The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

My fifth grade book group has just finished reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi. Our discussion this morning was exiting. Everyone wanted to contribute their ideas about the ending of the book. I won't give away the ending here, but I can assure you its an intriguing ending. Our group is now grappling with some of the important themes in the book and are choosing a theme to develop. Students have selected among the following themes: gender, power and abuse of power, friendship and social class. The first step of documenting their ideas and obtaining feedback from members of the group happened today. I am really looking forward to reading their next entries in their reader's notebooks.
This book was challenging to read-especially the first third of the book. The vocabulary and historical context made the fifth grade readers work very hard during this section of the book. Some students wondered if all that hard work would pay off and if it would end up eventually being enjoyable to read the book. Based on the excited conversation this morning, I would say that all are in agreement that the book is certainly an engaging and meaningful experience. Anna wrote in her reader's notebook: "This was the best book EVER! It's a story I will never forget. I wish there was: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle 2. "