indie Next pick
Junior Library Guild selection
NCTE 2012 Notable Children’s Books in the English Language Arts
New York Public Library’s 100 Books for Reading and Sharing
NPR Backseat Book Club, December 2011
Publishers Weekly Book of the Year
School Library Journal Book of the Year

You have lots of reading time coming up since winter break is approaching. We have some copies on hand in the media center or please feel free to check out a copy from your local public library. Enjoy!

The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern

We had such an AWESOME turn out at our last book club discussing the powerful story The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley! Our next pick is another impactful story by Megan Jean Sovern entitled The Meaning of Maggie. Save the date for Monday, December 19th at 12:40 in the media center. You won't want to miss this one! Books can be checked out from our library in ebook format or print copies or from your local public library.

We had a wonderful time at our last book club!  I think everyone loved discussing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. 

The next book for the Stars of Davis Book Club is The War that Saved My Life, and we'll be meeting during 6th period on Monday, November 7!  

The War that Saved My Life is easily my favorite read from last year!  It's the story of a girl with true strength.  Ada was born with a physical abnormality that prevented her from taking part in a normal childhood.  Every day, she watched through a tiny window as her younger brother played on the streets with his friends while she could not leave their tiny, dirty upstairs apartment.  

The war came to Europe, and London, where they lived, was an easy target.  Parents in London were urged to send their children to the countryside for safety.  Ada's mother was only going to send her younger brother.  Through strength and determination, Ada escaped London and her mother.  You will not be disappointed in this amazing historical read, which has such a happy ending!


Don't forget if you would like to check out a Kindle from the LS media center to read the month's book club book, please have a parent complete this form, which can be turned into the Media Center.  

5th Graders: 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. 

A Newbery Honor Book
Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award (Middle School)
Winner of the Josette Frank Award
Wall Street Journal Best Children's Books of 2015
New York Public Library's 100 Books for Reading and Sharing
Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books 2015
Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2015
Kirkus Best Books of 2015
Horn Book Fanfare Book 2015 

"Achingly lovely . . . Nuanced and emotionally acute, this vivid tale from the wartime home front will have readers ages 10-14 wincing at Ada's stumbles and rejoicing to the point of tears in her victories."—The Wall Street Journal

* “Ada's voice is brisk and honest; her dawning realizations are made all the more poignant for their simplicity. . . . Things come to an explosive head, metaphorically and literally. Ignorance and abuse are brought to light, as are the healing powers of care, respect and love. Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada's personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration.”—Kirkus, starred review

* "Proving that her courage and compassion carry far more power than her disability, Ada earns self-respect, emerges a hero, and learns the meaning of home."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Involving, poignant, nuanced . . . This is a feel-good story, but an earned one . . . distinct and powerful in its own right."—The Horn Book, starred review

"There is much to like here—Ada's engaging voice, the vivid setting, the humor, the heartbreak, but most of all the tenacious will to survive."—School Library Journal

Welcome Back!

Well, well, well, just in time! The latest Harry Potter book has arrived just in time for our first book club of the year. We are excited to welcome you back to school for what is sure to be an outrageously fun year ahead. We would like to formally welcome our now fourth graders to book club as well as our returning and new fifth graders. We invite all fourth and fifth grade girls to join us for our kick-off book club event on Monday, September 26th at 12:44PM in the media center. Now for the important stuff...the first book club book of the year! 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, & Jack Thorne.

Please bring your lunch to the media center and join us for a lively get together as we discuss the latest addition to this magical world.

p.s. You must have read the book to attend this fun event! Several copies of the book may be available for check out at the media center and you may also check out the book from your public library. 

Happy reading!

If you would like to check out a Kindle from the LS media center to read the month's book club book, please have a parent complete this form, which can be turned into the Media Center.  

5th Graders: 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.