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Grade 1-
I was taken aside to read from a grade 8 science test as either an informal test or bragging rights (not sure which). Other than that, I can’t remember anything I read that year.
Grade 2-
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Babysitters Club by Ann M. Martin. I collected the whole series and read every book from about age 7 to 13. Yup…obsessed. Also read others by Martin: Slam Book, P.S. Longer Letter Later, Ten Kids, No Pets, Ma & Pa Dracula, Bummer Summer, and probably more. As for the rest of Grade 2, I think there was a poem about apples in there somewhere :oP
Grade 3 & 4-
Grade 3 & 4-
Fuzzy recall...
Grade 5-
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From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
by E.L. Konigsburg
We learned about ancient Egypt, particularly the mummies, and lots about New York. The museum-set story is a wonderful adventure for many ages!
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Before Google (before the Internet, even), I could not for the life of me remember this book’s name, but all I could remember is the Kleenex-worthy ending. My language arts teacher's college instructor admitted to crying while reading it aloud to students years ago. It’s likely well-known what I'm referring to, but I can’t bring myself to retell it. The book is a childhood Mecca- for imagination, for pre-puberty boy-girl friendships, for true love before you even know what love means.
Grade 6-
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This Can’t Be Happening at Macdonald Hall by Gordon Korman (the cover was different than this one, same artist as Go Jump in the Pool cover below)
Korman is a hilarious Canadian author now involved in the popular 39 Keys series. This is the 1st book in a series. My teacher read this aloud to us during the first week of school and I still remember how it hooked us with its honest humour and insights on school. Bruno & Boots are the main (male) characters, which appeals to young boys reluctant to read, a bonus for any teacher.
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Go Jump in the Pool!
by Gordon Korman
(This cover is the old one I remember!)
Sequel to above book. I remember now that the school’s headmaster was named Mr. Sturgeon, which made me picture the “fish-face.”
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Every Gr. 6 class in North America likely read this book and many still do. Vague memory of it, but I bought it for my (future) classroom library and hope to reread it...eventually.
Grade 7-
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(Actual cover from the time I read it; kind of dull, no?)
My dad had taught Gr. 7s this book for several years, along with The Pearl and Sounder. I think it was another trend. I adored this book. It's a testament to humanity, especially during the teenage years when taking advantage becomes second nature to gaining popularity. Like teaching Hamlet to teens, I think this is an "older book" (to quote students who think anything before today is old) that stands up. I remember writing to Paul Zindel a few years later but received no reply :o( I also read the sequel, The Pigman's Legacy, which didn't quite measure up to the first book. Then again, sequels rarely do...
Grade 8-
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(The cover was different but I like this one, especially the grainy appearance like aged wood)
We read this as part of a civil rights unit, another typical amenity in Gr. 8, but a worthwhile one to teach & learn. We had finished a poetry unit, then read this novel, and wrote poetry to accompany the story, which was a great idea and something I'd like to try with my class.
Wow! I'm surprised at how much I remember, but then again it wasn't more than 20 years ago that I was there, so the memory bank is still fresh. Hope it stays that way right to the end!
Please, if you're out there reading this, post a comment, even if it's just to say hi. While I write this blog mainly for myself, I'd like to know that it is reaching others out there as well.
Coming soon: Part II- High School
Teacher/Learner (P.S. My real name is Megan).
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