Things Not Seen Trivia #12

What classic novel by H.G. Wells does Alicia read because of Bobby?

DUE DATE: March 22

Things Not Seen Trivia #11

Being an astronomer, what scientific phenomenon does Alicia’s dad compare Bobby to?

DUE DATE: March 21

Things Not Seen Trivia #10

How does Alicia figure out Bobby’s telling the truth when he tells her he’s invisible?

DUE DATE: March 20

Things Not Seen Trivia #9

Happy St. (Fitz)Patrick's Day!

When Bobby sees Alicia at the library for the second time, he overhears the book she’s listening to. What’s the title of that book and how does he know?

DUE DATE: March 19

Things Not Seen Trivia #8

Bobby says that he and which famous actor are “men of action”?

DUE DATE: March 16

Things Not Seen Trivia #7

Why does Bobby say, “fear doesn’t need doors and windows.”?

DUE DATE: March 15

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

This 552(!) page novel is a Printz Honor book for this year and is a fascinating and at the same time very distressing book to read. The book is about the Holocaust, and though it has very little in the way of graphic violence, I find most books about this time period to be distressing simply due to the nature of waht was happening. Adding to that, the narrator of this book is Death, a point of view which I have never encountered in a novel before. It's really an intriguing perspective. Dark, but very compelling. Death appears quite compassionate in this novel, not what one might think.

The story is set in Germany during World War II and when nine-year old Liesel, the main character, arrives at her foster home she does not know how to read. Despite this fact, she has begun her career as a book thief already, stealing the gravedigger’s manual from the graveyard where they buried her younger brother on the journey to her new home in Molching with Rosa and Hans Huberman.

Hans Huberman helps Liesel through this most difficult transition in her young life by teaching her to read, and via the Gravedigger’s Handbook she learns the power of words, a power which she will use to get not only herself through difficult times in a war torn country but also those in her neighborhood who must join her frequently in their air raid shelter. There, Leisel helps to calm everyone’s nerves by taking their minds off the bombing with the stories she reads aloud. Her sources for books are varied. A few she is given, like the one the Jewish refugee Max who is hiding in their basement makes for her, but others she steals, from Nazi book burnings and even from the mayor’s wife (well, she sort of steals these).

This beautifully written book is powerful and intense, but should be read only by mature readers because of the mature themes in the story.

Things Not Seen Trivia #6

Who is Bobby’s friend whose dad owns a funeral home?

DUE DATE: March 14

Things Not Seen Trivia #5

What room is Bobby’s mom in in the hospital and how does he find this out?

DUE DATE: March 13

Things Not Seen Trivia Contest update

Several students have participated in our trivia contest so far. Congratulations to:

Isaac M.
Josh M.
Haley T.
Jessica M.
Tim B.

for correct answers so far. All these students have earned entries into the special drawing for 5 tickets in our fundraiser drawing. There's still time for you to enter. Take a look at past postings, some of which can still be answered, and watch for new ones almost every day!

Also congratulations to Rachel W. who filled out a Quote Note and also has earned an entry into the special drawing. Every student who fills out a Quote Note will get an entry into the special drawing.

Things Not Seen Trivia #4

What is Bobby’s Aunt’s name who lives in Miami?

DUE DATE: March 9

Things Not Seen Trivia #3

Answer BOTH questions to be eligible for a ticket in the drawing and be sure to put the page numbers where you find the answers on your sheet.

1. Where does Bobby leave his clothes in the 5th floor bathroom?


2. Why does Bobby like the third floor at the library the best?


DUE DATE: March 8

The Hummingbird's Daughter - Urrea

This is a book for any parents out there who are reading my blog. Kids could read it, but I don't think many middle schoolers would enjoy it. It's a beautifully written historical fiction novel about Mexico in the 19th century centered on Teresita, a young woman who becomes a healer on a ranch in Mexico. Teresa clearly has a gift for healing and is called a saint by many of her followers, who swarm the ranch in legions, but she never accepts this title herself, remaining humble to the end of the story.

The book has religious and political themes woven throughout a compelling storyline with many surprises along the way. I constantly found myself gasping out loud as the events unfolded in ways I never expected. This story is based on the life of the great-aunt of author Luis Urrea, an author who has won awards for his non-fiction writing and who spent nearly twenty years researching this novel. This book was recommended to me by someone who was reading it for a book group, and if you have a book group, this would be a fascinating choice. the history alone is interesting, and there is a lot of richness to be discussed.

Enjoy!

Things Not Seen Trivia #2

What college/university is associated with the Regenstein Library? (only the name of the library is given in the book, you’ll have to research to find this answer)

BE SURE YOU INCLUDE PAGE NUMBER IN YOUR ANSWER (in this case, on what page is the library mentioned?)

DUE DATE: March 7

Things Not Seen Trivia Question #1

March 2 – Answer BOTH questions to be eligible for a ticket in the drawing

1. Bobby’s mom has a special “voice” she uses when she thinks Bobby is messing around. What does he call this “voice”?


2. Bobby’s dad has a favorite word he uses, especially when he gets excited. Bobby even suggests his dad needs a shock collar like they use on dogs to cure him of using the word. What is the word?

DUE DATE: March 5

Fill out your little blue answer sheet (cut one out from the bck of your activities handout) and turn it in to the library. More answer sheets avaiable in the library if you don't have any.

Congratulations Haley T. and Jessica M. and Isaac M. for your correct answers!