Global Studies Book Clubs for Grades 2-3 and 4-5!

I am pleased to announce that starting in January there will be Global Studies Book Clubs for grades 2-3 and 4-5, meeting in the library during lunch recess! We will read a book together and meet several times to discuss it. There will also be an online discussion component using ThinkQuest, a secure site for educators.

The size will be limited to 8 students so that we can have meaningful discussions within the half hour time frame. If more than 8 students apply, I will choose names at random.

Students are responsible for obtaining their own copies of the book they are reading from the public library or a bookstore (both are available in paperback).

Second and third graders will be reading How Tia Lola Came to (Visit) Stay by Julia Alvarez, a chapter book about Miguel, a boy who is adjusting to moving from New York City to rural Vermont following his parents' divorce, and the arrival of his Spanish-speaking aunt who will be living with his family. The author was raised in the Dominican Republic and the US and has written many wonderful books about family, identity and belonging.

Fourth and fifth graders will read Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park, a chapter book about the intersection of two cultures by a Newbery Medal-winning Korean American author. Best friends Julia and Patrick need a project for the state fair and the one they pick - raising silkworms - is connected to Julia's Korean heritage. Patrick is a European American boy who loves Korean food and culture, but Julia feels ambivalent and wonders if their project is "American" enough. One of the most fun parts of this book are the sections between the chapters in which Julia argues with the author about the plot!

Note: Students should NOT begin reading until after our first meeting. It’s important that we progress through and experience the book together at a similar pace!

Interested? Check out my teacher website on the Open Window School website (log in to the Current Families page and select Teacher Websites). Send me an email before January 4th and I will add your student's name to the list!