Avid Readers Club Grades 5 and 6 2018-2019 Round #1: Discussions will be in the week of November 26
Fiction Choice
Men of Iron. Howard Pyle. One hundred years ago Howard Pyle wrote down the classic stories of King Arthur, Robin Hood and other legendary tales. His are considered to be of the most well-done versions of these tales. In this story, the youthful hero, Myles Falworth, is the son of a lord unjustly condemned for treason in the days of King Henry IV. How Myles grew as a knight is brought to life in this exciting story of chivalry and adventure! You may also read, Otto of the Silver Hand, also by Howard Pyle. Biography Choice
Elizabeth Blackwell: A Doctor’s Triumph. Nancy Kline. The First Woman Doctor. Rachel Baker. Choose either one of these versions and read the inspiring story of the first woman doctor. It wasn’t easy for her in 1840 when she set out to become a doctor during a time when there were no women doctors in America. People laughed at her, played tricks on her, even threw things at her…but she pursued her dream!
Classics from the Summer Reading List Little Women/Little Men – Louisa May Alcott The Princess and the Goblin, The Princess and Curdie - George MacDonald If you read one of these or still want to read them, let Mrs. D. know. These are “anytime” books. Discussions will happen anytime!
I plan to read the following book(s) by the week of November 26: • Men of Iron or Otto of the Silver Hand. • Elizabeth Blackwell
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Avid Readers Club Grades 5 and 6 2018-2019 Round#2: Discussions will be in the 1st two weeks of February
Nonfiction Choice
All Creatures Great and Small. James Herriot. This story about a vet in rural England, was called the happiest book of the year when it first came out. As you read about cows, poodles and pigs, it will make you laugh; but, it is also sad and heartwarming too. If you become a fan of this book, you will be happy to know there are three more in the series. Not a small book, but you can get joy from even half of the stories.
Biography Choices: Two Alexanders
Alexander the Great. John Gunther. You have heard of him, now you can read all about this great conqueror! This book was published 50 years ago, and has recently been reprinted. Any version you can find is fine. Another good biography is in the “World Leaders Series”, Alexander by Wepman – intro by Schlesinger. You will read about his amazing battle strategies.
The Importance of… Alexander Graham Bell. Robyn M. Weaver. Pioneers in Change….Alexander Graham Bell. Kathy Pelta Read an inspiring biography of the inventor of the telephone!
I plan to read the following book(s) by the first or second week of February: • All Creatures Great and Small • Alexander
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Avid Readers Club Grades 5 and 6 2018-2019 Round #3: Discussions will be during the first two weeks of April
Fiction Choice
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Jules Verne. Read about the strange sea captain in this older science fiction classic that has captivated readers for generations.
Tom’s Midnight Garden. Phillipa Pearce. As an option, or in addition to the older science fiction classic, read this British fantasy classic. Each night, the clock strikes 13 and Tom slips out to a mysterious garden in the past… In Written for Children (1965), John Rowe Townsend summarized, "If I were asked to name a single masterpiece of English children's literature since [the Second World War] ... it would be this outstandingly beautiful and absorbing book". Biography Choices
Lincoln: A Photobiography. Russell Freedman. We are lucky. This biography of Abraham Lincoln is ALSO a Newbery Award winner. The Newbery Award, given to the best children’s book of the year, is a very prestigious award. It is usually awarded for fictional stories. In 1987, it was given to a biography. Russell Freedman received the award for his high-quality historical research and photos -coupled with a very readable narrative text. That’s a lot of wonderful.
Harriet Tubman. Ann Petry. This is a challenging and well-written story about this determined woman who helped many slaves to freedom.
I plan to read the following book(s) by the first or second week of April: • Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea/Tom’s Midnight Garden • Lincoln • Harriet Tubman • Included is my $1.00 commitment (and for a treat)
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Avid Readers Club Grades 5 and 6 2018-2019 Discussions will be during week of May 20
Fiction Choice
Watership Down. Richard Adams. It’s time for the next group of children to read this wonderful story. “I announce with trembling pleasure, the appearance of a great story.” (London Times). From the back cover: “Watership Down is a remarkable tale of exile and survival, of heroism and leadership...the epic novel of a group of adventurers who desert their doomed city, and venture forth against all odds on a quest for a new home, a sturdier future.” “Hairbreadth escapes.” “Adams is a master of menace and suspense. I read the last hundred pages at a gulp, heart thumping.” (NY Review of Books) This is one of my favorite fantasy books. (Mrs. Debelak)
Biography Choices
Homesick, My Own Story. Jean Fritz.(author of lively history stories) Girl from Yamhill. Beverly Cleary. (author of Ramona and Henry books) Boy. Roald Dahl. (author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) Choose one of these biographies of a writer.
I plan to read the following book(s) by the week of May 20: • Watership Down • A biography of a writer
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