Because of Winn Dixie book review and teacher resources for novel study

 

Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie is a timeless tale that captures the essence of friendship, loneliness, and the transformative power of connection. Set in the small town of Naomi, Florida, the story revolves around a young girl named Opal Buloni, who finds an unlikely companion in a scruffy stray dog she names Winn-Dixie after the grocery store where she first meets him.

The heart of the narrative lies in the bond between Opal and Winn-Dixie and the impact they have on the lives of those around them. Through Winn-Dixie's unbridled affection and Opal's compassionate nature, the duo navigates the complexities of family relationships, forgiveness, and acceptance. As Opal grapples with her own feelings of abandonment and loss, Winn-Dixie becomes her confidant and catalyst for self-discovery.

One of the most remarkable aspects of DiCamillo's storytelling is her ability to infuse depth and nuance into her characters. Each member of Naomi's eclectic community, from the eccentric librarian Miss Franny Block to the reclusive pet store owner Otis, is brought to life with vivid detail and empathy. Through Opal's interactions with these individuals, readers are reminded of the universal need for human connection and the transformative power of empathy and understanding.

At its core, Because of Winn-Dixie is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of unlikely friendships. DiCamillo's prose is gentle yet poignant, inviting readers of all ages to reflect on the importance of kindness, compassion, and second chances. The novel's bittersweet conclusion serves as a poignant reminder that while goodbyes may be inevitable, the memories and connections forged through love endure.


Blue Binder Lessons has written educational resources to use with Because of Winn Dixie, in your classroom.

- Creative Connections to give students a chance to connect to the novel in a creative way.

-Movie Connection to help students connect with a movie version of the same title.

- One Pager activity with 3 different versions for differentiation.

- THE BUNDLE - Get all three and save!!

Everything is designed to Print and Go, or to be completed online if your technology allows for writing on a PDF.

It is all done for you, making teaching this as easy as pie. (And now I want pie!)

Linked by Gordon Korman book review and teaching resources

 

Linked by Gordon Korman is a novel written about students in a small-town learning from an incident of vandalism at their school. The novel offers the story from multiple perspectives, which is very engaging for most readers. Readers will learn lessons on topics like tolerance, racism, social media, and change.

I loved Linked, and thought it was a powerful story. I sometimes hesitate to recommend it though because some communities can be sensitive to certain topics. A kid comes home and says We're reading a book about hate crimes in the hallway of a school, and suddenly the teacher is getting a phone call or called into the principal. I wish parents would trust our judgment because Linked is a great book... but I believe you know your community the best.

Blue Binder Lessons has written educational resources to use with Linked, in your classroom.

- Discussion questions with space for the students to write their answers AND sample teacher answers for every question

- Creative Connections to give students a chance to connect to the novel in a creative way

- One Pager activity with 3 different versions for differentiation.

- THE BUNDLE - Get all three and save!!

Everything is designed to Print and Go, or to be completed online if your technology allows for writing on a PDF.

It is all done for you, making teaching this a walk in the park.

The Hero Next Door by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Editor) Book review and teacher resources for novel study

The Hero Next Door is a captivating anthology that celebrates everyday heroes in extraordinary situations. Featuring a diverse collection of stories, each tale unfolds with a unique perspective on courage, resilience, and sacrifice. From heartwarming acts of kindness to thrilling rescues, the anthology paints a mosaic of inspiring narratives.

The authors skillfully navigate various genres, ensuring a dynamic and engaging reading experience. The characters, drawn from all walks of life, resonate with authenticity, making it easy for readers to connect emotionally. Whether exploring the depths of human compassion or the triumph of the human spirit, The Hero Next Door beautifully illustrates that heroism is not confined to capes and masks but is found in the selflessness of ordinary individuals facing the extraordinary.

The anthology is a powerful tribute to the unsung heroes among us, reminding readers that the potential for heroism lies within everyone. With its well-crafted stories and diverse perspectives, The Hero Next Door is a compelling read that leaves a lasting impression, proving that heroism is a universal and timeless theme.

Blue Binder Lessons has written educational resources to use with The Hero Next Door, in your classroom.

- Discussion questions for EACH STORY with space for the students to write their answers AND sample teacher answers for every question. (Here’s a link to the questions for the first story, “Minnows and Zombies.”)

- One Pager activity for each story with 3 different versions for differentiation. (Here’s a link to the activity for the second story, “One Wish.”)

- THE BUNDLE - Get both activities for ALL 13 of the Stories and save!! PLUS a bonus file for the Foreword Story by the editor. AND a list of suggestions on how to use the discussion questions.

Everything is designed to Print and Go, or to be completed online if your technology allows for writing on a PDF.

It is all done for you, making teaching this very simple.

Author Gordon Korman publishes number 101

Mixed Up by Gordon Korman book review and teaching resources for novel study.

Gordon Korman is a Canadian-born author who has written over 100 books for children and young adults. He was born in Montreal, Quebec in 1963 and began writing at a young age. Korman's writing career began when he was just 12 years old when he wrote his first novel, "This Can't Be Happening at MacDonald Hall". The book was published when he was only 14 years old, and it became the first in a series of popular books about the misadventures of Bruno and Boots, two friends attending a boarding school.

Korman's writing is known for its humor and relatable characters. He has written a variety of books, including sports stories, mysteries, and adventure tales. Some of his most popular titles include "Swindle", "The Hypnotists", and "Ungifted". Korman's books have been translated into 32 languages and have sold over 28 million copies worldwide.

His latest novel, Mixed Up, is about two boys who have never met that are slowly losing their personal memories to each other. It borders on science fiction, but with a strong flair for reality. This novel was officially released July 18, 2023.

In addition to writing books, Korman has also written for television. He co-created and wrote for the show "Kids' Court" and has also written for "Crazy Quilt" and "The Adventures of Hyperman". Korman has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Silver Birch Award, the Red Cedar Award, and the Golden Oak Award.

Overall, Gordon Korman is a talented and prolific author who has captivated readers of all ages with his humorous and relatable stories. His work has had a significant impact on children's literature and will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Blue Binder Lessons has written educational resources to use with Mixed Up, this latest novel, in your classroom.

- Discussion questions with space for the students to write their answers AND sample teacher answers for every question
- Creative Connections to give students a chance to connect to the novel in a creative way
- One Pager activity with 3 different versions for differentiation.
- THE BUNDLE - Get all three and save!!
Everything is designed to Print and Go, or to be completed online if your technology allows for writing on a PDF.
It is all done for you, making teaching this a breeze.

The Fort by Gordon Korman - book review and teaching resources

 

The Fort is Gordon Korman’s 100th book, and he has absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one.

This novel is about five friends who bond over a shared secret shelter they find in the woods one day after a storm. Told in alternating points of view, this book is filled with humor and heart as readers learn about each boy and their personal struggles outside of the friend group.

One of the things that sets Gordon Korman's writing apart is his ability to create relatable characters that readers can't help but root for. Whether it's Mitchell struggling with his OCD, or Evan and his big brother Luke living with their grandparents, Korman's characters are always memorable and endearing.

Another hallmark of Korman's writing is his use of humor. He has a knack for finding the funny side of any situation, and his books are filled with witty one-liners and clever wordplay. But his humor never feels forced or out of place - it's always an integral part of the story and the characters.

But Korman's writing isn't just entertaining - it's also meaningful. Many of his books deal with important themes like friendship, perseverance, and standing up for what you believe in. And while his stories may be geared towards younger readers, they often have messages that are relevant to people of all ages.

Overall, Gordon Korman is a writer who knows how to capture the imaginations of his readers. His books are funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking, and his characters are some of the most memorable in children's literature. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, there's no doubt that the novel The Fort is something special.

Blue Binder Lessons has written educational resources to use with The Fort in your classroom.

- Discussion questions with space for the students to write their answers AND sample teacher answers for every question

- Creative Connections to give students a chance to connect to the novel in a creative way

- One Pager activity with 3 different versions for differentiation. 

- THE BUNDLE - Get all three and save!!

Everything is designed to Print and Go, or to be completed online if your technology allows for writing on a PDF.  

It is all done for you, making teaching this a breeze.

A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga - book review and lesson ideas

 

A Rover’s Story is a middle grade novel about a fictional Mars rover who has been built and then sent to Mars to survey the planet, find a previously sent rover, and help determine whether Mars is suited to human living. The story is told from two perspectives, mostly from the rover (whose name is Resilience, or Res) and also Sophie, the daughter of one of the scientists who is building the rover. As he’s being built, Res discovers that he’s experiencing human emotions. Eventually, Res is sent to Mars and readers follow his mission there as he makes decisions based on these emotions. 

Author Jasmine Warga has done an excellent job humanizing this rover and drawing readers into his thoughts and actions. It definitely has a “Wall-E” sort of feel to the story, and readers will be rooting for him at all stages of his mission. This book would be wonderful as a read aloud for the whole class, or for individual students to read to themselves.

Blue Binder Lessons has written educational resources to use this novel in your classroom.

- Discussion questions with space for the students to write their answers AND sample teacher answers for every question

- Creative Connections to give students a chance to connect to the novel in a creative way

- One Pager activity with 3 different versions for differentiation.

- STEM Connection to build from home or in class 

- THE BUNDLE - Get all four and save!!

Everything is designed to Print and Go, or to be completed online if your technology allows for writing on a PDF.  

It is all done for you, making teaching this a breeze.

Unplugged by Gordon Korman - book review and teacher resources for novel study

 

Unplugged is a captivating young adult novel written by Gordon Korman. The story follows a group of teens who are sent to a digital detox camp in the wilderness. They are stripped of their phones, computers, and other devices and forced to confront their addiction to technology. The main character, Jett, is a tech-savvy teenager who initially struggles with the idea of being unplugged. As the story unfolds, Jett discovers the joys of nature and the importance of face-to-face communication. The book is a timely commentary on the role of technology in our lives and the need to disconnect and connect with the real world. With its relatable characters and thought-provoking message, Unplugged is a must-read for anyone looking to unplug and reconnect.

This is a gripping novel that explores the dangers of our reliance on technology. The story follows a group of teenagers who are sent to a technology-free summer camp, where they are forced to disconnect from their devices and learn to live without constant stimulation. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is both suspenseful and thought-provoking. Korman's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making this novel an enjoyable read for both young adults and adults. Overall, Unplugged is a timely and important book that raises important questions about the role of technology in our lives.

Blue Binder Lessons has written educational resources to use this novel in your classroom.

- Discussion questions with space for the students to write their answers AND sample teacher answers for every question

- Creative Connections to give students a chance to connect to the novel in a creative way

- One Pager activity with 3 different versions for differentiation.

- THE BUNDLE - Get all three and save!! 

Everything is designed to Print and Go, or to be completed online if your technology allows for writing on a PDF. 

It is all done for you, making teaching this a breeze.