Ms. Andrea Blanks Horizon Math and Science

I know everyone will enjoy this sci-fi thriller- Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton is truly a nail biter. Let's aim to have the novel read by the first day of school and the checklists will be due by the Reading Celebration in September. I know some of you may have already read this novel (like me) but need to reread it so you can complete your checklist and be prepared for good quality discussions on characters and events. Feel free to read one of the 6th or 7th grade books and participate in their blogs if you want! Can't wait to see all of you in September- until then, soak up the remnants of summer and seek out your own adventures (just watch out for lizards that walk upright!)

The Book we will all read for August is The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. We will give you until the September Reading Festival to complete your checklist, but try to have the book read by the first day of school so we can "harvest" some good book discussions. If you have already read this novel, skim over it again so you can complete your checklist and be able to contribute to our "book club discussions". You are more than welcome to read the 6th or 8th grade novels and participate in their blogs! One more month- make it a good one!

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen is the 6th grade Common book for August. Everyone should read the novel and complete their checklist as we have done for the June&July books. We realize how busy your summer is, so we will give you until the Reading festival in September to have your Checklist finished for this book. Contact your friends and make sure they are all reading so we can have some great group discussions when school starts. Note: if you have already read this novel, just be sure to skim over it again so you can complete your checklist. You may even choose to read the 7th grade book and participate in their blog if you wish. Bottom line- you are responsible for your checklist and being able to have good quality discussions about the novel that is assigned to your grade level. Tell Cole Mathews We said Hello.... And to give his ancestor rock a good toss for us! Lol

July is here and it's time to choose a Classic- a story that stands the test of time.  What criteria make a book extraordinary and legendary?  As you read your novel, think about why it is considered a "classic."  What aspects of your book put it in a category above the rest?  Analyze your book and try to figure out what components made it so popular when it was first published and reasons why it continues to intrigue readers today.  Give us your personal opinion of what makes a book a classic and how your July Read lives up to your standards. 

We know that most of the Classics have been made into movies.  In my experience, the movie NEVER does the book justice.  I would love to hear how your book compares to its movie counterpart.  It's always fun to imagine who you would cast as the main characters if you produced the movie today.

Don't forget to keep your eye out for great QUOTES and to complete your CREATIVITY project.  We are going to get to see everyone's PROJECTS at our Reading Festival in September!  Please touch base with your classmates and encourage them to participate- the more the merrier!  Our hope is to get everyone to participate with the August Common book blog.  Spread the Word and Happy Reading!

P.S.  If you haven't finished your June Read yet, continue to communicate and document your thoughts and opinions on the June Blogs- they are still open and waiting on your comments! :-)