Book Club Ideas: Summer in the Woods by Steven Smith

Summer of the Woods by Steven K Smith.
142 pages

Since we don't have woods by our house here in Utah, I thought I would send them on an adventure- through our neighborhood!

Our book club boys love to be sent on treasure hunts- or scavenger hunts. I set them off with a clue- and they run around the neighborhood following clues until they get to the final destination,

 that  has a treat to share.

It works great!

It gets them answering question about the book, gets them running (expending some energy) and when we get back together- they are ready to sit still, talk about the book and enjoy a snack.

The boys in this group are also 11 year old scouts. While not yet ready to work on Boy Scout Merit Badges, I thought this book introduced coins and the value of coin collections so well.

 Here is a link to BSA Coin Collection Merit Badge

I thought I would help jump start them in their own coin collections!

(A requirement they need to do- if they want to eventually earn the Coin Collection merit badge.)

I pulled out our coin jar.

This is the jar I toss any loose change- I find.

 It was like a treasure hunt- in my coin jar!

 Some of the boys were able to find a complete set. For the BSA coin collection requirement they had to pick a coin (penny, nickel, dime or quarter) and find the year they were born, and every year after.

I offered up all my pennies for this activity.

It was a fun book club.

I really enjoy being able to tie in scouting when I can.

The BSA has such a great quality program- their activities are always worth while and not "busy" work. My boys hate busy work. They like doing activities, and it is more satisfying when it "counts" for something. Are your boys the same?

My boys stop enjoying whimsical about the same time they become teenagers.

It's sad.

But I respect that they want to spend their time being productive.

Summer of the Woods by Steven Smith was a great adventure.

It would be a wonderful read-aloud as well.

Here are some examples of questions you can use in your book club discussion:

1. Derek and Sam had just moved leaving friends behind. Exploring the woods behind their new home, helped them be excited and less homesick. Have you ever moved? If so what helped you be excited about your new home? (This was great- because our neighborhood is a new housing development. All the kids in our neighborhood just moved in!)

2. What was Derek and Sam's first impression of Henry, Alex and their dog "bear"?

What can we learn about first impressions? Are they always correct?

Why do you think Derek and Sam misjudged Henry and Alex?

3. What would you do with $10,000 reward money?

(assuming your parents let you spend some of it. lol)

Pete's a Pizza Story Time: Feelings Theme

My oldest son is hosting another story time for his youngest brother.
(He is a Boy Scout working on his READING Merit Badge.)

These are the books I've pulled from our library and our local library for this story time.

I was trying to find- easy to read aloud stories for my 14 year old.

( I don't want HIM to get bogged down with alot of written words, while reading aloud. He has a low attention span too.)

I figured if I pull a selection of books- he can look them over and pick the ones he wants to read. These all have the under lying theme of feelings (specifically anger or disappointment) and how different people (animals) deal with those feelings.

This is a silly and fun book. (easy to read aloud) about a boy, Pete, who is grumpy that it is raining...and he can't play outside with friends. His dad decides to make him into a pizza.

(For our activity: each boy got to make his own mini pizza.)

Poor poor llama is grocery shopping with his mama- but he is done. When he throws a tantrum in the shopping card, patient mama helps him cool down. (I am sure none of our little guys can relate to this! LOL)

Our boys love dinosaurs- and this one is about a mine-o-saur. Who never shares his toys. But when he realizes... all he really wants are friends, he's willing to share.

There are so many benefits to having my oldest son be the reader at Story Time. (Besides building his own reading and reading aloud skills.) He's building a bond with his younger brother.

He's a positive role model for these little guys and helping them enjoy books.

And building self esteem in his younger brother.

Can't you just see- he feels like a million bucks that his cool BIG brother wants to do "book club" with him~!

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen

Grade 4th-6th
Great short read! only 88 pages but packed with great boy humor.
Read my official review HERE (I accidentally posted on the wrong page.)



Great for Summer!
My boys are excited about starting there annual summer lawn mowing business.
This book- spring boarded them into the idea of working on their Entrepreneurship merit badge for Boy Scouts.
I love when I find a book , that goes hand in hand with scouting!
You can find requirements of the merit badge here.

Flash Light Story Time

We only used two books for this Story time: I recruited my oldest son, who is working on his READING Merit Badge for the Boy Scouts... to host the Story Time .. .the next few weeks.

William and the Magic Ring: has been a family favorite bed time story, because of the unusual pictures.. The book is a "shadow casting" book, each page casts a shadow if read with a flash light.

















Then he read the Spooky Old Tree. A story about three little bears, out on a flash light adventure exploring a Spooky Old Tree!

















Then we took the little fellas on a flash light walk of our own!



















They were adorable.

(Scouting link: My oldest has done all the book reviews and library requirements for this merit badge- now he needs to do a 3 hour service project. He has agreed to host a story time for his younger brother... 12 times to fulfill this.)

If you are looking for male Reading Role Models - why not contact your local Boy Scout troop? They might have a scouter interested in earning his READING merit badge.

Slob by Ellen Potter

What a great book!

If you would like to read an interview with Ellen Potter- click here.

Summary:

Owen might be the fattest kid in school but he’s a genius. While some kids might be tempted to run away from their fears- Owen decides to face them head on. Be that fear the school psycho who is stealing his cookies from his lunch or the next period PE class. He’s learned from the past that some fears you can never run from. Owen has a great sense of humor and my boys quickly related to his story.

Basic Outline:

Obstacle Course
Build a Catapult

Book Talk

Snacks: Oreos- but good luck rationing them to 3/boy!

Prepare: Gather items for your catapults.

I found a few videos. Here's a complex "spoon" catapult- HERE
For a simple one- Here's a different kind of catapult- HERE

(For boy scouts this would fulfill a Webelo Engineer Requirement pg 224-225)

Gather marshmallows and plastic cups or bowls for the catapult game.
Oreos
Set up an obstacle course in your yard.

Gathering Game: Obstacle Course.

Dress up as Mr. Wooly (or any other stereotypical gym teacher with whistle) and set up an obstacle course in your yard. The more absurd the better. Make sure boys have to use a variety of movements- climb over, crawl under , weave in and out, balance, etc…

(pg 80) Of course start off with a little stretching exercise - one where they hop on different feet blowing the whistle. Let each boy take a turn calling out the stretches.

(If your son is in Boy Scouts there are different exercises and drills to do with a buddy that would be fun. Boys could work on their Tenderfoot fitness pg 96, Webelos on their Athlete Requirements pg 124)

Incentive Game: Catapult Fun
Demonstrate how to make a catapult and let each boy make one. (Relates to the story: Owen likes to invent and make contraptions. Here is a "simple machine" called a Catapult. This is actually a requirement for Webelo scouts- so if you have any scouters in your book club- you are full filling one of their requirements!)

Ask the questions below in the book talk and for each right answer they earn a marshmallow. (to be used in a future game.) After you finish the book talk- and the boys have their marshmallows place plastic cups/ bowls in front of their catapults and give them opportunities to make it in the cup/bowl. For each marshmallow that goes in- that boy earns an Oreo.

Enjoy milk and cookies and marshmallows while boys continue to visit.
(Or if you know how to make Momo’s-- that would be a tasty treat!)

Book Talk-
1. Is Andre a friend or foe? (not really a right or wrong answer- they just have to tell why they think he is or isn’t.
2. What are some ways Owen tried to protect his lunch cookies? ( jaws of death and facial hair crème.)
3. Who wrote the note: SLOB?
4. Why did Owen keep it in the beginning?
5. Why did he let it go in the end?

6. How did Andre think Owen could get out of PE? ( The fat exemption, using a lawyer to sue Mr. Wooly for his leash treatment.)
7. In the story did you ever suspect Mom wasn’t his “biological” mother?
When did you first know? (pg 31 she said she had seen pictures of when Owen was skinny)
8. What did Owens parents do for a living?
9. What does his Mom do now?

10. How did Mason know there was a scheduled fire drill during PE class?
11. Is Mason a friend or foe?
12. What does this say about first impressions? What is a “First Impression”?
13. Who can explain Owen’s invention: Nemesis?
14. Ultimately, how did Owen gain respect from his classmates?
15. Why was Jeremy allowed to join the GWAB group-- without cutting her hair?
16. Why does Owen give Jeremy’s friend Arthur his old clothes?
17. Who is Nima?

18. What is a Momo? Would you ever eat one?
19. What is Karma?
20. What was really in Mason’s sock?
21. Name some of Owen’s other inventions. (The momo Ferris wheel, the poop catcher, etc.)
22. What does SLOB stand for?

For Scouts you could also extend the discussion to talk about healthy foods, snacks and what foods are good for you. Boys could complete their Webelo Fitness requirements pg246. While Boys scouts fulfill theirs on page pg 95.

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

This is a perfect Book/Movie book club selection!
WHY?



Well this is actually the first book of a set of four. The movie only covers book one: The City of Ember. I love using movies to help readers connect to characters and settings. Once they get hooked to Doon and Lina I know my reluctant readers will be more likely to read the following three stories to continue the adventure.


Summary:


The city of Ember is a civilization encased by darkness. NO sun, moon or stars. Only the city generator provides lights and life to this people and now it is breaking down. The city was built and stocked with provisions by "The Builders" hundreds of years before and now all the knowledge that built this city has been lost. Food shortages and the failing generator threaten their future - but what can be done? No one knows of a world outside of Ember. Will The Builders come back and save them or did they leave a way out? You'll have to read to find out!


Basic Outline:
Preview the book: Before you pass out the book, watch 15 minutes of the movie.
Book Talk
Movie type Snacks

Prepare: Rent or Buy the video City of Ember

Buy movie type goodies kids can earn as they answer questions about the book- to snack on while watching the movie. (popcorn, M&M’s, etc..)

*An alternative to watching the movie- would be to make some simple machines. The Cub Scout books have sample projects like a catapult, lever, pulleys, etc.. This would fulfill Engineer Reuirements for Webelos page 212.

Gathering Game:
Have two simple puzzles and let the boys race to put them each together. Talk about the directions/puzzle Lina and Doon had to put together.

Incentive Game:
Ask the following questions and give “movie bucks” for each right answer. Let kids earn different goodies to snack on.

Book Talk-
1. What is Assignment Day? What is the significance of it? Would you like it if our society delegated work this way? What are the pro’s and con’s to this kind of system?

2. What can be done if you don’t like your job? (trade- like Doon and Lina, or after three years you could be re-assigned.)

3. Why or how did Doon and Lina grow apart as friends growing up? (the dare to climb a light pole- she laughed when he fell. Pg20)

4. What are some rules to being a messenger? (pg 27)

5. Describe the city of Ember (dark, no phones, limited paper, no grass, only plants are at the green house… ) How is it different than our city? How is it the same?

6. What do you think about the advice Doon’s father gave him about (pg 51) “You get what you get, it’s what you do with what you get that counts”. How does Doon use this advice? Can you apply this to yourself?

7. Why does Granny have the secret box?

8. What idea or message is the author trying to make when Doon is caring for the ‘worm’ or Lina the seed? (that there is a power of creation - something outside of generators and canned foods, something real- not man made or created… is just one idea.)

9. Who finds Poppy in the black out?

10. What is the trouble with anger? Why does Doon’s father warn him about losing his temper? (pg 89)

11. What do the “Believers” actually believe? (pg 99 that The Builders will come back and save them.)

12. Why do they not give tours to the storehouses where all the food is kept?

13. What does Lizzie like about her job? ( p105 she is able to taste rare foods.)

14. Describe Ember’s Library- is it helpful or useful to Doon?

15. Why does Mrs. Murdo take Lina and Poppy in? (pg 142) Is she related, is it her job? What do you think about her generosity?

16. Discuss the moral issue about eating the rare canned foods. Is it right or wrong for Lizzie to have extra? Is it fair, right, or moral?

17. Discuss the MANY differences between the book and movie.

The escape from Ember is completely different
The Mole attack

Are to just mention a few…..

Which did your boys like better? The book or movie? And why?


This is our selection for the month of May 2009- so these are my ideas of what we will do.
I am so excited that one of our more resistant readers is loving this book! 5 days after assigning the book - he is already half way through the book!

Everest Series by Gordon Korman

Everest Series by Gordon Korman
Soo-oo Good!
Reading Level: 4th grade
Would be great for older boys with lower reading skills too.
Trilogy and each is less then 150 pages!

Mount Everest: The highest mountain in the world. The ultimate climb. For four lucky mountaineers it will be their chance to be the youngest person to ever reach the summit.
The mountain has claimed the lives of many adults, so the American Junior Alpine Association hosts a competition of intensive training to weed out the real talent from the wanna-be's. This climbing contest began as a competition. Some are not ready for what they face, while others will stop at nothing to reach the top. Once on the mountain things turn life or death where no one is guaranteed to survive!

This series was so good!

And plausible! Info from Wikipedia says,
"The highest mountain in the world attracts climbers of all levels, from well experienced mountaineers to novice climbers willing to pay substantial sums to professional mountain guides to complete a successful climb."




In book 3: The Summit there is alot of talk about the Ice Falls.
Here is an actual picture.








CLICK HERE- to read an article of a real 13 year old, reaching the summit of Everest!


How to extend the story:


Take boys to a rock wall to try their hand at climbing. I would recommend this and give your boys some experience with grips and ropes. Introduce some vocabulary of common climbing equipment. (Belaying, crevasses, and crampons).



Go for a hike, climb the biggest "mountain" hill in your area- name it something really gnarly! When I was on my High School Cross Country team we had a regular run with a huge hill- we nicknamed Old Nasty. It really did add to our sense of accomplishment- knowing if we could run up Old Nasty we would be able to handle any hill at the State tournament!


If you have scouters this series would be great for the Boy Scouts Mountaineering Merit Badge and Hiking Requirements pg 263, Webelos Outdoorsman Hiking requirements pg 362, or page 107 for Bears- go on a Hike with your family.







Great Field trips or family trips: This series introduces some popular climbs/mountains like El Capitan in Yosemite

If you ever go on a "field trip" here.. could you invite me! ;o) Just thought the boys might like to see pictures of these mountains mentioned in the story.

The Matterhorn

and Annapurna

Windcatcher by Avi

This is a great book for older boys who are reluctant readers! Written at a 5.3 reading level- but only 120 pages! Not intimidating at all! There are some "boating" terms I would introduce to the boys first... maybe have them identify parts of a boat on a diagram before they start the book so they are familiar with terms like, port, starboard, tiller and stern.

What a great little book filled with adventure and hunting for sunken treasure!

(Also a great book for Scouters! Bears have a Boats Elective pg 196, and Boy Scouts have a Rowing Merit Badge click HERE to see.)

(photo from wikimedia.org.) This is a picture of what a


frigate ship looked like.... what the Swallow would have looked like.

















Preparation:


Buy trinkets and goodies to be your hidden treasure. Prepare and set up your treasure hunt- in your house, yard or neighborhood.





Snack/Dinner: Clam chowder, or corn chowder if you are worried about allergic reactions


Energy Game: "Captain- May I" (adapted version of game Mother - May I?)


Play this game with at least three players.
One player will be "Captain."
Line the players up facing the captain about 10 feet away.
Give commands to the players one at a time. Use boating terms: port =left, Starboard =right, Captain says, for example, "John, you may take one starboard step forward." ( meaning he can take one step with his right foot forward.)



Wait for the player to respond. If he says, "ey, ey Captain!"


If the player forgets to say "ey ey Captain!" he must go back to the starting line.



Captain continues to give commands to the players in any order that he chooses.
Play until one boy is close enough to the captain to touch him.. then he is the next captain.





Incentive Game: Going on a Treasure HUNT!


Use the following questions as clues to your treasure hunt. For every right answer- the boys will earn a letter and a step closer to finding the hiding spot for your hidden treasure.





(The Letters spell out the words : In the Dryer. Hide the treasure in your dryer if you use my clues exactly. Or change your clues to match your hiding spot.)





1. How did Tony earn his money?


g = by mowing lawns


t = walking dogs and washing cars


i = delivering news papers


Next clue is hidden _________________





2. What is the name of his sailboat?


n = snark


o = shark


a = spark


next clue is hidden ___________________





3. what does a Harbor Master do?


b = keeps the harbor free of sharks


t = is like a water cop


h = master of all the ships in the harbor


next clue is hidden _______________





4. What can shift and change the sea bottom?


r = earth quakes


g= tidal waves


h = hurricanes


next clue is hidden _________________





5. How were the treasure hunters looking for the treasure?


e = diving


s = digging


y= with radio waves


next clue is hidden _______________________





6. What did Chris say about respecting the sea?


b = never turn your back to the sea


d = it's always bigger than you


t = it's unpredictable


next clue is hidden____________________





7. What looks like whale bones?


r = the sides of a sunken boat


o = a whale - duh


b = dinosaur bones


next clue is hidden _________________





8. Who would the treasure belong to?


m = finders keepers , loser weepers


a = no one- it goes in a museum


y = the state of Connecticut


next clue is hidden ________________





9. why is the town called Swallows Bay?


t = a long time ago a sailor was choking and the crew chanted "Swallow!! Swallow! Swallow!" the name just stuck.


e = named after the ship that sank in the bay.


h= lots of swallows nest in the cliffs during spring.


next clue is hidden ____________





10. Why did Tony dive down to the bottom when he saw the sunken Swallow?


r = he was trying to find his shoe


s = he was trying to find his watch


n = he was trying to find his compass








Snack/Dinner: Enjoy nice warm bowl of chowder and talk about the book. What would the boys have done differently than Tony- if anything.


What would they have spent $300 on?


Would they have made a deal with the treasure hunters?

The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Catling

Basic Outline:
Energy Game: Kick the Can
Incentive Game: Answer questions and earn chocolate coins
Snack: Prepare a chocolate fondue or simply make chocolate pudding with an assortment of foods to dip into
Compare & Contrast this story to classic story: King Midas' Golden Touch
(If you wanted to incorporate some scouting electives - talk about junk foods, elective 9d for Bears, or the food pyramid for Wolves!)

Energy Game:
Pg 44 Story mentions Kick the Can
How to Play the Kick the Can Game
Step 1 Gather a group of people to play. The game works best if there are at least four people.

Step 2 Draw straws to decide on who will be the ruler. The ruler will guard the ball to begin with. It is the job of the ruler to capture all the players.

Step 3 Choose the player to kick the ball. This player will kick the ball as far as he or she can, and the ruler must chase it and return it to the original spot.

Step 4 Scatter. All players must scatter to find hiding spots before the ruler places the ball back in the original spot.

Step 5 As ruler, hunt to capture players after replacing the ball. If the ruler sees a player hiding behind a tree, he or she will call their name and run to tag the ball.

Step 6 Race to the ball. The player who was called runs to beat the ruler back to the ball. If they succeed, they must kick the ball to run and hide again. If they do not beat the ruler back to the ball, they are captured.

Step 7 Free anyone captured. When the ruler is not looking, or if a player is able to get close enough, a player can run and kick the ball, thus freeing all the captured players. But, be careful, if the ruler beats the player to the ball, that player is now captured

Step 8 Capture everyone as the ruler. When everyone is captured, the ruler has done their job, and game play starts over. The job of the ruler now goes on to the first person who was captured.
(directions from eHow.com)

Book Talk/ Incentive questions: ( pass out chocolate coins for each right answer!)
1. What is John's one bad fault? (p2 pig about candy)
2. What makes his parents suspect he's had too much candy? (p5 red spot on his nose.)
3. What kind of complications come from eating too much chocolate? (no room for good food.)
4. What is the name of John's sister? (Mary)
5. What was the first thing to turn into chocolate? (toothpaste)
6. Why did john kick the hammer of the doctors hand? ( to prove he could kick harder.)
7. Why did john go to bed so early? ( so he could sneak his chocolate)
8. How much chocolate was in the box? (one small piece)
9. Why did John eat his glove? (pg 28)
10 What did John change into chocolate at school? ( silver dollar, pencil, water, lunch, fork trumpet.)
11. How does John try to eat differently?
12. When did it stop being fun? (During the test.. or when he was thirsty)
13. What was the last straw for John? ( turning his mom into chocolate.)
14. What did the doctor diagnose it? Craniums Disease or Chocolatitis
15 Whose fault, or who is to blame for his chocolate condition?
16. How was the magic broken?
17 Why do you think the sign changed from "for sale" to "Sold"?

Snack: Let the boys dip different items in chocolate.
Banana's , strawberries, pretzels, graham crackers, and strange things too... cheese, chips, carrots, etc.. talk about what it would be like to have chocolatitis.

While boys are enjoying their snack/dessert- read classic story book aloud. Compare this modern story with the classic fairytale.



Extend: Have the boys pick a classic fairytale and have them write a modern version.. it would be interesting to hear and have boys share their stories the next book club.

Marvin Redpost- Super Fast by Louis Sachar

This book I highly recommend for reluctant readers! Written at a 2.5 reading level and with only 79 pages Louis Sachar fills every page with humor as Marvin faces his worst fears.

Summary:

Poor Marvin. The word at school is Marvin is riding down Suicide Hill on Saturday. Riding down Suicide Hill is scary enough, without adding the fact that Marvin can't even ride his new mountain bike. The truth is, he can barely climb on! So who started this rumor and what will his classmates think if he chickens out? Does he have what it takes to face his fear? Does he even want to?

(This would be a great book for scouters! Bike safety requirement 9e for Wolves, Ride Right for Bears pg 118.)

Basic Outline: Play Wizzle Fish Tag while waiting for all Book club members

Go for a bike ride: make sure everyone has helmets.

Book Talk

Game: Wizzle Fish Tag pg 15-16

(I've never heard of this game. If it is a real game and you know it- feel free to play it. Or you can play my version.)

Give each boy two paper plates.

Toss a few paper plates around in your yard or playing field.

Boys use their plates as a Frisbee to toss and tag people out. Plates that are on the ground can either be picked up and tossed OR can be used as a "base" a safe place to rest. To stand on a base- you MUST have a plate in hand to toss. (In other words: no "camping" on plates.) Run around and gather plates to toss, while dodging other people's attempts to get you out. If a boy is standing on a base, once they toss a plate they must run. They can pick up the "base" plate and move to another space.

So bases and boys are always on the move! Last boy standing- wins!

ACTIVITY: Make sure to review bike safety before you head out on your bike ride. You can just let the boys go around the block, or you can meet at a park with a bike trail and have a longer ride. If you plan on a longer ride, make sure to bring water and a snack of trail mix would be a great treat.

* You can use extra treats as rewards for answers to your book questions.

Book Talk: Your book talk can be done before you ride, while you stop for water breaks along longer bike rides or at the end of your ride. ( Or throughout the whole trip!)

1. Who is the main character? Marvin

2. Who are his best friends? Nick & Stuart

3. How did the rumor of riding down suicide hill begin?

4. What did Linzy, Marvin's sister, want to play?

5. What does frolic mean? pg 19

6. What was Jacob's advice about riding down Suicide hill?

7. What was Linzy afraid of?

8. How did Marvin encourage her to be brave?

9. How did he encourage himself to be brave- when he started down Suicide Hill?

10. Why did the Police Officer come to his school?

General Topic to discuss: Peer Pressure

What is peer pressure?

Do you ever feel pressured by friends or parents to do things?

Talk about the good and bad of peer pressure.

What do you think about the end of the story?

What is a fear or challenge you have faced?

Are you a golden unicorn?? (just kidding)

The Landry News

Mr. Larson is perhaps the worst teacher in the world. Instead of teaching, he prefers to read a newspaper and drink coffee. One day Mr. Larson notices a newspaper published by a new student in his class! As he reads the one page-handwritten newspaper he finds an unfavorable review of his teaching style. Cara Landry not only criticise his methods of "no teaching" but proposes that the real teachers in the classroom- the students- be paid his salary! This newspaper turns into a class project that might just get Mr. Larson fired- finally!

This book really is more like a "HOW to start your own paper- with a plot along the side" type book. Great book to read over a vacation break- when your child might have more time to devote to starting his own paper with his friends!

Go on a field trip to where a local paper is made. (Arrange in advance.) See the real process and ask real reporters questions about their jobs.
(Great book if you have scouters working on Bears Information, Please achievement or Jot it Down achievement pg 136-145 OR Webelo Communicator Requirements pg 177.)

Discuss the first Landry paper Editorial. Was that brave? Smart? Gutsy- or just dumb?
What are the qualities of a reporter or journalist? (pg 16)
What about the topic of Truth and Mercy? Is it important to have both- or does truth always win?

Is there a heart to a newspaper? (p 41)
What are some steps to starting your own paper? ( pg 56)
List Positive- Neutral - Negatively charged words. Have you ever thought about that? Does that change the way you want to talk, write from now on? What power do words hold on influencing people? Expressing ideas?
What are some column ideas from the book? (pg 93) What are some of your own column ideas?

Start your own paper- What is the name? What is the heart of your paper?

Million Dollar Strike by Dan Gutman

Bowling might not be the coolest sport in their town- but two friends, Ouchie and Squishy are motivated to save their favorite bowling alley from City Council. They motivate the owner invest and restore the alley, even host a Million Dollar Strike contest to help revive the bowling interest. Just when things start to look bright, the most nightmarish scenarios start coming to life. Someone-or something wants Bowl-a-Ramas doors to close forever!

Ideas for activities with this book:
Go on a field trip to a local bowling alley!
Create your own "disco-glow" bowling in your home- if you don't live near an alley.
(Great if your boys are working on the Cub Scout Bowling belt loop.)

Book Club Questions to Discuss:
Do you believe in Fate?
Does it matter what we do?
Did Ouchie really get a strike? (What do you think?)
Was the ending fair? Is life always fair? Should life be fair?
How would you have handled what happened if you were Ryan (Ouchie)?

Million Dollar Putt by Dan Gutman

Edward Bogard (Bogie) seems like a typical-spunky kid. He likes to tell jokes, ride bikes, play his guitar and finds out that he is even pretty good at golf. He's not afraid to try new things, but he does get stage fright if asked to perform in public. What makes him different is Bogie is blind! Yup.. blind. He can't see the ball when it's by his feet or see where it falls... Blind golfing is a team sport and Bogie has his friend be his eyes and coach him through the holes. Yet when he is mysteriously entered in the local golf tournament, with a million dollar prize Bogie has to decide if he is willing to put his stage fright aside and go for the big bucks.

I loved this book- so many elements you can extend to hands-on activities.
Ideas for different Activities to do with your book club:

Teach the kids 3 guitar cords and play "Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam.." (pg 114)
Go play some mini -golf.

Do some challenges- blind- simple every day tasks. (make a pb-j sandwich, get dressed- blind.)
Go to a museum and look at miniature models of things... (models like Birdie makes pg 21)

Have the kids make a miniature model of something.

Go to a golf course and shoot a bucket of balls.
(Great book if your scout is working on the Golf Sports Belt Loop!)
Set up a mini- golf course in your house or back-yard

After your activity: Enjoy a treat- "Shaved Ice" and talk about some topics in the book.

"Shave ice" - if you don't live in Hawaii or a place that sells shaved ice there are machines you can buy to make shave ice. OR- try freezing an ice block inside an old container. ( sour cream container for example.) Pop the ice out and use your grater to grate small slivers of ice. (you will probably have to wear gloves.) Maybe use a food processor or blender? Flavor with your favorite juice.

Which character do you relate most to? and why? (Birdie- are you hesitant to try new things?, Bogie- you like to tackle new challenges? Hunter- very competitive and sometime you forget about other people's feelings?)

How does Bogie handle bullies at school?

What lesson can we learn from Bogie?

What job does Bogie's dad do? Would you like that job? Why?

Why did Bogie's father hate golfing?

What helps him change his mind?

Million Dollar Shot by Dan Gutman

Basic Outline:
Play some basketball type games. HORSE and Knock-Out
Book Talk
Snacks

(Would be a great book to read while working on cub scout Basketball Belt Loop program!)
Prepare: Gather ingredients for your own versions of “Finkles“ .
Pg 17 gives a brief description of how to make one…
Need peanuts, chocolates, marshmallows and your favorite pancake mix.
Make a pancake and then sprinkle peanuts, chocolate and marshmallows on it. Roll it up and serve warm.

Energy Game:
Play a game of HORSE- as described in the book. Play a few time until all boys are present.
Play another basketball game- Knock-Out.
Boys line up at the free throw line. You need 2 basketballs for this game. The first person in line takes a free-throw. If he makes it- he moves to the back of the line. If he misses- he rebounds the ball for himself and takes shots anywhere on the court he would like. Meanwhile- after his missed shot.. The next boy in line tries to throw a free-throw. If he makes it… the first boy is “knocked- out” of the game and cheers the rest of the boys on.
So you have two boys shooting at the same time.
If the first boy makes his shot first. The second boy still continues to shoot. The first boy passes his ball to the next person in line at the free-throw line. This boy tries to sink a free-throw and “knock out” second boy.
You continue playing until there is only one boy left… he’s knocked out all his opponents.

Book Talk-
1. You and a friend have 3 minutes to come up with an original poem about Finkles - now that you’ve tasted one.
Share your poem with the group. (This should get a few laughs.) Then have each boy line up and see if they could make a free-throw under pressure. Would they have won the million dollars?
2. What do you think about George Finkles attempts to weasel out of paying a million dollars? What were some of the ways he tried to prevent Eddie?
3. Is that realistic that Anne wouldn’t want to take the million dollar shot? She wrote the winning poem, why didn’t she want the money? Is that believable? (pg 39)
4. Did you try any tips on improving your foul-shot?(pg. 48)
5. Would you take Finkles offer and miss the shot on purpose? Would you keep his offer a secret from your parents? (pg 66) Should you keep secrets from your parents?
6. What did you think of the end of the book? Did you like how the author made you wait for the end? Did it add suspense?
7. What would you do with a million dollars?

The Kid Who Ran For President by Dan Gutman

Basic Outline:
Book Talk
Snacks- lemonade

Ideas & Preparation:
Gather items for obstacle course.
Make Lemonade.
Have a Lemonade stand.
Set up a “Presidential Relay”.

Energy Game:
Have two sets of white shirt, tie, and men’s shoes
Divide boys into two teams. Boys have to go through an obstacle course and put on the clothes then run to the their team. Next boy in line puts on the “presidential clothes” and runs the course. When they get to the end of the obstacle course they take clothes off and run back to their team while tagging the next boy. Boys alternate putting the clothes on and off, while running the obstacle course.
Ideas for obstacle course could be jump over things, zig and zag between things, toss items, etc.

(Other book club ideas can be found in the Cub Scout Citizenship Belt Loop and Academic Pin requirments. Things like going to the Polls with parents and talking about the right to vote, visit a local site of government and interview someone who is involved with the governemntal process, etc.. )

Book Talk-
1. How does Politics change a person? June Syers said , “It rips your heart out and puts a stone in its place.” What do you think she means?
2. What is the first thing you have to do to run for President? (pg 15 make a petition with signatures of registered voters…)
3. What are the two parties Republican or Democrat in favor of? (Republicans are against government having too much power, Democrats are in favor of a strong government system. Pg 27)
4. Which party did Judd pick? (started his own party- the Lemonade Party. Pg. 63)
5. What is the first rule of politics? Pg 75 (Give the people what they want.)
Is it right that Judd make promised he cannot keep? Do you think real politicians do this?
6. Have you ever watched a real Presidential Debate? How does it compare to Moons debate. (pg 122)
7. Did the end surprise you? Would you want to be president?
8. Did you try to peek in the back of the book ?

Field Trip ideas: If you live near the Washington D.C area- what better field trip than visit the White House and other sites!

How to Train a Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Supplies:
Dragon Fliers (from Oriental Trading Company)
Marker
stickers
Brown grocery sack for each boy- Viking hat
stapler

OPENING ENERGY ACTIVITY:
Help each boy make a “Viking” triangle hat out of a brown paper bag. Staple “horns” (card stock horns) to the hat and write the Vikings name on it.

FEATS OF STRENGTH-- have the boys pair up and do these different wrestling activities.
Have two boys face each other and put their hands on each other’s shoulders. Draw a line in between them. Have the boys try to push the other boy and cross the line. Then next round- have them try to pull the other boy across the line.

Have boys face each other and hold RIGHT hands. Then have each boy hold his own left ankle with left hand. Boys try to get their opponent off balance by pushing and pulling with their right hands.

Partner each boy up and have them sit down, back to back. Have them link their arms at the elbow. Working together- by pushing on each others back- see if they can get into a standing position.
(More partner physical activities can be found in Cub scouting books. Wolf pg 39-45, Bear pg 131-135, Webelos pg 139-141.)

ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS
Once ALL the boys are in attendance and have had a chance to get some of their energy out… start the official ..

Thorsday Thursday Celebration!
How Many Gulls’ Eggs Can You Eat In A Minute?-
If you own a jello- Easter Egg mold- make Jello Eggs, other wise just boil regular eggs.
Ugliest Face Contest- Have boys take turns to stand in front of the group and make an ugly or silly face.
Final Initiation Test- Give each boy a Dragon Flier to decorate and assemble. Boys get to name their dragon and practice flying them. Let the boys throw their dragons and see whose can fly the farthest.

CONVERSATION STARTERS:
Have you ever felt like Hiccup?
What would you do to train your dragon?
What was your favorite part of the book?
What surprised you?
Who was your favorite character?
Did you enjoy the book?
If not- what would have made it better?

Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo

Things to gather for this Book club meeting:
Pictures of the Sistine chapel.
Pocket knife and permission from parents
Bar of soap for each boy.
(Check out whittling books from library for examples, pictures, safety tips and ideas. You could ask around and see if any Scout leaders in your area know how to whittle this is an achievement for BEARS in cub scouts.- have them come and demonstrate. I am not a whittling expert so I am going to do this.)
Mac-n-cheese for snack
Reward for the incentive game: gum balls. (In the book they talk about "eight ball gum".)

ENERGY & INCENTIVE GAME:
Set up an obstacle course- could be a simple route as run around the mailbox and back or as complex as you would like with props. Have the boys run through the course and back- first three get to answer questions and win a gumball if they answer right. If they answer wrong... another boy can answer and win a gum ball. Ask three questions and set them off running again. Repeat until all questions are asked. (Make it so all the boys have a chance to answer questions. That might mean, making the fastest 3 boys sit out on the last few runs.)

Where does Rob Horton live? In a Hotel/motel
What is the name of the hotel? Kentucky Star
Why is it named that? It is named after a horse the owner once had.
Why does Sistine dress the way she does?
Bullies- how does Rob deal with bullies?- he doesn't fight back, he waits for them to get bored and leave him alone or he runs.
How does Sistine deal with bullies?- She fights them, sometimes she even starts the fights first.
What does Robs father think he should do? fight back
What would you do?
Why does Rob and his father eat Mac-n-cheese a lot? Robs mom died and that is about all his father knows how to cook.
Why does Rob get kicked out of school? the rash on his legs.
What kind of jobs does Rob do around the Motel? Sweeping, cleaning up, weeding, feeding the tiger...
Who is Willie May? Motel housekeeper
How does Willie May explain the rash on Robs legs? sadness bottled up inside
What is Sistine secret? Why is she mad all the time? Her father left her and her mother.
What is Robs "suitcase"? What does he keep inside it?= He bottles up all his feelings, keeps all his feelings inside- like packing them inside a suitcase so he won't feel ...sad.. or happy.
Sistine was willing to do what to miss school? Rub her hands on Robs legs and try to catch his rash. What would you do?
Why doesn't Rob wish on stars? He's afraid he starts wishing... he'll never be able to stop.
What are some things Rob is sad about? His mom dying, his rash, moving, not having friends, any thoughtful answer is right.
Beauchamp didn't name the tiger- what would you name it? or Would you name it? any answer is correct.
Willie May describes Sistine and Rob by emotions... what two emotions? Angry and sorrow What emotion would she use to describe you?
What did Willie May mean- when she said the Tiger rising up out of the cage and how Robs sadness needed to rise up out of his legs. What do you think that means? Rob needs to let the hurt go... and so he thinks he needs to let the tiger go too.
What happened to the tiger in the end of the book? Rob's dad shot it.

Now that the boys are good and tired- let them chew their gum. (I wouldn't let them chew it while running the course- they might choke.)

ACTIVITY:
Sit the boys down and talk about Whittling.
Stress the importance of listening and following instructions while using the pocket knives.
Let the boys work on their soap or wood.

SNACK:
Mac n cheese
You can talk more about the book while they snack.
Show them the pictures of the Sistine Chapel. Did they know what that was before?

Talk about topics mentioned in the book: Boys might not want to talk about their feeling-
or bullies. But this might be a good opportunity to help boys see their options if they have ever been bullied.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single engine plane in which he is flying in- crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother has given him as a present. With only the dreadful secret that caused his parent's divorce to keep him company Brian has no time for anger, self-pity, or despair. It will take all his know -how and determination and more courage than he knew he possessed to survive.

If you have scouters this series would be great for Boys learning camping skills, the Boy Scouts Mountaineering Merit Badge and Hiking Requirements pg 263, Webelos Outdoorsman Hiking requirements pg 362, or page 107 for Bears- go on a Hike with your family.

Basic Outline

Energy Game: Host a Camp Out or Go on a Hike.

Snack: MRE meal, smores over a fire/ or grill

Review the book while you eat

Activity: Assemble Personal First Aid Kits

Energy: Let the boys set up camp. Give them tarps, cords, and construct their own shelter. Is it waterproof? Is there enough room for all the boys? This could be for an actual camp-out or just an activity for the evening.

If you go on a hike- bring your MRE meal along. Stop some point to rest- eat and review the book out in nature!

Review Book:

Some Topics from the Book

First Aid- What would you do if.... someone was having a heart attack? If someone got hit by a car? If a friend fell down while skateboarding and broke his wrist? Review some possible situations.

Positive Thinking vs Self Pity- what was more productive for Brian? What are some examples of this in the book? (pg 82) How do struggles and trials make you stronger? Have the boys share some examples.

How important is Fire? Have you ever thought about that before? What does having fire mean to Brian?

"Important Firsts"- Brian remembers important First lessons he's learned. Do you have any important firsts? First time you learned how to ride a bike? First time water skiing? etc..

Take Home Activity: First Aid Kits

Have items :

Adhesive bandages

sterile gauze pads 3x3

adhesive tape

soap

antiseptic

scissors

pencil and paper

bag to hold items- could be a school binder pencil pocket with zipper.

(If your boys are in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts use their books as references. Boy Scout handbook: 287 First Aid, BEARS pg 96, Webelo pg 367. Boys can pass off electives during book club activities!)

Our camp out turned into a "camp in" because of weather. We let the boys try their hand at a Bow & arrow- knocking down cardboard rabbits and played board games.

If your boys liked Hatchet- be sure to follow Brian's adventures in Brian's Winter, The River and Brian's Hunt.

Frindle by Andrew Clements

Brief Outline:
Make Book Club t-shirts for the year.
Play chess
Book Talk

Make Book Club t-shirts for the year
This is a fun activity that is keeps the boys busy while you wait for all boys to arrive. Book club T-shirts help the boys feel like they are apart of a real club. Plus they come in handy for future book club field trips.

( I used pre-washed White-T shirts and prepared the shirts with fabric paint and a sliced potato to make the face shapes. That way, on book club day boys just decorated their face with eyes, hair, optional hat. The trick is .. they had to decorate a face on each T-shirt! So I set it up in an assembly line. Half the boys worked on shirts while the other half played Chess. As T-shirt boys finished up they rotated and played chess. Everyone had a turn to play chess & decorate faces on each shirt.)

Play Chess
I was surprised. I didn't think my 9 year old would be able to sit still long enough to learn the rules of Chess but he loves it! As boys arrive- I sent them to the T-shirt station first. Only 2-3 boys at the T-shirt so the remainder of them played Chess first. If you don't have a chess set- don't worry. I found a site that has printable pieces and game boards. Make enough so each boy can take a set home and play with his family!
Printable Chess: www.derose.net/steve/resources/papers

(Below is what the print outs look like: )

(The boys in my group are also in Cub Scouts- learning to play Chess is an Academic Belt Loop. So not only did they learn a new game, have fun at book club, they also earned a belt loop in scouting! Check out the requirements for belt loops on http://www.scouting.org/CubScouts/Awards/Adults/sanda.aspx.)

Book Talk
After everyone has had a chance to complete their faces on all the T-shirts and play chess, I gathered them around to talk about the book. (I made "Muddy Buddies", but you can provide chips, cheese & crackers, pretzels, just light finger foods to snack on while boys discuss.)

Is Mrs. Granger a hard teacher? a strict teacher compared to yours?
Do you have to do your homework right after school like Nick? Let the boys talk about when they do homework.
What inspired Nick to make up a new word? Have you ever made up a word? (If one of your boys has younger siblings ask them to share about words babies make up.)
Do you think Nick did anything wrong or disrespectful?
After the boys have played a little chess- ask them to compare the struggle with Nick and making/using the word "frindle" to a chess game. Does that make more sense now?(pg 54) You can read or have one of the boys read this section of the book.
Were you surprised in the end that Mrs. Granger was really trying to help Nick all along? Do you believe that? How did she help him along?