The Literary Maven

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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ycSnEqzFuFg/Ww7NQsPUf1I/AAAAAAAAMDE/sx6JuoLPCns59zrt9Mhqf_hYgjc23YV0QCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Set in Scotland before World War II begins, The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein follows Julie on her misadventures the summer she returns to her grandparents' estate to help clear it out before it becomes a school. On the day she returns, Julie is knocked unconscious and spends most of the rest of the summer trying to piece together what happened to her. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ycSnEqzFuFg/Ww7NQsPUf1I/AAAAAAAAMDE/sx6JuoLPCns59zrt9Mhqf_hYgjc23YV0QCLcBGAs/s400/Slide3.png" title="Set in Scotland before World War II begins, The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein follows Julie on her misadventures the summer she returns to her grandparents' estate to help clear it out before it becomes a school. On the day she returns, Julie is knocked unconscious and spends most of the rest of the summer trying to piece together what happened to her. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The basic plot from Amazon: </b>Before Verity . . . there was Julie. When fifteen-year-old Julia Beaufort-Stuart wakes up in the hospital, she knows the lazy summer break she'd imagined won't be exactly what she anticipated. And once she returns to her grandfather's estate, a bit banged up but alive, she begins to realize that her injury might not have been an accident. One of her family's employees is missing, and he disappeared on the very same day she landed in the hospital. Desperate to figure out what happened, she befriends Euan McEwen, the Scottish Traveller boy who found her when she was injured, and his standoffish sister, Ellen. As Julie grows closer to this family, she experiences firsthand some of the prejudices they've grown used to—a stark contrast to her own upbringing—and finds herself exploring thrilling new experiences that have nothing to do with a missing-person investigation. Her memory of that day returns to her in pieces, and when a body is discovered, her new friends are caught in the crosshairs of long-held biases about Travellers. Julie must get to the bottom of the mystery in order to keep them from being framed for the crime. This exhilarating coming-of-age story, a prequel to the Printz Honor Book <i>Code Name Verity</i>, returns to a beloved character just before she first takes flight.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdWbePYs1UE/WxHuib8nEmI/AAAAAAAAMEI/QRr2gcMZG_EG34lNiOVhrb2oxuW1WyxJgCLcBGAs/s1600/Pearl%2BThief.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Set in Scotland before World War II begins, The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein follows Julie on her misadventures the summer she returns to her grandparents' estate to help clear it out before it becomes a school. On the day she returns, Julie is knocked unconscious and spends most of the rest of the summer trying to piece together what happened to her. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdWbePYs1UE/WxHuib8nEmI/AAAAAAAAMEI/QRr2gcMZG_EG34lNiOVhrb2oxuW1WyxJgCLcBGAs/s400/Pearl%2BThief.png" title="Set in Scotland before World War II begins, The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein follows Julie on her misadventures the summer she returns to her grandparents' estate to help clear it out before it becomes a school. On the day she returns, Julie is knocked unconscious and spends most of the rest of the summer trying to piece together what happened to her. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b>Why I liked it: </b>I loved <i><a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2016/10/review-code-name-verity-elizabeth-wein.html" target="_blank">Code Name Verity </a></i>and <i><a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/06/review-rose-under-fire-elizabeth-wein.html" target="_blank">Rose Under Fire</a></i>, so I was thrilled to find that<b>  </b></span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2shuD9i" target="_blank">The Pearl Thief</a> </i>was a prequel to the two. Set in Scotland before World War II begins, the novel follows Julie on her misadventures the summer she returns to her grandparents' estate to help clear it out before it becomes a school. On the day she returns, Julie is knocked unconscious and spends most of the rest of the summer trying to piece together what happened to her. I loved how plucky Julie was, constantly curious and determined to get the bottom of the mystery, as well as her ability to enjoy life and good company. She is daring and welcomes new experiences, where another girl of her social status might be much more restrained and formal. I also liked that the novel had a mix of elements: some mystery, some romance, and some history.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Classroom application: </b>The novel deals with class issues and sexuality in subtle ways. On several occasions, Julie is mistaken for a Traveller (an ethnic minority in Scotland) and suffers both physical and verbal abuse, which is in stark contrast to her usual privileges as a titled young lady. Comparisons could be made to the treatment of minority groups in America or other countries during any time period.<br />
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Julie takes great pleasure in the power she seems to have over an older man supervising the work at her grandparents' estate, but also relishes attention from Ellen, a Traveller close to her own age. There is a scene in the novel where she is mistaken for a boy and takes advantage of the opportunity to kiss another girl. These aspects of the novel could lead to discussions about gender and sexuality. What role does gender play in sexuality and who we are attracted to? How is our gender and sexuality determined?<br />
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If you are interested in purchasing a copy of <i>The Pearl Thief</i> for yourself, you can find it on Amazon <a href="https://amzn.to/2shuD9i" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<i>Note:</i> The Literary Maven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
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More From The Blog

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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_GglPkfjdk/Wx1On2gi_WI/AAAAAAAAMNg/bHoqnTKdPNc--eYm2DZDqP1Ktc_D4BpBACLcBGAs/s1600/Slide11.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="As teachers, we hope that every book we put in the hands of our students is a great one, but some students prefer that great story to also be true. For these students, the story takes on greater meaning because it actually happened to a real person. Here's 10 high interest nonfiction titles that I've recently read and would recommend to secondary students." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_GglPkfjdk/Wx1On2gi_WI/AAAAAAAAMNg/bHoqnTKdPNc--eYm2DZDqP1Ktc_D4BpBACLcBGAs/s400/Slide11.png" title="As teachers, we hope that every book we put in the hands of our students is a great one, but some students prefer that great story to also be true. For these students, the story takes on greater meaning because it actually happened to a real person. Here's 10 high interest nonfiction titles that I've recently read and would recommend to secondary students." width="400" /></a></div>
As teachers, we hope that every book we put in the hands of our students is a great one, but some students prefer that great story to also be a true one. For these students, the story takes on greater meaning because it actually happened to a real person. Here's 10 high interest nonfiction titles that I've recently read and would recommend to secondary students. Click the title of each to read my full review and ideas for using it in the classroom.</div>
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1. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/04/on-my-bookshelf-boy-who-harnessed-wind.html" target="_blank"><i>The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind</i> by William Kamkwamba</a></div>
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Author William Kamkwamba describes his life in Africa in a way that does not make the reader pity him or look down upon the differences in his culture. Many of his experiences are ones the average child can relate to, but are set against the backdrop of third world struggles. </div>
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2. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/01/review-Alexander-Hamilton-Jonathan-Hennessey.html" target="_blank"><i>Alexander Hamilton: The Graphic History of an American Founding Father</i> by Jonathan Hennessey</a></div>
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This graphic novel is as detailed in narration as it is in illustration. Every moment of Hamilton's life from birth to death is meticulously recorded in this visual biography. </div>
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3. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/09/review-other-wes-moore.html" target="_blank"><i>The Other Wes Moore</i> by Wes Moore</a></div>
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Two men with the same name, born in the same place, and roughly the same age, but with very different fates. One grows up to be a Rhodes Scholar, decorated veteran, White House Fellow, and business leader, while the other ends up a convicted murderer serving a life sentence for a crime he claims he didn't commit. For middle school students, get the young reader's edition.</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/09/review-nazi-hunters-neal-bascomb.html" target="_blank"><i>The Nazi Hunters</i> by Neal Bascomb</a></div>
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The text focuses on the discovery of Nazi Adolf Eichmann in Argentina and the work of Israeli spies to capture him and bring him to trial in Israel. Despite several hiccups, with extremely careful planning, the team is able to successfully complete their mission. </div>
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5. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/07/review-left-for-dead-pete-nelson.html" target="_blank"><i>Left For Dead: A Young Man's Search for Justice for the USS Indianapolis</i> by Pete Nelson</a></div>
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An 11-year-old's research project becomes a quest to clear a Naval captain of wrong doing. The sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the rescue of her men four days later are all part of this fascinating nonfiction piece. </div>
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6. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/06/review-witches-Rosalyn-Schanzer.html" target="_blank"><i>Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem</i> by Rosalyn Schanzer</a></div>
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This is the riveting, true story of the victims, accused witches, crooked officials, and mass hysteria that turned a mysterious illness affecting two children into a witch hunt that took over a dozen people’s lives. </div>
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7. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/05/review-port-chicago-50-steve-sheikin.html" target="_blank"><i>The Port Chicago 50</i> by Steve Sheinkin</a></div>
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The text focuses on a little known event in American history. This narrative nonfiction novel is a fascinating story of the prejudice and injustice that faced black men and women in America's armed forces during World War II. </div>
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8. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/04/review-bomb-steve-sheinkin.html" target="_blank"><i>Bomb</i> by Steve Sheinkin</a></div>
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This literary nonfiction reads like a spy thriller. America's efforts to build the atomic bomb, the sabotage of German weapon manufacture, and the Soviets attempts to steal American secrets are woven together in this action packed story. </div>
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9. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/05/review-hidden-figures-margot-lee-shetterly.html" target="_blank"><i>Hidden Figures</i> by Margot Lee Shetterly</a></div>
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This is a wonderful mix of history lesson and biographical narrative. The text explains the challenges of African Americans from roughly the 1940s through the 1970s, but makes the information personal through the stories of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden. For middle school students, get the young reader's edition.</div>
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10. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2016/06/review-unbroken-laura-hillenbrand.html" target="_blank"><i>Unbroken</i> by Laura Hillenbrand</a></div>
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This nonfiction biography reads like a great narrative. Louis Zamperini survives unbelievable odds as a POW during WWII. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom use. For middle school students, get the young reader's edition.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_5BklXg0zA/Ww7NKzoeL9I/AAAAAAAAMDA/NcJGxCCwVK8xrpvdpxV76j6b_AD_uBcTgCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley, despite being focused on a serious anxiety disorder, was refreshingly funny. and full of charming characters. Solomon, despite not leaving the house in three years, is surprisingly social once he warms up and has a great sense of humor. Lisa, who befriends Solomon so that she'll have juicy material for her college essay, is an endearing perfectionist with a boyfriend, Clark, who turns out to share many of Solomon's interests, making him an even better fit as a friend. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_5BklXg0zA/Ww7NKzoeL9I/AAAAAAAAMDA/NcJGxCCwVK8xrpvdpxV76j6b_AD_uBcTgCLcBGAs/s400/Slide2.png" title="Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley, despite being focused on a serious anxiety disorder, was refreshingly funny. and full of charming characters. Solomon, despite not leaving the house in three years, is surprisingly social once he warms up and has a great sense of humor. Lisa, who befriends Solomon so that she'll have juicy material for her college essay, is an endearing perfectionist with a boyfriend, Clark, who turns out to share many of Solomon's interests, making him an even better fit as a friend. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The basic plot from Amazon: </b>Sixteen-year-old Solomon has agoraphobia. He hasn't left his house in 3 years. Ambitious Lisa is desperate to get into a top-tier psychology program. And so when Lisa learns about Solomon, she decides to befriend him, cure him, and then write about it for her college application. To earn Solomon's trust, she introduces him to her boyfriend Clark, and starts to reveal her own secrets. But what started as an experiment leads to a real friendship, with all three growing close. But when the truth comes out, what erupts could destroy them all. Funny and heartwarming, <i>Highly Illogical Behavior</i> is a fascinating exploration of what makes us tick, and how the connections between us may be the most important things of all.<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b>Why I liked it: </b></span><a href="https://amzn.to/2GIv4hj" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Highly Illogical Behavior</a>, despite being focused on a serious anxiety disorder, was refreshingly funny. The novel is full of charming characters. Solomon, despite not leaving the house in three years, is surprisingly social once he warms up and has a great sense of humor. His parents are kind and understanding despite the burden of having a child suffering from agoraphobia. Similarly Solomon's spunky grandmother is sensitive to Solomon's issues, but is his biggest cheerleader when it comes to overcoming his fears. Lisa, who befriends Solomon so that she'll have juicy material for her college essay, is an endearing perfectionist with a boyfriend, Clark, who turns out to share many of Solomon's interests, making him an even better fit as a friend.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5pb_EagbgU/WxHuKRoBjFI/AAAAAAAAMEA/E7kkweu1E60g3iYE0wN3MzqDhY9fXutKgCLcBGAs/s1600/Highly%2BIllogical%2BBehavior%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley, despite being focused on a serious anxiety disorder, was refreshingly funny. and full of charming characters. Solomon, despite not leaving the house in three years, is surprisingly social once he warms up and has a great sense of humor. Lisa, who befriends Solomon so that she'll have juicy material for her college essay, is an endearing perfectionist with a boyfriend, Clark, who turns out to share many of Solomon's interests, making him an even better fit as a friend. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5pb_EagbgU/WxHuKRoBjFI/AAAAAAAAMEA/E7kkweu1E60g3iYE0wN3MzqDhY9fXutKgCLcBGAs/s400/Highly%2BIllogical%2BBehavior%2B%25282%2529.png" title="Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley, despite being focused on a serious anxiety disorder, was refreshingly funny. and full of charming characters. Solomon, despite not leaving the house in three years, is surprisingly social once he warms up and has a great sense of humor. Lisa, who befriends Solomon so that she'll have juicy material for her college essay, is an endearing perfectionist with a boyfriend, Clark, who turns out to share many of Solomon's interests, making him an even better fit as a friend. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
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Though much of the novel is light, it is not without typical teenage issues. Lisa and Clark struggle with their relationship as the impact of college separation grows closer and closer. Solomon must deal with rejection and Lisa and her best friend fight and make up. There is also a scene that serves as a strong reminder that even if teenagers want to "fix" each others' problems, there are times when the help of a medical professional is needed.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Classroom application: </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">There are some mature themes (sex and sexuality) and profanity, but nothing extreme, so this book is one I'd recommend to upper middle school and up. Although the characters are in high school, Solomon's fears are ones middle school students could relate to as well. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Students who appreciate humor and books like <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2016/11/review-me-earl-dying-girl.html" target="_blank">Me and Earl and the Dying Girl</a> will like this book too.</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The novel could be offered as a choice in literature circles themed around mental illness, especially if you are looking for something that is on the lighter side (you can find some other suggestions, most of them not so light, <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/01/teen-books-mental-health.html" target="_blank">here</a>).</span><br />
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If you are interested in purchasing a copy of <i>Highly Illogical Behavior</i> for yourself, you can find it on Amazon <a href="https://amzn.to/2GIv4hj" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<i>Note:</i> The Literary Maven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpzihWS1FQY/Ww7NFqC2ghI/AAAAAAAAMC8/evLH52SApjss7z6QQqfmv6Uc6brKgsYXACLcBGAs/s1600/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="In Sight of Stars by Gae Polisner is a bit disorienting at first, but intentionally so. Klee has just entered a psychiatric hospital, is heavily medicated, and is trying to piece together the events that landed him there. Through his therapy sessions, Klee's relationships with his parents, particularly his father who recently committed suicide, and Sarah, Klee's love interest, are revealed. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpzihWS1FQY/Ww7NFqC2ghI/AAAAAAAAMC8/evLH52SApjss7z6QQqfmv6Uc6brKgsYXACLcBGAs/s400/Slide1.png" title="In Sight of Stars by Gae Polisner is a bit disorienting at first, but intentionally so. Klee has just entered a psychiatric hospital, is heavily medicated, and is trying to piece together the events that landed him there. Through his therapy sessions, Klee's relationships with his parents, particularly his father who recently committed suicide, and Sarah, Klee's love interest, are revealed. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The basic plot from Amazon: </b>Seventeen-year-old Klee’s father was the center of his life. He introduced Klee to the great museums of New York City and the important artists on their walls, he told him stories made of myths and magic. Until his death.<br />
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Now, forced to live in the suburbs with his mom, Klee can’t help but feel he’s lost all the identifying parts of himself—his beloved father, weekly trips to the MoMA, and the thrumming energy of New York City. That is until he meets wild and free Sarah in art class, with her quick smiles and jokes about his “brooding.” Suddenly it seems as if she’s the only thing that makes him happy. But when an act of betrayal sends him reeling, Klee lands in what is bitingly referred to as the “Ape Can,” a psychiatric hospital for teens in Northhollow.<br />
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While there, he undergoes intensive therapy and goes back over the pieces of his life to find out what was real, what wasn’t, and whether he can stand on his own feet again. Told in alternating timelines, leading up to the event that gets him committed and working towards getting back out, Gae Polisner’s <i>In Sight of Stars</i> is a gorgeous novel told in minimalist strokes to maximal effect, about what makes us fall apart and how we can put ourselves back together again.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddw0tuZ28k0/WxHtvG9BXRI/AAAAAAAAMD4/C3deHR8eJFoN3ya7Fhg0dvGqxVS191sxACLcBGAs/s1600/In%2BSight%2Bof%2BStars.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="In Sight of Stars by Gae Polisner is a bit disorienting at first, but intentionally so. Klee has just entered a psychiatric hospital, is heavily medicated, and is trying to piece together the events that landed him there. Through his therapy sessions, Klee's relationships with his parents, particularly his father who recently committed suicide, and Sarah, Klee's love interest, are revealed. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddw0tuZ28k0/WxHtvG9BXRI/AAAAAAAAMD4/C3deHR8eJFoN3ya7Fhg0dvGqxVS191sxACLcBGAs/s400/In%2BSight%2Bof%2BStars.png" title="In Sight of Stars by Gae Polisner is a bit disorienting at first, but intentionally so. Klee has just entered a psychiatric hospital, is heavily medicated, and is trying to piece together the events that landed him there. Through his therapy sessions, Klee's relationships with his parents, particularly his father who recently committed suicide, and Sarah, Klee's love interest, are revealed. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b>Why I liked it: </b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2GHlBqd" target="_blank">In Sight of Stars</a> </i>is a bit disorienting at first, but intentionally so. Klee has just entered a psychiatric hospital, is heavily medicated, and is trying to piece together the events that landed him there. Through his therapy sessions, Klee's relationships with his parents, particularly his father who recently committed suicide, and Sarah, Klee's love interest, are revealed. </span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Klee is one of just four patients at the </span>psychiatric hospital for teens and while his experience at such an exclusive facility might not be representative of mental health care, I appreciated how normal all of the patients seemed and the kindness of the staff. Too often these depictions are sensationalized in books and film. I also thought his road to recovery was realistic. Medication in combination with solo and group therapy were utilized and even when he was released from the facility, he was self-admittedly still fragile.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Classroom application: </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Because of t</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he mature themes in the novel (sex, drug and alcohol use, suicide/mental health), I would recommend this one to high school and up. If students are put off by the start of the novel, encourage them to keep reading. Things will start to make sense.</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The novel would be a great addition to literature circles themed around the issue of mental health (you can find some other title suggestions <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/01/teen-books-mental-health.html" target="_blank">here</a>) or around teenage relationships. Klee and Sarah like each other, but Klee's intensity and his issues with his parents make it difficult for Sarah to have a relationship with him. The novel would be an example for teens of how to deal (or rather how <i>not</i> to deal) with a boyfriend or girlfriend who needs more support from a relationship than the other can provide. It certainly reinforces the idea that teens, even if they are well-intentioned, can't "fix" someone who needs help from a professional. </span><br />
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If you are interested in purchasing a copy of <i>In Sight of Stars</i> for yourself, you can find it on Amazon <a href="https://amzn.to/2GHlBqd" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<i>Note:</i> The Literary Maven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
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A multiple choice quiz after reading is a quick and easy way to check student comprehension, but it doesn't allow you to assess deeper understanding and it certainly isn't fun or creative. If you are looking for more meaningful and engaging activities to use with students during literature circles or a novel unit, you'll find twelve ideas below that are favorites in my classroom and the Common Core standards they align with. Click the linked title of each activity for more information, student samples, and/or free resources.<br />
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<b>1. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/02/cite-text-evidence-drawings.html">Text Based Drawings</a></b><br />
Asking students to cite evidence for every single question they answer when reading and responding to a text might be good practice and ensure that they are reading closely, but it also becomes repetitive. One way to mix things up is to ask students to draw a picture and label it based on details from the text.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.1:</b> Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.<br />
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<b>2. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summarize-Synthesize-Activity-For-Any-Text-Making-a-Tombstone-306912?utm_source=The%20Literary%20Maven&utm_campaign=12%20Activities%20to%20Use%20During%20Literature%20Circles%20or%20Your%20Next%20Novel%20Study">Summary or Synthesis Tombstones</a></b><br />
Assess students' knowledge of an author or character by asking them to summarize their reading or synthesize information from multiple sources. Depending on the assignment, students may share important facts about the individual, reasons why he or she will or would be missed, or events that led up to his or her death.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2:</b> Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.<br />
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<b>3. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2016/11/mind-mapping-visual-summarizing-strategy.html">Mind Maps</a></b><br />
Mind maps are a visually appealing summarizing strategy, which can be used to enhance students' recall of information as well as to synthesize information from multiple sources. This strategy can be used with fiction or nonfiction texts and can be added to as student progress in their reading.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2:</b> Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.<br />
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<b>4. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2014/12/character-activity-close-reading.html">Character Silhouettes</a></b><br />
Creating character silhouettes is a creative way to conduct a close reading of character or figure from an assigned or selected fiction or nonfiction text. This activity can be used with any grade level, during or after reading any text, and reinforces the ideas of character and characterization while asking students to closely examine evidence from the text.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.3:</b> Analyze how and why individuals, events, or ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.<br />
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<b>5. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Analysis-for-Any-Text-A-Christmas-Carol-Themed-Activity-2232592?utm_source=The%20Literary%20Maven&utm_campaign=12%20Activities%20to%20Use%20During%20Literature%20Circles%20or%20Your%20Next%20Novel%20Study">The Spirits of Christmas</a></b><br />
Inspired by <i>A Christmas Carol</i> by Charles Dickens, students select a character and his/her weaknesses to analyze. After identifying and illustrating scenes that reveal the character's flaws, students determine a message to be shared by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. <br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.1:</b> Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. <br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.3:</b> Analyze how and why individuals, events, or ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.<br />
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<b>6. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2015/01/monday-made-it-tweet-sheets-112.html">Tweet Sheets</a></b><br />
Forget those boring chapter summaries you usually assign to accompany your students' independent reading. Instead, try out "tweet sheets." This activity reinforces characterization and point of view while also allowing students to use their creativity as they explore the characters in their novel.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2:</b> Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.3:</b> Analyze how and why individuals, events, or ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.6:</b> Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.<br />
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<b>7. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2014/10/monday-made-it-literary-postcards-1013.html">Literary Postcards</a></b><br />
Literary postcards are a great writing activity to reinforce the ideas of character and point of view in any novel or short story and can be used with any grade level. Students must depict a key scene from their reading on the front of the postcard and then have choices as to the form of their writing on the opposite side.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2: </b>Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.3:</b> Analyze how and why individuals, events, or ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.6:</b> Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.<br />
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<b>8. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Symbolism-Activity-For-Any-Text-Making-A-Personal-Crest-302616?utm_source=The%20Literary%20Maven&utm_campaign=12%20Activities%20to%20Use%20During%20Literature%20Circles%20or%20Your%20Next%20Novel%20Study">Personal Crests</a></b><br />
Similar to a coat of arms, have students create a crest for a character in a novel. Students will select symbols and colors that represent the character to decorate their crests and then write a short paragraph explaining their choices. Have students compare crests made for the same character and defend why their choices were more appropriate, or hang them all and allow students to vote on the best ones. <br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.1:</b> Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2:</b> Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.<br />
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<b>9. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/01/symbolism-characterization-lesson.html">Word Art</a></b><br />
Creating word art is a creative way for students to closely analyze a character and select a symbol representative of the character's traits. You'll be surprised with the creativity of your students and even "non-artistic" students will enjoy this activity on characterization and symbolism.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2:</b> Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.3:</b> Analyze how and why individuals, events, or ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.<br />
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<b>10. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2015/02/made-it-visualizing-theme-with-evidence.html">Theme Collages</a></b><br />
Theme is one of the concepts in literature that students struggle with most. Use a simple graphic organizer to help students determine the theme of any piece of writing and then create a collage of text and images to reinforce their theme's message about life.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.1:</b> Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2:</b> Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.<br />
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<b>11. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2016/04/collaborative-writing.html">Collaborative Poetry</a></b><br />
Incorporate opportunities for collaborative writing in your classroom by using collaborative poetry. Students will first write individually from a character's perspective and then work together as a group to create a communal piece of writing.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2:</b> Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.<br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.6:</b> Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.<br />
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<b>12. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2015/05/end-of-year-project-idea-literary-theme.html">Literary Theme Parks</a></b><br />
This fun activity makes for a great end of a unit or year project or summer reading assignment. Students will review plot, setting. theme, conflict, characters, and symbolism as they create a poster and give a presentation of their amusement park. After choosing a theme for their park, students will design rides, attractions, shops, food, and souvenirs. <br />
<b>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2:</b> Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.<br />
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You can find all of my activities for use with any text <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Literary-Maven/Category/Activities-WebQuests-9027?utm_source=The%20Literary%20Maven&utm_campaign=12%20Activities%20to%20Use%20During%20Literature%20Circles%20or%20Your%20Next%20Novel%20Study">here</a>.<style type="text/css">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npoNPJbiiWY/WveM3b5JCeI/AAAAAAAAL3s/APRaMgQzkQQ64h29OKWwzixxvaLSL-9WwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Slide4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jake, Reinvented by Gordon Korman is a modern take on The Great Gatsby set in high school. For anyone who has read Gatsby, the similarities are immediately clear, but for anyone who hasn't the story is just as enjoyable. The novel is narrated by Rick, but the focus is on the mysterious Jake who has just moved to town, takes up the position of snapper on the football team, and holds the wildest parties every Friday night. Read on for more of my review and classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npoNPJbiiWY/WveM3b5JCeI/AAAAAAAAL3s/APRaMgQzkQQ64h29OKWwzixxvaLSL-9WwCEwYBhgL/s400/Slide4.png" title="Jake, Reinvented by Gordon Korman is a modern take on The Great Gatsby set in high school. For anyone who has read Gatsby, the similarities are immediately clear, but for anyone who hasn't the story is just as enjoyable. The novel is narrated by Rick, but the focus is on the mysterious Jake who has just moved to town, takes up the position of snapper on the football team, and holds the wildest parties every Friday night. Read on for more of my review and classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The basic plot from Amazon: </b>There is a mysterious new student at Fitzgerald High, Jake Garret. He seems to have it all figured out. He looks like he just stepped off the cover of the J. Crew catalog, he is the best kicker the football team has ever had, and best of all, he hosts the party to go to every Friday night. All the guys want to be like him and all the girls want to date him, but Jake only has eyes for Didi, the girlfriend of alpha male and quarterback, Todd Buckley. As Jake's friend Rick gets to know him, he at first admires him, then starts to like him, but soon grows to fear for him as he learns Jake's dangerous secret. From beloved young adult author Gordon Korman, comes a new look at age-old themes about popularity, acceptance, and human nature.<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b>Why I liked it: </b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2KWKQID" target="_blank">Jake, Reinvented</a> </i>is a modern take on <i>The Great Gatsby</i> set in high school. </span>For anyone who has read Gatsby, the similarities are immediately clear, but for anyone who hasn't the story is just as enjoyable. The novel is narrated by Rick (Nick), but the focus is on the mysterious Jake (Gatsby) who has just moved to town, takes up the position of snapper on the football team, and holds the wildest parties every Friday night. As the kicker, Rick and Jake have an interdependent relationship on the football team and quickly become friends. This is extremely convenient for Jake because Rick is friends with Jennifer who is best friends with Didi (Daisy) who Jake is in love with.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hrPLvbQpAs/WxHtCIyOzQI/AAAAAAAAMDw/bz6ayUmmG_o13UhFPWZvscZ8bhXUG2M7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Jake%2BReinvented.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Jake, Reinvented by Gordon Korman is a modern take on The Great Gatsby set in high school. For anyone who has read Gatsby, the similarities are immediately clear, but for anyone who hasn't the story is just as enjoyable. The novel is narrated by Rick, but the focus is on the mysterious Jake who has just moved to town, takes up the position of snapper on the football team, and holds the wildest parties every Friday night. Read on for more of my review and classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hrPLvbQpAs/WxHtCIyOzQI/AAAAAAAAMDw/bz6ayUmmG_o13UhFPWZvscZ8bhXUG2M7gCLcBGAs/s400/Jake%2BReinvented.png" title="Jake, Reinvented by Gordon Korman is a modern take on The Great Gatsby set in high school. For anyone who has read Gatsby, the similarities are immediately clear, but for anyone who hasn't the story is just as enjoyable. The novel is narrated by Rick, but the focus is on the mysterious Jake who has just moved to town, takes up the position of snapper on the football team, and holds the wildest parties every Friday night. Read on for more of my review and classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
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My favorite characters were Jennifer, Rick's longtime friend and crush, and Dipsy, the butt of the football team's jokes. Jennifer, seemingly old for her age, is above much of the high school antics by the end of the novel, shows her loyalty to and true feelings for Rick. Dipsy speaks to Rick in metaphor, but like Jennifer, in the end is one of the few loyal characters.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Classroom application: </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For students who love realistic fiction and high school drama, this would be a great one to recommend. While there's nothing overly graphic, there is some sexual content and frequent references to alcohol, so I'd recommend this one to high schoolers, not middle school.</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The novel would make an excellent pairing with <i>The Great Gatsby</i>. If you are worried that the classic might seem dated and your students might be disengaged, read this first or alongside the novel for comparison. With a more familiar setting, students may have an easier time buying into the plot line.</span><br />
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If you are interested in purchasing a copy of <i>Jake, Reinvented</i> for yourself, you can find it on Amazon <a href="https://amzn.to/2KWKQID" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<i>Note:</i> The Literary Maven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkV2nOZdrgo/WveNZPSg2TI/AAAAAAAAL30/tRI_nY7Y2DM7tGx_2ihAZke7l7QjXevTQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Slide3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee is an interesting look at what the future might be like told by five alternating narrators. Set in a tower large enough to house a city, the novel follows the intersecting lives of five teenagers, all acting on hidden motives to protect dangerous secrets. For one of them, it will end with a long fall to her death. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkV2nOZdrgo/WveNZPSg2TI/AAAAAAAAL30/tRI_nY7Y2DM7tGx_2ihAZke7l7QjXevTQCEwYBhgL/s400/Slide3.png" title="The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee is an interesting look at what the future might be like told by five alternating narrators. Set in a tower large enough to house a city, the novel follows the intersecting lives of five teenagers, all acting on hidden motives to protect dangerous secrets. For one of them, it will end with a long fall to her death. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The basic plot from Amazon: </b><i>New York City as you’ve never seen it before. A thousand-story tower stretching into the sky. A glittering vision of the future, where anything is possible—if you want it enough.<br /><br />Welcome to Manhattan, 2118.</i><br />
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A hundred years in the future, New York is a city of innovation and dreams. But people never change: everyone here wants something…and everyone has something to lose.<br />
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Leda Cole’s flawless exterior belies a secret addiction—to a drug she never should have tried and a boy she never should have touched.<br />
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Eris Dodd-Radson’s beautiful, carefree life falls to pieces when a heartbreaking betrayal tears her family apart.<br />
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Rylin Myers’s job on one of the highest floors sweeps her into a world—and a romance—she never imagined…but will her new life cost Rylin her old one?<br />
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Watt Bakradi is a tech genius with a secret: he knows everything about everyone. But when he’s hired to spy by an upper-floor girl, he finds himself caught up in a complicated web of lies.<br />
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And living above everyone else on the thousandth floor is Avery Fuller, the girl genetically designed to be perfect. The girl who seems to have it all—yet is tormented by the one thing she can never have.<br />
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Perfect for fans of <i>One of Us Is Lying</i> and <i>Big Little Lies</i>, debut author Katharine McGee has created a breathtakingly original series filled with high-tech luxury and futuristic glamour, where the impossible feels just within reach. But in this world, the higher you go, the farther there is to fall….<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWrbhCwdlK4/WxHpe4XIbiI/AAAAAAAAMDk/h-PKqmCxaD45l5hRGqkXYBlmvu4sbmCLwCLcBGAs/s1600/1000th%2BFloor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee is an interesting look at what the future might be like told by five alternating narrators. Set in a tower large enough to house a city, the novel follows the intersecting lives of five teenagers, all acting on hidden motives to protect dangerous secrets. For one of them, it will end with a long fall to her death. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWrbhCwdlK4/WxHpe4XIbiI/AAAAAAAAMDk/h-PKqmCxaD45l5hRGqkXYBlmvu4sbmCLwCLcBGAs/s400/1000th%2BFloor.png" title="The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee is an interesting look at what the future might be like told by five alternating narrators. Set in a tower large enough to house a city, the novel follows the intersecting lives of five teenagers, all acting on hidden motives to protect dangerous secrets. For one of them, it will end with a long fall to her death. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b>Why I liked it: </b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2K6zVus" target="_blank">The Thousandth Floor</a> </i>is an interesting look at what the future might be like told by five alternating narrators. The novel begins with a peak at the ending, a girl falling from the tower, but it is not until the very end that who that girl is is revealed. As the plot unfolded, I made guesses as to who that might be and why, but in the end, I was surprised at who it was and how it all came together.</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Of the five narrators, Avery, whose story is at the center of everything, is the one I would have like to see be more developed. She is secretly in love with her adopted brother, but there is little explanation of how that infatuation developed. I would have like to see more scenes from their childhood so that their mutual affection was more believable. </span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My favorite narrators were Watt and Eris, likely because they are caught between worlds. They live on the lower floors of the towers; Watt from birth and Eris due to a recent turn of events, but are navigating life on the upper floors. Watt uses the money he earns from his hacking jobs to try to fit in and Eris tried desperately to hide that her family's status has changed. Watt and his quant, Nadia, the technology he had implanted in his head, have a sense of humor, and Watt is kind in a world where most others think only of themselves. Eris is a whirlwind of emotions and while she at first seems self-assured and materialistic, the changes in her family and economic status impact her priorities, her view of he world, and her sense of self. </span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Classroom application: </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The novel could be used in a history course as a way to introduce class systems and then make comparisons with real systems in countries around the world. Since the novel is set in the not too distant future, the novel could also serve as a springboard for students to develop their own "utopian" worlds with consideration to economics, government, education, transportation etc.</span><br />
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If you are interested in purchasing a copy of <i>The Thousandth Floor</i> for yourself, you can find it on Amazon <a href="https://amzn.to/2K6zVus" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<i>Note:</i> The Literary Maven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
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On My Bookshelf: The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein

10 High Interest Nonfiction Titles to Recommend to Your Secondary Students

On My Bookshelf: Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley

On My Bookshelf: In Sight of Stars by Gae Polisner

12 Activities to Use During Literature Circles or Your Next Novel Study

On My Bookshelf: Jake, Reinvented by Gordon Korman

On My Bookshelf: The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

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