This hit is the responses I received in response to my request for paperback
titles for an 8th grade class linking geographical locations in a fictional
work with the geography class, ala Around the World in 80 Days.
Thank you for all suggestions! I will ILL them this summer from my public
library ( how's THAT for collaboration?) and check out their compatibility
to my teacher's requirements.
<< Stowaway by Karen Hesse. Tracks the travels of Captain Cook on the ship
Endeavor.
<< I read a book earlier in the year to review it that might fit your needs.
I think the target audience was slightly younger, say grades 4-7; however,
that might make it more appealing to your crowd than Around the World
(which, I believe, would be a bit ambitious). The title is MVP* by
Douglas Evans. It definitely mentions lots of locations around the world
since it's about a race around the world, and all of the geography seemed
accurate to me. Here's the review from School Library Journal:
School Library Journal (January 1, 2005)
Gr 4-6-Adam Story, a palindrome-loving 12-year-old intellectual who yearns
to travel, believes he has nothing more in store for him during the summer
than 40 days of camp. When Prince Oh, the producer of the Magellan Voyage
Project, shows up out of the blue and proposes to sponsor him in a
challenge to journey around the world in just 40 days using surface
transportation, Adam agrees. After all, there is a $4-million prize
waiting for him if he succeeds. Little does he know that the MVP is
competing with 23 other teams to win the Great Global Game. Adam finds
himself having to avoid tranquilizer darts, trackers, and the dreaded
Baron von Sheepsbottom. He meets various characters who help or hinder
him, including the blue-haired Meredith of the Gagarin Voyage Project. The
girl seems trustworthy, but of course she's also trying to win the game.
While the dialogue is corny and Adam is much too savvy for his age, the
story is a refreshing alternative to gritty contemporary stories or
high-fantasy adventures. Children who enjoy wordplay will easily spot the
palindromes sprinkled throughout. Humorous black-and-white cartoon
illustrations in different sizes, many of them full page, enhance the
text.-Farida S. Dowler, Mercer Island Library, WA Copyright 2004 Reed
Business Information.
<< The title that comes immediately to mind for me
is MVP, by Douglas Evans. It's a relatively quick
read. The writing is not going to be a challenge
for 8th graders... but then it wasn't for me either,
and it was amusing enough that I had fun reading
it. Silly? Yes. Around the world? Yes. Appealing to
8th graders? Likely, I think. Available in paper?
Should be, as it was new two years ago at least.
A difficult read? No. Great literature? No. Fun? Yes.
I read most of it in the bookstore, because it
reminded me of Amazing Race, which was newer
at the time.
I hope others have lots of good suggestions,
because I'd like another take on that theme. ;)
<< How about Stowaway by Karen Hesse? It renacts the route of James Cook's
ship H.M.S. Endeavor.
The reading level is more 6th and 7th grade, but it will definitely get you
around the world.
Just a suggestion.
<< Call Number FIC JOH
Status 1 copy In
Title 13 little blue envelopes / Maureen Johnson.
Author Johnson, Maureen,; 1973-;
Edition 1st ed.
Summary When seventeen-year-old Ginny receives a packet of mysterious
envelopes from her favorite aunt, she leaves New Jersey to criss-cross
Europe on a sort of scavenger hunt that transforms her life.
Thanks to: Barb, Kelly Jo, Amy, Laurel, and Jeanne for their help!
Darlene J. Forsythe, Librarian, K-12
Galeton Area School
Galeton, PA
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