Thursday, March 28, 2024

Novel Experience for Eubanks Students

A young boy finds out his family has moved into a house where the previous owner was murdered. A young girl discovers her true identity. A friendship is tested. Three orphaned siblings journey through time to dangerous and secret corners of the world. These are the themes behind the novels that Eubanks Intermediate School students are reading in book clubs this year.

Approximately 28 students meet bi-monthly in the school library for the Eubanks Book Club. Members share a passion for reading and enjoy sharing their thoughts with others in the group.

EIS librarian Lucy Drenka said, “When we meet, we simply discuss the book that we are currently reading and share recommendations with the other members of the club. I start the discussion and then toss a stuffed animal to the student who would like to speak – giving them the floor.”

“I love book club because book lovers get together and talk about the books that they have recently read,” sixth grader Nicholas Tornow said. “I’ve read several books that I never thought I would read because of book club.”

Sixth grader Natalie Gessner agreed, “I like book club because you see the different books that other people have read … it’s a fun way to be creative and be yourself.”

Club membership has its perks.

“When Tim Green visited our school, we got to sit in the front row and we sent him our picture. I can’t wait for our upcoming tour to Barnes and Noble. I will join book club again next year because I love it,” fifth grader Nadia Khalil said. 

“Members are also allowed to check out an additional book each time they visit the library, plus they are also the first to see the new books when they arrive in the library,” Drenka said.

The club has many exciting activities slated for 2013, including a meeting dedicated to sharing reader’s favorite books and treats.

“We’ll be sipping on cocoa and talking about how books warm our hearts, creating book trailers and viewing them at a popcorn party, visiting the Southlake Public Library, and sharing food items that are mentioned in books,” Drenka said. “It just doesn’t get better than that!”

Titles on member’s individual reading lists include:

  • Closed for the Season by Mary Downing Hahn
  • Deep Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn
  • Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
  • Serpent’s Shadow by Rick Riordan
  • Harry Potter and the Gobletof Fire by J.K. Rowling
  • The Hobbit by Tolkien
  • The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens
  • The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens
  • Middle School: The Worst Year of My Life James Patterson
  •  Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix
  • The Secret Ingredient by Laura Schaefer
  • Ungifted by Gordon Korman
  • The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Wonder by R.J. Palacio