Saturday, March 28, 2015

the rules of survival (259 Pages)

The only thing better than finding forgotten money in a pocket, is finding a new book you forgot about for years. When there still was a Borders bookstore, I bought a paperback book that looked "interesting!" the rules of survival by Nancy Werlin, was discovered as I was cleaning and purging. I am so glad I rediscovered this National Book Award Finalist! It is a terrific read and screams for class discussion. Gee, I wish I was still a middle school ELA teacher! But this could be read as a book club read as well. My copy is in paperback and includes bonus material of possible discussion questions- lesson plans ready and waiting! Matt is the protective big brother of his two sisters. His mother is mentally ill/unbalanced, and is constantly varying her behaviors so that the children never know what to expect. PLEASE look into this book as a possibility for your classroom. It is sad, but offers hope at the end, and your students will LOVE it...(Boys & Girls!!)