Classroom Read Aloud Selection:
(Check out the archives for previously reviewed books.)DuPrau, Jeanne. The Diamond of Darkhold.
c2008, 285 pages
Description/Genre:
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Review: This book is part of The City of Ember series. The main characters of Lina Mayfleet and Dean Harrow are once again on a mission.
The book The Diamond of Darkhold picks up months after Lina and Doon escaped the dying city of Ember. They’ve since become part of the community of Sparks, along with the rest of their towns people. However, their troubles are not over now that they live above ground. With the harsh winter upon them, Lina and Doon must go back underground to try and salvage anything from the old city to help them get through the winter. Then, they find a mysterious book. It is torn up and missing most of its pages, but the pages that are still intact seem to make Lina and Doon think of a mysterious device which they believe is still in Ember. Now as they go underground to scavenge, they are also in search of a device that they believe the builders left that will help them build their future.
This is the fourth book of Ember and it is filled with mystery, hope, and a desire to see the main characters succeed. Jeanne DuPrau has written an adventure packed sequel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Curriculum Connections:
The stories surrounding the city of Ember and the people of Sparks help to prompt discussions and writing activities of the science fiction/fantasy genre. Students love to compare their needs and wants as they discuss the adventures of Lina and Doon.
NYS Common Core Standards: English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5
RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).RL.5.6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described
Recommended Grade LevelGrade 5 and above (high level readers)
Snyder Zilpha Keatley. The Bronze Pen. c. 2009, 208 pages
Description:
Genre: Fantasy
Review: Audrey Abbott loves to write and hopes to one day be a famous writer. However, her father is very ill with a heart condition making it impossible for him to work. This puts a burden on Audrey’s mom who has to work to provide for the family. With many responsibilities, Audrey must put her writing second to helping care for her father. When time allows, Audrey would sneak off to write and one day comes upon an old women in a cave. This woman seems to be able to read Audrey’s thoughts. She gives Audrey an odd bronze pen. The woman warns Audrey to use the pen wisely. Soon Audrey begins to experience some odd happenings when she writes with the pen. She soon realizes what she writes with the pen becomes the truth. The saying to be careful what you wish for plays an important role in this story. Will the pen help Audrey save her father’s life or will the pen prove to be a curse?
Curriculum Connections:This book makes a wonderful read aloud. Comparing and contrasting realistic fiction and fantasy makes for a lively discussion. Students can pull out the realistic elements of this story and connections to their own lives. Having students identify the fantasy elements of this story is also beneficial. Another great discussion prompt is discussing the difference between needs and wants. As writers, students could be prompted to write about what they would do if they had a magical pen that would grant their wishes.
NYS Common Core Standards: English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5
RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).W.5.1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information. W.5.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
Awards: I am not aware of any awards to date.
Recommended Grade Level: Grade3-5 is suggested. I believe 5+.
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