[LM_NET] ELEM/MS: BOOK -- Extra Credit, by Andrew Clements

[Liz Frame <fourefs@SBCGLOBAL.NET>]

 Extra Credit by Andrew Clements Hardbound 9781416949299 Atheneum, June 2009
 
I've literally just finished reading this book, and I'm so glad I will have a copy 
to place in our school library! Andrew Clements' newest 6th grade angst title is 
current, relevant, and spot on for reaching the middle in "boy book / girl book" 
battle.
 
A girl in Illinois, a boy in Afghanistan, and a pen pal assignment that neither 
looks forward to: these are the ingredients Clements uses to show that two very 
different cultures, in two very different geographic regions, have more in common 
than they (and we?) would think. Anti-American and anti-Afghan sentiments flare up 
unexpectedly for both, and cause them and the reader to reevaluate previous 
misconceptions.
 
I would recommend this as a read-aloud and include nonfiction titles and references 
on Kabul and Illinois (since I'm in Texas), for those who want to further explore 
this area. Open-ended discussion regarding stereotypes, fears, differences in 
cultures and the good/bad in both would provide rich reflection for students. An 
additional point of thought on friendship could also be introduced.
 
Clements makes his argument for tolerance and education in this realistic setting, 
and places his reader in the middle of these hot topics. Kudos!
 
Liz Frame, Librarian
San Antonio Christian Elementary School
fourefs@sbcglobal.net
 

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