> P.S. To cavey: OMG, now I know what you mean about reading kid
> novels! The ones that are ordinary feel particularly
> time-consuming, but a couple have stolen my heart. I'd like to
> talk with you via email about particular titles (if you're
> interested) because I think I'm going to come to a parting of
> the ways with my new grade level team before we've even
> started. Interested?

I'll discuss them here, I'll discuss them there, I'll discuss them
anywhere. I do so love discussing books!

Judy, I'm not sure if you are talking primarily about novel
studies, or read-alouds or both. I have a list that I pull from,
but I change things every year depending on the kids and new
things that I find. I almost always use The Green Book by Jill
Paton Walsh. It's a tiny little book, but has sooooo much
discussion potential. It is recommended by William and Mary as
part of their GT curriculum, so that's how I found it. It's
sci-fi, but has huge issues related to relative human worth, class
structures, the environment, even a touch of biblical allegory.
The description is great for word choice, and there is a nice
little twisty surprise ending about the value of writing and
choices.

I also usually use A Long Way from Chicago for organization and
word choice. The characterization of Grandma from the POV of the
children is wonderful. This is also a great read aloud because
each chapter can stand alone.

I like Hatchet, but usually many of my kids have already read it.
I have done it as read aloud in the past.

Others I use or choose from: The Westing Game, The Cay, Call it
Courage, Adaline Falling Star ( easy read, sort of like Winn
Dixie, dog-meets-girl book but has historical fiction element.
This book also has some interesting organization and conventions.)
Sometimes I do My Brother Sam is Dead. The Fighting Ground can be
a companion text, but Brother Sam is much meatier. It's not
usually recommended for 5th, though. I love Tuck Everlasting and
The Mixed Up Files, but these are better for GT 3rd and 4th. I
may read aloud Numbering all the Bones when the kids are studying
the Civil War in Social Studies this year.

I am moving away from novel study in groups and more toward short
stories, essays etc for comprehension. My kids do independent
novels and it is very difficult to find texts that they haven't
read. I really love a series that I use from Perfection Learning
that is designed for critical thinking. I had been using it
primarily with sixth, but think I may use it more with fifth too.
I think I'm going to have my kids blog about their reading this
year, but I'm still working that out.

I know I'll think of tons more after I post, so here goes! Keep
the book talk coming.

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