Laura Anderson C&I 449, Professor Chris Bohne Book Review/Book Talk Assignment Book Chat: #3 Book Talk

for Students Title: Diamond Willow Publisher: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux Grade Level: 4-7 Author: Helen Frost ISBN: 978-0374317768 Genre: Free Verse Poetry/Fiction

Publication Date: 2008

Hook: Before students arrive, project images of Diamond Willow sticks/trees on the screen. Ask students to study the photographs. What do they see? How are they different from sticks or limbs of trees in Illinois? Does anyone know where these types of trees can be found? Notes: Diamond willow is willow with wood that is deformed into diamond-shaped segments with alternating colors. This is most likely the result of attack by a fungus (Valsa sordida, and possibly others), which causes cankers to form in the wood in response to the infection.[1] Diamond willow is prized by wood carvers and furniture makers for its strong contrasting colors (red and white) and its sculptural irregularity of shape. (Source Wikipedia). There is more to me than most people see. I would rather blend in than stick out. I worry I dont have any real friends except Kaylie and Roxy, our best sled dog. I worry that Kaylie will ditch me when she gets a boyfriend. I attend middle school where my dad is a teacher. I live in a remote part of Alaska that is only accessible by plane or boat and we travel by mushing sled dogs. I want my parents to give me some independence. I want to mush the sled dogs by myself to my grandparents house. I finally get the chance to travel solo, along the way I am under the watchful eye of my ancestors when tragedy strikes. Will I be able to save Roxy? Myself? Learn secrets my family has kept from me for years? Do we all have cankers or scars? Read my story, Diamond Willow to find out the answer to these questions and more Rebecca Caudill 2011 Nominee. This story is told in free verse. Each poem is in the shape of a diamond and contains hidden, bold-faced words which tell a deeper message of the story. (Share image below with students)

Other Books by Author:

Fiction/Poetry for Children and Young Adults: KEESHA'S HOUSE (Young Adult: 12 and up) SPINNING THROUGH THE UNIVERSE (ages 8 and up; ideal for upper elementary) THE BRAID (Young Adult: 12 and up) MONARCH AND MILKWEED (Picture Book / lyrical nonfiction) CROSSING STONES (Young Adult: 12 and up) HIDDEN Non-fiction for Children: Coming to America Series (German and Russian Immigrants)

Book Chat: #4 Book Talk for Students Title: The Great Wide Sea Publisher: Puffin

Grade Level: 6-10 Author: M.H. Herlong ISBN: 978-0142416709

Genre: Realistic Fiction Publication Date: 2008

Hook: Before students enter the class, turn their desks facing the opposite direction from how they are normally placed. When students enter the room, have them put all their belongings against the wall. Tell them they can choose one item from their belongings that is most important to them and bring it to their desk. Ask the students to think about why they chose their particular belonging. Is it practical/useful? Do they use it every day? Is it something they love and cannot be without? What people or persons could they not live without? Notes: Show class Animoto Book Chat Video o http://animoto.com/play/QODwjlmePVBb13kwTCf61g

Rebecca Caudill Nominee 2011 ALA Best Book for Young Adults 2010 Debut Novel