Final United We Read Activity

For the final activity of United We Read 2013 at CHS, a class of 4th grade students from Alma Schrader Elementary visited the CHS Library to have a book discussion with high school students.  The 4th graders had been reading A Dog's Life by Ann M. Martin to go along with the book A Dog's Purpose for older readers.  The class arrived at the high school in the morning and took a tour of the halls, a science lab classroom, our new performance hall, and the library (of course!).  After that, 2 classes of high school students came in and were paired up with an elementary student to have a discussion.  For each question, the students were given a certain amount of time to take turns answering and discussing their opinions, experiences, etc.  This was a great thing for the younger students because each of them were able to share their story and connections to the text.  Unfortunately, in your regular every-day classroom, this can't happen  because of all of the things that have to fit into a day.  The 4th graders really enjoyed getting to talk with a "cool" high schooler. 

The 4th grade class also brought in a LOT of donations for our local animal shelters, The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri and Safe Harbor.  We combined those with the donations that the CHS staff members had already made and were able to come up with quite a nice pile! 

Donations collected by CHS staff and 4th graders

Teacher's Pet Display

I've been WAY busy with United We Read activities, so I apologize for not posting lately.  In relation to the book A Dog's Purpose, I created a new display outside of the library entitled "Teacher's Pet" and it features all the adorable cuteness you could ever need! :)  Several teachers responded to my request for photos of their pets and then I added stuffed animals and pet-related books in the bottom of the display.  Here it is!



United We Read (Community Read) Book Announcement!

 

The book I have chosen for this year's United We Read program is...

A Dog's Purpose: a Novel by W. Bruce Cameron

 



Book Summary (from goodreads.com):  This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?
Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog.
But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders—will he ever find his purpose?
Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.   

 

 

W. Bruce Cameron started his writing career as a humor columnist for the Denver Rocky Mountain News.  He is a Benchley award winner for humor and was the 2011 NSNC Newspaper Columnist of the Year.  He has written for TV (the show “8 Simple Rules” was based on his book) and co-wrote the feature film “40 Happens”,  which is to be released in 2014.  This novel, A Dog’s Purpose, spent 48 weeks on the NY Times Bestseller list.  DreamWorks is developing it as a film and he and his writing partner, Cathryn Michon, wrote the screenplay.  The sequel, A Dog’s Journey, was published May 6, 2012, and was instantly a NY Times Bestseller.  His new novel, The Dogs of Christmas, will be published in the Fall of 2013. 

 

Here is the corresponding website:

 

http://www.adogspurpose.com/

I feel that this is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages, and even to those who don't always enjoy reading.  Who doesn't love dogs?! After reading the book for myself, I recommended it to everyone.  The choice was announced to the staff at CHS right before Christmas break and several have given me positive feedback already.  My family members each received a copy for Christmas and are in the process of reading the book now.  I am ordering several more copies for the library, and we have 6 Nooks with the title available for reading.  Please see me if you are interested in reading this wonderful book!  Keep an eye out for updates relating to the Community Read/United We Read program at CHS Library.  We will be doing events/activities during the month of February relating to the story.

This is the website created for our event:

http://www.cape.k12.mo.us/chs/library/2013_united_we_read.htm