Albie is going into fifth grade and has always been told that he is almost successful. School is a struggle for him, as is making new friends. When he is forced to attend a public school, he is faced with the challenges of math club, spelling and reading difficulties, and tough decisions about which classmates to trust. Ultimately, he must decide whether or not being "cool" is worthwhile. With the help of a new nanny and an inspirational math teacher, Albie begins to discover that there are many things he does know after all.
This is a powerfully reflective book and one without easy, happy solutions. It will lead to many class discussions about the way that we treat one another and about how and why people are persistent despite major disappointments. One of the book's most memorable quotes, "You can't get where you're going without being where you've been," will make an especially poignant springboard for writing and conversation. Students could even create their own "Things I Know" lists after reading the book's final chapter!
No comments:
Post a Comment