Mixed Up Files #3 - Card Games

How do you feel about the way Jamie wins in cards against Bruce?  How do you think friends should treat one another?

Mixed Up Files #2 INJUSTICE!

Claudia thinks that she is running away because of injustice.  What's your opinion about Claudia's sense of injustice?

Mixed Up Files #1 - Flattery

Why does Mrs. Frankweiler say that flattery is an important machine?

How does Claudia use flattery on Jamie?

Despereaux 18: Book the Fourth

Why are some people's hearts very dark while other people's are full of light?

Despereaux 17: Book the Fourth

Did the story have a happy ending for everyone? Think about each of the primary characters and explain your thoughts clearly.

From Trent...

This song is perfect from a certain characters point of view...

Despereaux 15: Theme Song

OK, guys!  Time to find a theme song for each of the main characters.  I need ideas for Miggery, Roscuro, Botticelli, the Princess, and of course - Despereaux.  I chose the attached song for Despereaux.  It seemed fitting. What do you think?  You can reply with a character, song title, artist's name, and the reason for choosing that song.  If you really want to get crazy, you can try to attach the lyrics to your post.  That would be cool, too!  Song lyrics can be dangerous.  Keep it appropriate.

Despereaux 14: Roscuro and the Princess

What similarities can you find between the Princess and Roscuro?

Despereaux 13: Imagery

What is the meaning the author wants the reader to interpret from the picture above?

Despereaux 12: Miggery Sow

One of our earlier prompts in the story was about the meaning of light and dark, and the way Kate DiCamillo uses it in this story.  After reading Book III, do you believe there is more darkness or light in Miggery Sow's life?  Please back-up your thoughts with evidence from the story.

  

Despereaux 11: Similarities

After reading the first three sections of the Tale of Despereaux, what similarities can you identify among Despereaux, Roscuro, and Miggery?

Despereaux 10: Mig is Coming Over for Dinner!

Miggery Sow is coming for dinner.  Write a letter home to Mom or Dad and tell them about your friend you're bringing over for dinner.  Tell them what they should expect when Mig comes to your home.

Despereaux 9: Botticelli

Can you find any similarities between the fictional rat, Botticelli, and the famous artist, Botticelli?

BOTTICELLI
1445 - 1510

INTRODUCTION

Botticelli was a very talented artist. He became very popular in the Renaissance times. His work is still respected and valued very much.

BACKGROUND

Botticelli was born in Florence, Italy, in 1445. He spent his whole life in Florence except for a visit to Rome. Botticelli was a member of the Medici family. His real name was Alessandro Filipepi. He was nicknamed Botticelli when he went to live with his brother. There he worked as a goldsmith.People say that he had deep-set eyes, flowing locks and a salient nose (easily seen or noticed). It was also said that he was a jokester or a prankster.
When Botticelli was 14 or 15 he was sent to the great painter, Fra Filippo. There he learned how to mix colors and clean brushes. Botticelli was greatly influenced by his teacher.
By 1465, Botticelli had his own studio. After the age of 56 no paintings were found that were painted by him. Botticelli died alone and infirm. He lived to be about 65 and died around 1510

Despereaux 8: Chiaroscuro - Darkness or Light?

By the end of the Book the Second, do you believe Roscuro is filled with more darkness or light?  How can you tell?

Despereaux 7: Chiaroscuro

Are you convinced that Roscuro wants to be the kind of rat that Botticelli thinks he should be?  Explain your thoughts clearly.

Despereaux 6: Book the First - Evaluation

Readers,

     Do you believe Despereaux deserved to be sent to the dungeon?  Were his actions worthy of such a harsh punishment?

     If you were on the Council of the Mouse, how would you vote?  Would you send Despereaux to the rats, or would you do something different?  Explain your thoughts clearly.

Despereaux 5: Perfidy Abounds!

As if it wasn't bad enough that Furlough ratted out his brother for sitting with the King and Princess.  His own father beat the drum that ultimately lead to the decision that Despereaux was being sent to the dungeon to be devoured by the rats.  Mrs. Tilling bids Despereuax "farewell" and Furlough actually leads Despereaux to the dungeon.  Such betrayal.  Should Despereaux survive this ordeal, how will he ever forgive his family for these acts of perfidy?

Can you think of any other stories, movies, or even real events in history where someone has been betrayed by another person close to him or her?  Write about your ideas below.

Despereaux 4: Perfidy

Identify the relationship between this cartoon clip and our book The Tale of Despereaux.

Despereaux 3: Analyze and Compare

In what way(s) does this photo remind you of Book the First from The Tale of Despereaux?

Despereaux 2: The Lion King II

You might recognize the song/scene above from the movie Lion King II.  Watch the video and analyze the relationship between this scene and Despereaux's experience.

Despereaux 1: Light vs Dark

There are several prompts to think about.  Discuss the ones that intrigue you the most.

There are several references to light and dark throughout the first section of the book.  What do you think light might mean in the story?  What does dark mean?  What ideas from the story symbolize or represent the light and dark?

Are there other stories, books, or movies that come to mind where the writer or author used images of light or dark to make a point?

Number the Stars (Chapters 13-14)

When Mrs. Johansen realizes what Annemarie found on the ground she says, "It may have all been for nothing."  What is so special about the packet?  What do you think is in it and why is it so important for Uncle Henrik to have?

(Hint: You read something on the blog in the last week that could lead you to the right answer.)

Number the Stars (Chapters 11-12)

Do you agree or disagree with what Peter did to Rachel on pages 89 and 90?  Please explain your point of view clearly.


What text to text comparison came to mind after reading chapter 11?


This article about Denmark's resistance brings up a different perspective that we haven't talked about yet.

Click the link above.  Feel free to write your thoughts on the article in the comment box.

The Oresund Bridge (Extended Learning)

Watch the video first!  This incredible structure was completed in 1999 and opened to the public in 2000.  If it existed in 1943, would it have made rescuing Denmark's Jewish population any easier?  Please defend your thoughts.

Kroner (Extended Learning)

Earlier in the story Mrs. Johansen gave Annemarie some kroner to buy a button.  What is kroner?  And what is it worth on the exchange today.  How does its value compare to the American dollar?

Number the Stars (Chapter 8)

Why is Annemarie upset about Great Aunt Birte?  Who or what do YOU think Great Aunt Birte is?

Museum of the Danish Resistance - "The Ticket"

How does this video help you understand what is happening in the story?  You'll have to listen closely.  Record your responses below.

Number the Stars: Text-to-Text (Chapters 1-17)

Can you find comparisons between Number the Stars and other stories we've read (or you've read) this year?  Tell us about them in the comment box below.