[LM_NET] HIT: Challenge reading group title suggestions

["Adame, Shiloh" <shiloh.adame@D300.ORG>]

Well you guys have heard from me a lot today. Sorry I am finally sorting through my 
email and sending out my hits. I think this is the last.... for now
Here is the original question and the hit.
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I was thrown into the roll of facilitating a challenge lit group with our highest 
level 5th graders. I am being "told" what to do by our Literacy Coach and my role 
is still very unclear. As of right now I am runing the group by doing Literature 
circles. They are finishing Jump Ship to Freedom. While I see that this is a 
quality book it bored me and the students to tears. Any suggestions for some 
Comtemporary reading, appropriate for 5th grade, at a "higher" reading level. Any 
help with running this group is accepted too!!!!


HIT
Under A War-Torn Sky by Elliott
Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Carbone
Blood Red Horse by Grant
Storm Warriors by Carbone
Wish You Well by Baldacci
Annie Between the States by Elliott

Our 6th grade reads this:
The Deep Cut by Spain

I would suggest that you seek out Judy Freeman's lists on Titlewave.

I read to my students Poppy by Avi.  They love it and it can be enjoyed on so many 
levels.  It has almost identifiable themes to any 5th grader about generational 
struggles, etc but it also serves as a political alegory of fascism (sp?) and 
tryany.

Also short but the language is utterly beautiful and masterfully used is the book 
Coraline by Gaiman (to be a movie Feb) I read this with my 6th graders and by far 
their most favorite book.  Struggle to Evil and Good, real evil but no blood/gore 
all done with the subtlety of language.  Filled with beautifully written 
metaphores, similes, etc.  Don't know of a title with more beautiful language.

What about Erin Hunter's, Warrior series or maybe Kenneth Oppel's Silverwing and 
Sunwing?

Not contemporary but, what about Richard Peck's A Long Way from Chicago and A Year 
Down Yonder

"The Lightning Thief" by Riordan is great; it's got a basis in Greek mythology and 
is also an adventure story. "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett is another great 
mystery/adventure story a la "The Da Vinci Code".

Could you do TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE, by Avi?  I think it is a riveting 
adventure story.  Good luck.

A View from Saturday, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil
E. Frankwiler, and Rules.  They aren't necessarily difficult reading,
but they all lead to great thinking and discussions.

How about Al Capone Does My Shirts?  It's a Newbery Honor book. The main character 
is a boy who has an autistic sister he cares for. They live on Alcatraz.  There is 
so much to discuss here, and you could throw in some research about the infamous 
prison and it's inmates.  Great cast of characters!

Here's the National Park Service website: http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/

Here's a Scholastic Reading Guide:
http://teacher.scholastic.com/clubs/pdfs/alcaponedoesmyshirts_q.pdf

Here's Gennifer Choldenko's website:
http://www.choldenko.com/books/alcapone/gsays1.html

http://www.quizlist.net/(x4sa3545jl1yn555dyqftz55)/BookList.aspx?lid=41374&oid=10






Shiloh Adame MLIS
CUSD 300
Library Director/Media Specialist/Computer Teacher
Westfield Community School K-8
Lincoln Prairie Elementary K-5
shiloh.adame@d300.org

"What a school thinks about its library, is a measure of what it thinks
about education."
Harold Howe, former U.S. Commissioner of Education

Please save trees. Print only when necessary.

E-MAIL CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: Illinois has a very broad public records law. Most 
written communications (including email) to or from school district officials and 
staff are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email 
communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
 3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
 * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------