 | Re: Book Reviews on Books that work! |
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Are your students looking for a great series to read? A student suggested that I order a set of the book called the Uglies (included is Uglies, Pretties, Specials, Extras) It was the next big craze in the classroom once we had a set of these books. Title: Uglies Author: Scott Westerfeld Grade Suggestion: Grade 7-12 Summary: Once a child turns 16 in this community they are sent for their pretty operation where surgically they become perfect. Not only do they change their appearance but the surgery makes them become the perfect person. There are rebels who try to oppose the surgery and the book describes how one young girl must sacrifice herself to save the "others". Review: A great tool for discussion about the idea of the perfect person. What makes someone perfect? Do we want to be perfect? If being perfect meant giving up who and what you are is it worth it? Where does the idea of perfection come from? This book is a fantastic read once you've read one of the books you have to continue on with the rest! Your female students will love it and with all the buzz around the classroom the boys are more willing to see what is happening and pick it up too. Where to find it: www.amazon.ca for $26.95 for the box set.
Another great series called The Books of Ember will get your students talking about issues like "What could we do if we ran out of electricity or food?" Title: City of Ember Author: Jeanne DuPrau Grade Suggestion: Grade 4-8 Summary: The city of Ember is located in complete darkness, the only light is generated by electricity. The people of Ember are running out of the basic human needs (power and food) and the government has a plan in place to save the people but this plan has been hidden for many years. Will twelve-year-old Doon Harrow and Lina Mayfleet be able to save the city before the lights go out for good? Review: This series creates a great model for answering what if questions and putting students in the perspective of characters in the book. Why does it seem that the older characters are not concerned about the power situation? As you move onto the other books in the series People of Sparks- you are able to discuss discrimination, fear, leadership, community, and forgiveness. And the last two books in the series Prophet of Yonwood, and The Diamond of Darkhold go even deeper into these topics. And the best news is there is a website dedicated to the books where you can find activities and there is a teacher’s guide available for download for each book. http://www.randomhouse.com/teens/booksofember/books.html More books in the series: People of Sparks, Prophet of Yonwood, The Diamond of Darkhold Where to find it: www.amazon.com The Books of Ember (for the complete set) $9.75 Or look for each book separately at www.amazon.ca for $7.99 |