Plot Summary - Four students develop an unbreakable bond throughout the school year. Their paraplegic teacher is drawn to them because of their uniqueness. She chooses these four students to form the Academic Bowl which will represent the sixth grade. She cannot describe, or chooses not to tell why she has chosen these particular four but the team cannot be beat!
Personal Reaction - I enjoyed this book because of the many twists and turns. I wanted to keep reading to find out the fate of the unstoppable Academic Bowl team. I also enjoyed learning about sea turtle conservation from Nadia and Noah.
Memorable Literary Element - This story is told by each of the characters. Noah, Nadia, Ethan, and Julian all have a turn at telling their story and the reader eventually sees how these students are connected. A few lines from their teacher, Mrs. Olinski are peppered throughout too. Her disability stands out to me because of the way others treat her in the story.
Review - School Library Journal Gr 4-6E.L. Konigsburg's Newbery Award winner Atheneum, 1996 makes a smooth transition into this medium. Mrs. Olinski and her four bright students make a dynamic team as read by this cast of competent actors. In this story of four sixth graders' victory in an Academic Bowl, Noah, Nadia, Ethan and Julian each tell their story. The foursome and the supporting characters come to life while Mrs. Olinski blossoms. Careful prose is well adapted into a funny, realistic, caring portrait through clear and varied voices. No bells and whistles are needed to bring this winner to life, just a skilled reading. Put this on the shelf and watch it fly.Angela J. Reynolds, West Slope Community Library, Portland, OR
***Promotion Idea - There are many themes running through this book, friendship, individuals with disabilities, and diversity. I chose a science related them since that is what was most memorable to me. At the beginning of the book Nadia and Noah are involved in sea turtle conservation. Sea turtle conservation is what brought two families closer than they'd imagined.
These sites allow private citizens to gain information on sea turtle conservation. They can also see the most popular places the loggerhead sea turtles like to nest. Collaboration with science teachers will make an impact on lesson planning. These sites and other information students find while researching can be posted onto the school website.
Sea Turtle Conservation
Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
Personal Reaction - I enjoyed this book because of the many twists and turns. I wanted to keep reading to find out the fate of the unstoppable Academic Bowl team. I also enjoyed learning about sea turtle conservation from Nadia and Noah.
Memorable Literary Element - This story is told by each of the characters. Noah, Nadia, Ethan, and Julian all have a turn at telling their story and the reader eventually sees how these students are connected. A few lines from their teacher, Mrs. Olinski are peppered throughout too. Her disability stands out to me because of the way others treat her in the story.
Review - School Library Journal Gr 4-6E.L. Konigsburg's Newbery Award winner Atheneum, 1996 makes a smooth transition into this medium. Mrs. Olinski and her four bright students make a dynamic team as read by this cast of competent actors. In this story of four sixth graders' victory in an Academic Bowl, Noah, Nadia, Ethan and Julian each tell their story. The foursome and the supporting characters come to life while Mrs. Olinski blossoms. Careful prose is well adapted into a funny, realistic, caring portrait through clear and varied voices. No bells and whistles are needed to bring this winner to life, just a skilled reading. Put this on the shelf and watch it fly.Angela J. Reynolds, West Slope Community Library, Portland, OR
***Promotion Idea - There are many themes running through this book, friendship, individuals with disabilities, and diversity. I chose a science related them since that is what was most memorable to me. At the beginning of the book Nadia and Noah are involved in sea turtle conservation. Sea turtle conservation is what brought two families closer than they'd imagined.
These sites allow private citizens to gain information on sea turtle conservation. They can also see the most popular places the loggerhead sea turtles like to nest. Collaboration with science teachers will make an impact on lesson planning. These sites and other information students find while researching can be posted onto the school website.
Sea Turtle Conservation
Sea Turtle Nesting Sites