5/5 BELL RINGER #18  Create a KWL chart for Neal Shusterman (the author of our lit. circle novels) where K is for what you know, W is what you want to know, and L is what you learned.  You should write for the full amount of time given.  Note, the L column will not be filled out until the end of class today. KWL

HOUSEKEEPING  3 rd Quarter Book Collection  If you didn’t come prepared, there will be more opportunities to return your book. Bring it to class next time.  Home Learning: Read section 7 of lit. circle novel & complete one activity on novel study choice board #1  Catch-up following my absence. Remember, you were told: “ I am responsible for finishing Friday’s class work (Read Section 4-5 & complete one box on the novel study choice board #1) by the start of class on 5/5” as early as 4/27 (last Monday) & it was written on your calendar & the blog.  Teacher read aloud The Color of My Words

NEAL SHUSTERMAN AUTHOR STUDY

AUTHOR’S LIFE  He grew up in Brooklyn, New York  Shusterman began writing at an early age, inspired by his 9 th grade English teacher, who challenged him to write a short story a month for extra credit  After spending his junior and senior years of high school at the American School of Mexico City, Neal went on to UC Irvine  In college, he wrote a successful humor column  Shusterman comments “Having an international experience changed my life, giving me a fresh perspective on the world, and a sense of confidence I might not have had otherwise”  Within a year of graduating, he had his first book deal, and was hired to write a movie script

AUTHOR’S LIFE  Shusterman has made his mark as a successful novelist, screenwriter, and television writer  His books have received many awards from organizations such as the International Reading Association, and the American Library Association, as well as multiple state and local awards across the country.  Shusterman’s talents range from film directing to writing music and stage plays  He has even tried his hand at creating Games, having developed three successful “How to Host a Mystery” game for teens

AUTHOR’S LIFE  Much of his fiction is traceable back to stories he tells to large audiences of children and teenagers — such as his novel The Eyes of Kid Midas  Degrees in both psychology and drama give Shusterman a unique approach to writing  His novels always deal with topics that appeal to adults as well as teens, weaving true-to-life characters into sensitive and riveting issues, and binding it all together with a unique and entertaining sense of humor  Shusterman lives in Southern California with his four children, who are a constant source of inspiration

BOOKS Series:  Dark Fusion  Darkness Creeping  Skinjacker Trilogy  Star Shards  The Unwind Dystology Fiction:  The Shadow Club (1988)  Dissidents (1989)  Speeding Bullet (1991)  Mutiny (1996) [writing as Easton Royce ]  The Shadow Club Rising (2003)  The Schwa Was Here (2004)  Antsy Does Time (2008)  Ship Out of Luck (2013)  Tesla's Attic (with Eric Elfman) (2014)

BOOKS Collections:  Mindquakes: Stories to Shatter Your Brain (1996)  Mindstorms: Stories to Blow Your Mind (1996)  Mindtwisters: Stories To Shred Your Head (1997)  Mindbenders: Stories to Warp Your Brain (2000) Non-Fiction:  Guy Talk (1987)  It's Ok to Say No to Cigarettes and Alcohol (1988)  Neon Angel: The Cherie Currie Story (1989) with Cherie Currie  Kid Heroes: True Stories of Rescuers, Survivors, and Achievers (1991)

BOOKS Poems:  Shadows of Doubt (1993)) Essays:  Afterword: Where They Came From (Mindquakes: Stories to Shatter Your Brain) (1996)  Where They Came From (2000)  Foreword (Darkness Creeping: Twenty Twisted Tales) (2007)

GENRES  Neal Shusterman is a multi-genre writer whose works include screenplays, stage plays, music, games, and of course, award winning books for young adults  His style ranges from clever and witty to dark and satirical, depending which of his books you pick up  He’s had lots of time to come up with stories that appeal to everyone as evidenced in his huge catalog of over thirty works:  Biographies  Fantasies  science fiction  Thrillers  realistic fiction  short stories  horror/supernatural  and humorous tales

STORY THEMES  While many of Shusterman’s novels broach sensitive or edgy topics, he approaches his writing as a father and handles such topics with credibility, care, and consideration.  His novels often cause the reader to think, “What if…” which is great for discussion and further exploration in any class.  His works could be used to study various literary elements, as well as the explicit themes and issues encountered by the characters.  The variety of his books means that he can appeal to different types of readers, and as such, be used as a good jumping off point for expanding readers’ horizons.  Major topics within his novels include self perception, acceptance, perseverance, interpersonal relationships, death, and the supernatural.  What major themes have you noticed in the lit. circle novel you’ve been reading for our class?

MEMORABLE CHARACTERS  Now, let’s open the floor to whole group discussion as we complete today’s handout:  Who is the most memorable character in your lit. circle novel?  What makes this character memorable? Remember to WAIT and listen to the input of others before writing your answer. Someone else may have a different perspective and give you something more to write about.

WHY I LIKE THIS AUTHOR  Skip for now.  Turn over to the back of the handout & let’s discuss our three novels.

COMPARING & CONTRASTING STORIES  Story 1: Downsiders Liz Sprite Reagan Marin Sean Rae Zhane Ellie Alea Dylan Gus

COMPARING & CONTRASTING STORIES  Story 2: Full Tilt Bradlee Brayden Tanner Claire Josiah Tyler Wyatt Ashish Curtivia Evan Hannah

COMPARING & CONTRASTING STORIES  Story 3: The Eyes of Kid Midas Madison Mya Spencer Melanie Alyssa Tristen Nariah Sidney Allison John

WHY I LIKE THIS AUTHOR  After your own reading and today’s discussion, take some time to think about why you like Neal Shusterman.  Use the time you’re given to write your answer in the space provided.  This handout is due today.

WORK PERIOD  Read section 6 of lit. circle novels section 6 of lit. circle novels  and continue working on Novel Study Choice Board #1, completing one activity for each section.Novel Study Choice Board #1  Novel Study Choice Board #1 is DUE next class. If you’re behind get caught up today/for home learning. Novel Study Choice Board #1

CLOSING  Complete the L column for your Bell Ringer KWL Chart for the remainder of the period, while I distribute progress reports.  Conversation Level = 0 (Silent)  No one is dismissed until I have everyone’s signature that they received their progress report.