Mock Newbery 2014 Club Summer #1 Meeting

Mock Newbery 2014 Club Summer #1 Meeting

Friday, September 14, 2012

Star Wars, Summer, and Point of View

         PADAWAN BRAID                                  DARTH SIDIOUS
 
 

Lots of Stars Wars references in these chapters!  SLE and KME also met Summer.  She's quite extraordinary and rises above peer pressure to befriend Auggie at lunch.  Do you have any text to self connections with Auggie when he stresses about lunch?  I do!  Even as an adult, when I go to new places, or I'm in an unfamiliar situation, finding someone to eat lunch with is stressful!  No one wants to eat alone, and if there is already a group of friends eating together, it's hard to sit down with them.  You don't know if they want you to - it's much easier when you have friends already!  Summer is not your ordinary kid - it takes someone really special to leave her comfort zone and friends and eat with someone who looks lonely.  Could you do that?  We also loved it when Jack Will and Auggie could laugh over Auggie's face in a positive way.  It takes trust to laugh at yourself with a friend.  I also liked how an SLE student said, Auggie "allowed" Jack Will to tease him.  If you allow someone you trust to tease you or laugh WITH you about your insecurities or problems, then it can be healthy.  It's NOT okay when someone laughs AT you to be mean or when you're not allowing it.

We talked a lot about point of view at JFB.  Cassandra and Emma asked and answered excellent questions about first person point of view and complex story structure.  I loved that they understood that an author can tell a story from multiple first person points of view in a linear, chronological way, or each character can start from the beginning to tell the same story/scene from his/her perspective. Some kids get confused by that and wonder if it's a flashback or wonder why they're hearing the same story again. What a great discussion!  Ask your JFB kids if they remember what omniscient and limited omniscient points of view are! :-)  We're on chapter "Lunch" at JFB.  They're about to meet Summer.

Some parents are finishing the book - what do you think??  I'm trying to circulate the books to the next parent as soon as I get one back.  It's so fun to have you reading with us!  I already know what our next read aloud is going to be, so I'll make sure I get multiple copies again for parents!



40 comments:

  1. I finished it today, couldn't put it down! What a heartwarming read. I really have enjoyed the insight into the life of a 9-10 year old, it's hard to realize how much they are maturing and this was enjoyable to read. They're starting to deal with real problems and that was really interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree that sometimes we as adults don't realize all that is going on with kids that age. I'm also so impressed with R.J. Palacio's ability to narrate from that point of view. She obviously did it effectively because middle grade kids connect with the story right away and so deeply!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi you've been reading Wonder to my class at school. I love it!
    I like the way jack will is being friends with Auggie.But I Wonder
    why Julian is being so mean to Auggie?

    YOUR FRIEND
    Carter


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why is Julian being so mean to Auggie anyway.

      your friend Jenna D

      Delete
  4. Carter,
    I'm so glad you commented! I think your question about Julian is a good one. Don't you wish we could hear his point of view? I wonder what Julian's thoughts and feelings are. You'll have to wait and see if the author decides to tell Julian's side of the story! I'm so glad you love the book! Keep up the good thinking!
    - Mrs. Mueller

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Mrs.Mueller you are reading wonder to my class at school. I love the book Wonder so far I wish I could read ahead it's sooo good. I wonder why Julian's mom didn't r.s.v.p.? Also I liked the way that Jack and Auggie were laughing about Auggie's face but not in a mean way. I am excided to find out what happens next. see you tomorrow! your friend, Jenna D.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jenna,
    Good question about Julian's mom not R.S.V.P.ing! It will be interesting to find out if she's like Julian. Auggie's mom seems to think she is since she said, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!"
    Thanks for commenting! This is fun to have blog conversations!
    -Mrs. Mueller

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have finished the book - loved it! I don't really want to send it back though! I would like to skim the chapters again as you guys read them at school so I can talk about them with Annie. I think I will have to buy my own copy.
    I will send yours back tomorrow. :(
    Thanks for sharing such a great book with the kids (and us)!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you liked the book! I can understand not wanting to send it back! ;-) Thanks for reading and commenting. I'm happy to share great books! It's fun to see the kids (and parents) identifying so strongly with this book!

      Delete
  8. Hi Mrs.Mueller! I love the Wonder book it is so entertaining! And its makes you feel like your in the story when you start sinking into the book! I feel so bad for Auggie. :(
    I wonder what Via is going to tell us about Auggie from her point of view?!

    From,
    Jake Owens
    SLE

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jake - I'm so glad you love the book! I think you will learn a lot from Via's point of view and what it's like to be a sibling of someone like Auggie. First person point of view from various characters is interesting because you get more than one side of the story! I feel bad for Auggie, too. It's sad that there are cruel people in the world who make it difficult for others. Thanks for commenting!
    - Mrs. Mueller

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think ill like Via's side of the story too........I HOPE AUGGIE WILL MAKE MORE FRIENDS!!!!

    From,
    Jake Owens
    SLE

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. me to he deserves more friends. garrett jostworth

      Delete
  11. I l.o.v.e the game star wars battlefront and on one of the levels you have to face darth sideus and he has a big hood on to keep you from seeing his face just like august on halloween. Garrett Jostworth

    ReplyDelete
  12. When Mrs. Mueller read today about Auggie it made me sad to hear that Jack Will was asked to hang out with Auggie by Mr.Tushman and wasn`t a true friend like Summer.If I were Auggie I would tell my mom or dad every detail about school. Abby Gandert SLE

    ReplyDelete
  13. Garrett and Abby,

    Thank you for your comments - Garrett - you made a good text to world connection! It's sad that Auggie feels like he's most comfortable behind a mask. Abby - the chapter I read aloud to you today is my least favorite. I HATED hearing Jack Will betray Auggie like that. I think it's awesome that you would tell your mom and dad about everything. It's interesting that Auggie takes awhile to open up to his parents. I wonder if he was like that when he was homeschooled or if that started when he went to Beecher. Keep thinking! I love hearing what's going on in all your minds as you listen to this extraordinary story!
    - Mrs. Mueller

    ReplyDelete
  14. Time for me to head to bed but i just wish i could hear more of the story so far this is my favorite book i have ever heard in my life

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, Garrett - your favorite book! I'm so happy you like it that much! Books can be powerful when we connect to them, and R.J. Palacio sure has written a special story! It only gets better - wait and see!

      Delete
    2. You are right it only gets better.

      Delete
  15. I am very very sad because Auggie just found out that he only has 1 friend Summer but Summer is very nice . Julian is just mean all the time to Auggie but he just found out that Jack Will does not like him either. They were calling him a freak and stuff like that so the book is in a very sad part right now but good news is that I like the book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Justin - it does seem like Jack is not Auggie's friend right now, and I agree, that's so sad. Summer is wonderful, and I can only hope we could all be as brave and kind as her! I'm so glad you like the book!
      - Mrs. Mueller

      Delete
  16. Why did Jack Will pretend to like Auggie, does he think he is the weirdest person in the world?

    Abbi T

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. same why did Jack Will pretend to like Auggie it just seems like the meanest thing to do to someone your frind Jenna D

      Delete
  17. Hi Mrs.Mueller I thougt I should write back. Why didnt you read us wonder today I really wanted to see Via's side of the story. the chapter that Jack said "I would kill myself if I were him" was horrifiying and suprising but I think Summer is a true friend to Auggie. I can't wait to hear Via's side of the story tomorrow. see you tomorrow Mrs.Mueller your friend Jenna D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jenna, I know I made all of you mad today by not reading. ;-) I will tomorrow! "Horrifying" is the perfect word for what Jack said!
      - Mrs. Mueller

      Delete
  18. I like the way she explains what julion says to the the real the real things he talked about in the book.

    Caleb Chunn

    ReplyDelete
  19. It's amazing how they no what a jedi braid is! They totally got it. That was I thought when I heard it in the book in class! ,Caleb Chunn

    ReplyDelete
  20. i like Via`s point of view because Via has very interesting thoughts going on in her head.I can`t wait to finish the book!Thank you Mrs. Mueller for reading us this wonderful story!
    Abby Gandert
    SLE

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love Wonder.It's so horrifying what Jack said yesterday.I can't wait for Via's point of view tomorrow!See you tomorrow!

    Your student,
    Brynna S.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Abby,
    You're welcome! I love the story, too, and am so glad I can share it with you all! Caleb- why do you think the author decided to put so many references to Star Wars in the book? Brynna - the Halloween chapter is my least favorite chapter in the whole book - I just feel sick for Auggie when he overhears that conversation. See you tomorrow for more of Wonder!
    - Mrs. Mueller

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi i'm a kid in your gifted reading class.can you guess who I am?
    Here's a couple of hints I go to SLE and I have brown hair.My name starts with a C and ends in a R. Who am I.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Carter! What are thoughts you have about Wonder this week? Or Out of my Mind?

      Delete
  24. I just finished Out Of My Mind.The ending is really sad.Penny got hit by a car!She broke her leg,and melody never got to go to washington D.C. for the competetion. I feel so bad for Melody and Penny.
    From
    Carter



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carter, I know! The ending isn't perfect like some endings are. Melody still came out strong, though, and then told her story. Those kids on the quiz team and Mr. Dimming never really changed enough to stand up for Melody. I was also frustrated at Melody's mom for not listening to her AGAIN when Penny ran out. So glad Penny wasn't more seriously injured, though! It'll be fun to talk abou tomorrow.

      Delete
  25. Hi it's Carter.I didn't know that Jack Will has seen Auggie before.But I can't believe that the princible would actaully tell people to be friends with Auggie.Doesn't Mr.Tushman think Auggie can make friends like a normal kid?I I'm so glad Summer be came his friend without Mr.Tushman asking her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carter,
      That's an interesting point! When adults "set up" friends for people, maybe they're not giving kids enough credit. Hmmmm.

      Delete
  26. Hi it's Carter again!I finished reading Darth Paper Strikes Back and it is awesome!Anyone who likes Tom angleberger will like The Strange Case Of origami Yoda,Darth Paper Strikes Back, and The Fortune Wookie.So try to read those if your a BIG fan of Tom Angleberger.They are so AMAZING!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, Carter! Here is a blog post I wrote after meeting Tom Angleberger:
      http://hollymueller.blogspot.com/2012/08/authorsmy-rock-stars.html

      Delete
  27. Hi it's Carter again!thanks for that website!I also wanted to say hi to mirabell blankly.I think that's how you spell her name.I'm reading The Fortune Wookie and it's so good!How can I create a blog?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Carter! Did you see his video on that post? If not, you can also look at it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM_OVYa9NUc&feature=plcp
      You can create a blog at Blogger, too! Make sure you have your mom or dad help you, though.

      Delete