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The purpose of the WiKi is to share the potential novels our committee is reading as we look for new 8th grade material. We would like for as many people as possible to read the books and comment on what they read. The committee members are: (to date) Amanda Kuzminski Lynn Zeder Lisa Weinstein Leanne Brown Laura Berry Paul Howell Cheryl Anderson Leah Weisman Melissa Domico Mary DeBiasio Alani Bochenek All others are welcome! Minutes** 8th Grade Novel Committee Meeting January 28, 2009 Present at meeting: //Cheryl Anderson, Amanda Kuzminski, Mary DeBiasio, Lisa Weinstein, Lynn Zeder, Linda Kane, Leanne Brown, Melissa Domico, Leah Wessman, Laura Berry// If you read one of the books please fill out the form and the end of this page. At our first meeting several books were suggested to be read over break. Participants reviewed the books that had been read. From this list we concluded the books that would need additional readers to come to a conclusion. The books read are as follows. Note that some books were read by more than one person. 1 || Blood Red Horse || NO || Some like the book some don’t but it is not for grade level 8. Possible for 6th, but not at this time. || 2 || Inconvenient Truth || NO || Scientific and somewhat dry. Portions of the book are used in science classes where appropriate. || 3 || Shipwreck At the Bottom of the World || Possible-more need to read || This book is about the true Shackelton story. Many messages and can be taught with many additional resources including actual documents. || 4 || Shadow Club || NO || While this story had many values to teach, it would not be appropriate for the audience. || 5 || Shepard’s Granddaughter || NO || A story about modern day Palestine. Not for the grade level audience. || 6 || Peak || Possible-more need to read || This is a story about a 14 year old who climbs Mt. Everest. This novel can be expanded upon with actual scientific data and portrays struggle and setting goals. Honors could differentiate with the non-fiction Three Cups of Tea etc. This book has a male hero. || 7 || Red Kayak || Possible-more need to read || Many love this book that can lead to discussion of moral conflict/dilemma. || 8 || Backwater || NO || Some found it boring and not a book of interest for boys. || 9 || Green Glass Sea || NO || Great book, great debate possibilities and expanded lessons. This may be a possibility for honors 7th grade or social studies. There are more books in the series to extend the story. || 10 || Monster || NO || Likes the book-low lexile. || 11 || California Blue || NO || Good environmental story but includes some story plot that may not be appropriate. || 12 || Of Beetles and Angels || Possible-more need to read || Great true story-local author-good theme and messages. || 13 || Sunrise Over Fallujah || NO || Students will not identify with character. || 14 || Monkey Town || NO || Good book for independent reading but the topic would not be appropriate for a whole class book. || 15 || Uglies || NO || Good themes, but not everyone likes it. Particularly appeals to girls. || 16 || The Hunger Games || Possible-more need to read || Wonderful potential to discuss what is right and what is expected. Short story links to the novel. || 17 || Wuthering High || Possible-more need to read || This book can be used to spark an interest in classic books. Pay attention to content. || 18 || Rules || NO || Good book about an autistic boy, but better for possible 7th grade. || 19 || Who Moved My Cheese for Teens || NO || Good book-too short || 20 || Letters to a Bullied Girl || NO || Good book, not for a class read. || The following books should be read my more people. Please complete the form and drop off or attend the next meeting. NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, April 1st (no fooling) in room 109 Orland Junior High School 3:30 to 5:00. Media Specialist at your building to obtain copies. If there are no copies, they will contact me to order more. **
 * January 28, 2009 meeting at OJH.
 * Title ** ||
 * Rating ** ||
 * Comments ** ||
 * Rating ** ||
 * Comments ** ||
 * Shipwreck At the Bottom of the World
 * Peak
 * Red Kayak
 * Of Beetles and Angels
 * The Hunger Games
 * Wuthering High
 * If you would like to help read the books, or have other suggestions please contact the

FORM AFTER READING A BOOK __________________________________________________________________________________________

Additionally we will be using this form to react to the books. three credible and complete professional book reviews (School Library Journal, Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, etc.) should be attached to these questionnaires. ** when appropriate. (Ex. profanity, crime, witchcraft, religious beliefs, etc.) ** thoughts and feelings, and its ability to address curriculum standards. **      ** Other Comments: **
 * Book Proposal Questionnaire **
 * Reviewing Teacher/Parent **
 * Suggested Book Title_ **
 * Author_ Recommended grade level_Lexile **
 * Three teachers/parents will submit these questionnaires prior to submitting a title for board approval. In addition,
 * List all recurring themes:_ **
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 * How do you envision teachers using this novel in their classrooms? **
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 * Which indicators ( learning standards, skills, topics) can be taught with this novel?  **
 * List any controversial issues or mature content that might be offensive or controversial. Include page numbers
 * Rate this book on its overall quality- consider its potential to engage middle school students, its ability to evoke
 * 1 2 3 4 5  6  7  8  9  10  **
 * Not appropriate Suitable  Must teach it!  **