April Book Club - A Big Success!

Gr. 5, 6 & 7 students joined me for a long recess of snacks and discussion in this months book club.

Running Dream by Wendelin van Draanen was our April book club chosen book.  Due to the popularity of this book we had to postpone book club a few weeks to ensure all students who wanted to, could read it.  Book Club was worth the wait.  The students loved the book!  We had great character discussions about Jessica, Rosa, Fiona and Gavin. Students felt Jessica's story was portrayed realistically with some set backs and triumphs.  We talked about Jessica's strength and determination, along with her frustration.  The discussion was lead by the students and boy did they have some great insights.  One discussion was around the important role Jessica's dad played when taking away the pain killers. Students spoke of how easily she could have become addicted to the pain killers and by taking them away, her dad was helping her.  One student mentioned that she probably had to go through pain in order to heal.

Students really liked Gavin as he was genuine and honest to Jessica about his feelings.  Rosie was also a favourite among students as was Jess' supportive friend Fiona.  One thing that hit a cord with students was when _______ mom sat with Jessica at the track meet and apologized at first for her daughter and then (paraphrasing) "no I apologize for myself for raising her that way".  This admission really resonated with the book clubers, feeling it was the right and brave thing for that mother to do. 

All and all we had a very enjoyable long recess discussing Running Dream.  The food was yummy, the discussion in-depth and the students were eager to take part.

Life as a TL doesn't get any better than that :) !