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.