[ajmm115]

I've been looking for a second title, since working with No Talking, and at B & N a woman shopping the same aisle put this in my hand. She was so enthused, I bought it.

Is it worth doing a book club or all-class unit on it? Does anyone actually read it?

And you can't get a lot of Konigsberg's titles at B & N.

[MiddlingAZ]

It is very good. I found out about it because it was recommended on PT several times, often for read-aloud. I have it for lit circle; wouldn't use it for whole class because I would put it at 4/5th grade rdg level, but wouldn't be surprised if someone uses it whole class at that level, or remedial 6th.

Here's a typical post so you can see the types of novels it's grouped with:
The City of Ember
Among the Hidden
Crash (Spinelli)
Number the Stars
The Tale of Despereaux

All great books that my kids have really enjoyed.

Another post about a great first read-aloud novel of the year:
I always start with Crash by Jerry Spinelli with my 6th graders. It's about a shallow, price-tag obsessed bully who changes his ways. My first 6th grade class just graduated from college and they still remember that novel.

[ajmm115]

Muchos gracias. I'll read it and see what I can do with it. This is for a third grade teacher's higher readers so it might be perfect.

[lv2rd4evr]

I read this to my fifth graders last year and they LOVED it! It is a very funny book that has a great message. I think even your high third graders will appreciate the message. It's a pretty simple book, but Jerry Spinelli has a great talent to connect to young readers.

[jorgefuriouso]

and I know I have some teaching materials on my school computer for this.

But I did attach one sheet that allows students to think about changes in the novel's characters over time. Was very successful when introduced about three quarters of the way into the book.

[ajmm115]

Thanks. I like journal type assignments that focus on one aspect. It gives a lot of unity to a unit. This is unusual because it doesn't start until midway in the story. Looking forward to your other ideas.