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When I saw this, I knew immediately that we must have this. Even though this packet is not free – in my opinion – it’s more than worth the $8.99 that it cost. I have created question and writing prompts for novels before. I have attempted to do this for Charlotte’s Web – and you know what? It was a whole lot of work. Certainly, my time is worth a lot more than $8.99. I know it sounds bad, but I just don’t have time for it. If someone else loves doing it, uses good quality novels and makes the reading fun – I say “why not”. Why should I have to do all the work? I have enough to do myself. I’m looking to downsize – not make a bunch of busy work trying to create curriculum. I’m very honest with myself about my talents. I’m not a curriculum creator. I am a curriculum doer!

Originally, the author created this for her 6th graders who were struggling readers in order to develop essential literacy skills and become a better reader. This packet uses novels that are on level and will keep your child interested and engaged. The Novels that are covered are the following:

Because of Winn Dixie

Kate DiCamillo’s first published novel, like Winn-Dixie himself, immediately
proved to be a keeper — a New York Times bestseller, a Newbery Honor winner, the inspiration for a popular film, and most especially, a cherished classic

that touches the hearts of readers of all ages.

Chocolate Fever

Henry Green is a boy who loves chocolate. He likes it bitter, sweet, dark, light, and daily; for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks;

in cakes, candy bars, milk, and every other form you can possibly imagine.

Loser

From renowned Newbery-winning author Jerry Spinelli comes an incredible story about how not fitting in might just lead to an incredible life.

Just like other kids, Zinkoff rides his bike, hopes for snow days, and wants to be like his dad when he grows up. But Zinkoff also raises his hand with all the wrong answers, trips over his own feet, and falls down with laughter over a word like “Jabip.” Other kids have their own word to describe him, but Zinkoff is too busy to hear it. He doesn’t know he’s not like everyone else. And one winter night, Zinkoff’s differences show that any name can someday become “hero.”

The Boxcar Children

The Aldens begin their adventure by making a home in a boxcar. Their goal is to stay together, and in the process they find a grandfather.

Pleasing the Ghost

Newbery Medal winner and master storyteller Sharon Creech spins a wonderfully funny and tender tale. As nine-year-old Dennis confronts the ghost of his uncle Arvie, Arvie’s eccentric antics and wonderful wordplay keep the reader laughing. But at its tender heart, the story reveals the holes left in our lives when we lose the ones we love.

Young Cam Jensen – 3 Book Bundle – Grades 1-3

Young Cam Jensen and the Pizza Shop Mystery

Young Cam Jensen and the Missing Cookie

Young Cam Jenson and the Ice Skating Mystery

There is a lot of variety which will keep your child entertained.

Because of Winn Dixie

We started with Winn Dixie. It includes great questions getting at main characters, character interaction with each other, and also with the story. She has included great writing prompts that help them to think outside the box and the story. I think these unit studies do what they need to do – which is help the children understand detailed reading – and what points are important. It also helps them to understand character interaction.

Why we Like this Unit

You can buy the books – as they are all would be great additions to your personal library. Also, all these book are in our public library, both in print and in electronic format. We opted to get them in electronic format – as it’s easier to rent (everything can be done from home), there are NO LATE RETURN RENTAL FEES (big for us), and we can renew as many times as we want.

Each book is an independent unit. We can work at our own pace. We are doing 4-5 chapter chunks every week.

The kids work independently. I have put together a folder for each unit. My son can choose what he wants to read. I have given him the timeline and he can complete it as he sees fit. It’s truly a print and go. You print it out and they can go-go-go. As long as the chapter chunks are completed within a week – I could care less whether he does them on Wednesday, Friday, breaks them up or does it all at once. This is so good for building independence – which is what we really need. He needs to learn how to schedule his time and do assignments in a timely manner.

The books are of high quality and they are fun!

The unit is well worth the money.