Thanks to everyone who sent in excellent responses to this query. Here they
are --
My thanks to everyone for sending wonderful suggestions to my question --
What are some good 6th grade read/discuss books, particularly about how kids
treat each other, ostracizing, etc.?
The Trial of Anna Cotman / author?
A Rat's Tale / author? (starts with S)
Plain City / Virginia Hamilton
The Mouse and His Child / Hoban
How about Tangerine by Bloor (I think).
I read Weasel By DeFelice. It has some rather gross parts, that the kids
love. We get into some great discussions about crime and punishment, the
death penelty and how Native American were moved out of their homes. It also
has a somewhat "odd" ending, and we discuss why a writer would include that.
What about Lord of the Flies, The Chocolate War or Bless the Beasts and the
Children? These are, I realize, older titles, but they fit your stipulations
How about Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli or Bat 6 by Virginia Ewer Wolf?
When Zachary Beaver came to town by Holt--Zachary Beaver is "the fattest boy
in the world"--all about relationships in a small town. Also, Holt's book, My
Louisiana Sky, which is about a girl whose mother is retarded and how she is
ostracized by the other girls.
Among the Hidden by Haddix--future society where 3rd children are
forbidden--main character is "hidden" because he is a 3rd child
How about Among the Hidden-Haddix or Whirligig-Fleishman
The book by Frank Peretti called The Wounded Spirit sound perfect for her.
It is not very long and has such a wonderful message for all people who
have ever been bullied and made fun of by others. I highly recommend it.
How about Stargirl
How about the Newbery Honor book The Wanderer?
How about Among the Hidden by Haddix?
In the realm of ostracized preteen book characters, don't miss THE MISFITS,
brand new by James Howe. I have a fifth grade teacher who used it with his
kids as a read aloud and they loved it!!
A few which pop right into my head are The Last Book in the Universe, by
Rodman Philbrick, No More Dead Dogs by Korman, Stargirl, by Spinelli, The
Misfits, by Howe.
The book Tangerine by Bloor may be an appropriate title for the 6th grade
teacher. It is about a boy(I can't remember his name) in the 7th grade that is
legally blind but is the only one that "sees" the truth about his older
brother. (realistic fiction)
Among the Hidden by Haddix takes place in the USA in the future. Third
children are not allowed. Luke is a third child and must be hidden from the
authorities he eventually befriends another "shadow child" name Jen. Has many
of the same issues and themes as the Giver.
I think <Bud, not Buddy> is a great book for discussion, not only of
the racial problems in the 1930's, but present and the jazz age vs. hip hop
and rap.
Stargirl"
..if they are really mature, "Speak" would be
excellent for discussion
Here's the perfect book in my opinion: The Wanderer by Sharon Creech
how about Star Girl, by Spinelli. Not sure if the boys will enjoy it, though.
Have you tried When Zachary Beaver Came to Town or Hope Was Here?
I would suggest Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli.
How about Tangerine by Edward Bloor?
Petey by Mikaelsen--deals with a high school age boy and a man who has cystic
fibrosis (I t hink) and how they bond=97
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli Kit's Wilderness by David Almond
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles is a new book that deals with death of a
father and grandfather, rivalry between two girls, the love a grandmother and
granddaughter and plenty of other unusual characters. They will love it!
Also, Love that Dog by Creech will make for good discussion.
Belle Teal is super for 6th grade. Ann M. Martin writes about a poor girl who
lives with her mother and grandmother. It deals with being poor, being
different, forced segregation and prejudice, senility of the grandmother.
Belle Teal is a wonderful character who will have you cheering on the
sidelines.
Stargirl by Spinelli
While not a difficult or complicated read, it definitely deals with students
ostracizing others.
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli-- It's wonderful!
Have you considered 'Stargirl' by Jerry Spinelli? It definitely talks about
being 'different' at a school, and how the other students react.
Esperenza Rising?
What about Crash by Spinelli?
Wringer by Jerry Spinelli
Behind the bedroom wall by Laura E. Williams
If Jerry Spinelli's Loser comes out soon, order it. I have the advance
copy, and it's wonderful! Also, Wringer, Stargirl and Crash, all by
Spinelli are awesome books examining the way we treat each other
Avi's "Nothing But the Truth" is a great one that our 6th grade superstar uses
A great one for that is When Zachary Beaver Came to
Town
Is Because of Winn-Dixie too "young" for your group? Excellent book, highly
recommend it.
Skellig by David Almond - great discussion book about what is Skellig?
home-schooling? do people have spiritual/psychic connections? stranger danger
vs. helping others, etc.
Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry - treatment of the handicapped; free will vs.
*for the good of the society*; questions of captivity, honesty, progress vs
tradition.
Clockwork by Phillip Pullman - story of a clockmaker who put a mechanical
heart into the body of a dying prince leads to some very interesting
discussions. A quick read, too.
Try Stargirl by Spinelli
How about Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli? That would be excellent for discussion
about kids who are different and ostracized for it.
Last year I read a book (to myself) called The Girls by Amy Goldman Koss. It
is a "girl" book but captures middle school ostracizing perfectly
Last year I read a book (to myself) called The Girls by Amy Goldman Koss. It
is a "girl" book but captures middle school ostracizing perfectly
How about Wringer and Stargirl by Spinelli? Also, Ender's Game by Orson Scott
Card.
How about Reaching Dustin by Vicki Grove? It's about a student that doesn't do
well in school and is made fun of, I believe. A girl classmate decides to find
out about him and discovers that other factors could be causing his attitudes.
Good book. Students in 6th and 7th grade really like it here.
One 6th here just completed When Zachary Beaver Came
to Town with much success. I can't keep it on the
shelf.
Kathy J. Reynolds, Media Specialist
Midview Local School District
37999 Capel Road
Grafton, OH 44044
(O) 440-748-5262
FAX 440-748-0131
kreyno@leeca.org
kreynolds@midview.schoolone.com
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