en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:35:39 GMT 15 By Bianca Zayas
Once a month, the Mayor Daley Chicago Book Club meets after school to discuss significant themes from a selected book. The books are a mix of fiction and non-fiction that deal with a variety of issues. Teachers and students are open to share and relate their personal reactions and experiences with the reading. Many students are involved in this year’s club and the sponsors, Ms. Gaby and Ms. Babbin, participate and share stories of their own so members can learn more about them and the reading as well. This helps students have a clearer understanding of the novel and the important themes, situations, or dilemmas presented. All of the club members love reading about teenagers like us with similar problems. The first selection this year featured Looking for Alaska. This is one of the best teenage books because author, John Greene, really knows what he is doing. Sixteen year old Miles Halter grew tired of his boring life in Florida. He has always been interested in famous last words when he comes across Francois Raselais’ last words: “The Great Perhaps.” Miles figures his “Great Perhaps” is at boarding school in Alabama where he meets the smart, funny, gorgeous, Alaska Young. She spins him into her screwed up world, and he experiences drugs, sex, and love for the first time. The discussion of Looking for Alaska really brought out a different side of all the students. The story made them become more open-minded and understanding to the characters and to each other. The discussion forced students to examine their individual beliefs and the significance of secrets. Since that opening month, the club has read a variety of books including Candy by Kevin Brooks, Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier, and A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb. Stay tuned for updates on our newest selections, and the Battle of the Books Competition. ]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:33:00 GMT