Please Join The One and Only Ivan Book Club!
It is no secret that fourth-grade teacher Colby Sharp and I are on a mission to tell everyone about Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan. We give Ivan shout-outs in #nerdbery videos, exchange multiple messages per week about Katherine's pitch-perfect storytelling, text each other about our plan to get Ivan into readers' hands, and, most importantly, discuss how Ivan is on its way to classic status.
Colby and I created an Edmodo group for a small group of fourth- and fifth-grade students to discuss Ms. Applegate's masterpiece. I smiled whenever I read their thoughtful and serious discussions. Message after message stressed how The One and Only Ivan touched their hearts and minds. Ivan's story inspired them to learn more about the real Ivan and become ambassadors for a future award winner.
As a culminating event, our book club connected with Katherine on Skype. She talked about Ivan for fifteen minutes, discussing her research and writing process. After her inspiring and informative presentation, our students asked thoughtful questions. Her responses were articulate and brilliant. I wish you could have seen my smile.
As soon as the Skype session ended, my students thanked me over and over for including Katherine and Colby's students in our book club discussion.
Colby and I look forward to a similar experience with you on June 27.
Thank you. An absolutely stunning book that I wouldn't have known about without your recommendation. Thank you for enriching my life and that of the children at my school. Our library is a better place because of you and Ivan. Steph Gilchrist, Hong Kong
ReplyDeleteI wish I had enough money to buy a copy for every elementary school student. :)
ReplyDeleteMy second and third graders loved The One and Only Ivan. I loved reading it aloud to them. :-)
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful book! I read it to my sons ages 8 and 6. Then they insisted we go see Ivan this summer, so we are off to Zoo Atlanta in July.
ReplyDeleteAngie Dickerson @bookdiva414
You've sold me.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read it.
Thank you!
Donna
Ivan was a read aloud for both of my language arts classes - they loved it! Just marked the 27th on my iCal - can't wait to hear the conversation. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo! I am so excited about this book club! I too am an Ivan Evangelist! You should have seen me at the Scholastic Book Fair at my school! I was telling everyone in ear shot, " YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!".
ReplyDeleteI will be enroute to the airport ( coming back from #ISTE in San Diego) at that time but might just get there early so I can participate in this book club! I have big plans for Ivan in the upcoming school year!
ReplyDeleteI just got my copy today. It's like the library knew I wanted to read it for this discussion!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty disappointed that I'll still be in San Diego at ISTE and may miss this Book Club. I'll do my best to join you to talk about this wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteSending out a copy of this amazing book to each of our summer school sites here in Austin, TX. That's approximately 650 students who I know will be as moved and as touched as I have been. A remarkable journey!
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