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Well, many of our Year 7 classes are either preparing for, or delivering presentations for the completion of their literature circles this year. There have been some interesting results, including panel discussions of books, ‘live’ interviews with characters from the book, and portrayals of scenes within stories.

It has been great to see the animated discussions that have come about in these ‘Circles’ and to listen in on some of the discussions. One thing that has become very clear is that it is very inportant for everybody to be prepared for each session to be successful. And a few students have, indeed, been berrated by others when they have been less than prepared!

Comment about some of the things you have learnt or experienced during you particpation in this year’s Literature Circles? Have you read any great books lately? What books would you suggest for future Lit. Circles? Why do you think they would be useful in a book discussion situation?

In Freak the Mighty, by W. Rodman Philbrick, two unusual characters combine their unique features to overcome some of the daily obstacles of life. Individually, they are treated as outsiders by others, because of their weaknesses. Together, they gain strength from their shared ability.

As a story about the strength of friendship, family, intelligence and life, Freak the Mighty uses Max and Kevin to show some of the ways in which people react to difficult situations. In 1998, it was adapted as a movie, the Mighty, which should be available to hire today.

Why is Max convinced he does not have a brain? How important is it to have a positive image of yourself? How well does Max deal with the death of his friend?

Someone Like Me, by Elaine Forrestal, starts with the tale of Tas’ school life in which he seems to be destined to be constantly in trouble. Life changes for Tas, when a girl with a mysterious background moves in the farm next door.

As Tas learns more about Enya’s background, he becomes quite involved, and life isn’t quite the same for him anymore.

How does Tas deal with the violence he confronts within Enya’s family? How important is their friendship? In what ways do Tas and Enya change as the story progresses?

The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford, tells the tale of three animals as they struggle to journey back home from a wilderness location. The trio includes a feisty Siamese cat, a young Labrador and an old Bull Terrier - and they all have to use their instincts, to battle the threats of the wild, as they encourage each other on.

This tale is based on a true story, and emphasises the power of friendship and determination, in the face of hardship. It has also been made into a movie, titled Homeward Bound.

What were some of the tests the trio overcame? Do you think they would have succeeded alone? What friendship issues were raised in your Literature Circle discussions which you thought interesting? How well do you think the movie might show some of these ideas?

In Captain Mack, by James Roy, Danny struggles with bullies at school - just because he has a ‘wonky’ eye. As he struggles at school, it seems only his best friend, Caleb, is willing to stand by him.

When he meets ‘Captain Mack’, an eldery man in a retirement village, his focus changes. When he is with Mr McAuliffe, he has to look at things from a different point of view. ’Captain Mack’ thinks he is being held hostage in a wartime situation - a confusing situation for both Danny and ‘Captain Mack’.

How did Danny learn to stand up for himself? What did you learn about people from this story? What did you learn about friendships in Captain Mack?

Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson, begins in a dreary town where Jess Aarons aims to be the fastest runner in the local school. All seems well, until an unusual girl, Leslie, moves into a neighbouring house, which for a time creates great conflict for Jess.

After the initial period of strife, the two become friends and share their vast imaginations with each other; ultimately creating the world of Terabithia, a magic kingdom hidden deep in the woods. Here, they battle their demons (including perhaps, the bullies at school) and create their own kingdom - shared with no-one else.

What issues of friends and making friends do you think are important in this story? Have you been in any situations simliar to those faced by Jess, Leslie and other characters in the novel? Do you think you would have done anything differently?

The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, is set in a time and place very different to that of our world. And in some ways, the language and ideas within may be very challenging for students of 2007. However, the world it reveals is intriguing, as we try to understand why Mary behaves the way she does, and then see how her arrogant and sour behaviour is changed as she slowly befriends new children in a new location.

What do you think are the main triggers which change her character? How does the discovery of her sickly cousin, Colin, impact on her life? How does Dickon, the chambermaid’s son, manage to teach Mary a thing or two? What was the thing which impressed you the most in your Literature Circle on this story?

Dreamslip, by Brian Caswell, is a great story for those who love getting lost in different times and places in a book, and those who enjoy viewing a story from lots of different angles. The story is about twins who experience ‘dreamslips’, where they slip into other worlds and live other lives, which they remember when they wake up. Their shared experience is valuable when one of the twins doesn’t wake from a dreamslip. Then her twin has decide what he can do to help ‘bring her back’.

Things to consider in this story is how much you might do for a friend or relative you love - how much would you be willing to sacrifice? And where do you turn for help to understand your situation and what you might be able to do to ‘make things better’? What ideas did your Literature Circle opened up from this book?

Saving Abbie, by Allan Baillie, is a gentle and unusual novel for lovers of nature, animals and those who are environmentally conscious. Ian takes Abbie, his ‘pet orang-utan’ back to the jungles of Borneo to set her free, and comes across some major obstacles along the way.

What extremes of human emotions does the story portray? What sort of things do you think motivate those creating the environmental problems for the wildlife of Borneo? What do you see as the main challenges that Ian faces in this story? What issues did you find important in your Literature Circle on ‘Saving Abbie’?

Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry, introduces a world which is quite foreign to many students of today - even those who have some idea of the persecution of the Jews during World War II.

How hard do you think life was for both the Jews and those who had accepted them as friends in many countries of Europe? How might you have reacted in the same situations faced by Annemarie and her Jewish friend, Ellen? Would you have been as strong as Ellen’s family in standing up for her faith? Would you have risked your family’s safety for a friend, like Annemarie’s family did?

Consider these issues, and then add a comment on the main issues you discussed in your Literature Circle this term.

Part of the English program Year 7 follows each year involves a discussion of a selection of novels within a small group. Students are given a special role each week to take part in the discussion as they progress through the novel. These roles include a discussion director, illustrator, literary luminary,  vocabulary enricher, travel tracer, investigator, connector and summariser.

This year, selection of books has included Captain Mack, Someone Like Me, Freak the Mighty, Number the Stars, the Incredible Journey, Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh, Saving Abbie, Dreamslip, Secret Garden and Bridge to Terabithia (which is soon to be released as a movie). Stay tuned for comments on these discussions!

For those who have participated in Literature Circles, how has the experience been different from the normal discussion of class novels? Comment here…