Each Friday I share the first chapter of a favorite book for middle schoolers. Today I’ll be reading aloud the first three chapters of Wild Bird by one of my all time favorite authors, Wendelin Van Draanen. Stick around afterward to listen in on an interview with the author herself as I ask her the below questions.
Book Blurb: 3:47 a.m. That’s when they come for Wren Clemmens. She’s hustled out of her house and into a waiting car, then a plane, and then taken on a forced march into the desert. This is what happens to kids who’ve gone so far off the rails, their parents don’t know what to do with them anymore. This is wilderness therapy camp. Eight weeks of survivalist camping in the desert. Eight weeks to turn your life around. Yeah, right. The Wren who arrives in the Utah desert is angry and bitter, and blaming everyone but herself. But angry can’t put up a tent. And bitter won’t start a fire. Wren’s going to have to admit she needs help if she’s going to survive.
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
Wanna say thanks and fuel future creations? Buy me a virtual cup of coffee for making this (and many other!) amazing free video resources for your classroom. Click here → https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
Interactive Student Engagement Worksheets for the entire First Chapter Friday Video Series - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Chapter-Friday-Student-Engagement-Worksheets-Full-Year-7158141
Grab your copy of Wild Bird here (Aff. link): https://amzn.to/3uwFSZU
Head to Wendelin’s website for a free Wild Bird Discussion Guide: http://www.wendelinvand.com/stand-alone-novels-mg--ya.html
An American Booksellers Association Indie Next Great Reads selection
An ALA/YALSA Quick Pick Title
An ALA/YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2019 title
An ABA Indie Next Crossover Title recommended for teens and adults
2020 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award nominee (Illinois)
2019-2020 South Carolina Book Award nominee (South Carolina)
2019-2020 Teen Choice Book nominee (South Dakota)
2020 Evergreen Teen Book Award nominee (Washington)
2020 Grand Canyon Tween Reader Award nominee (Arizona)
2019-2020 Golden Sower Award nominee (Nebraska)
2019 Red Dirt Award nominee (Oklahoma)
2018 Lone Star title (Texas)
Interview Questions
1. What were the story seedlings for this book?
2. Storytelling is very important to the main character of Wren and Disney stories have a particularly special role in her life and this book. What is your favorite Disney movie?
3. I heard you worked with a sensitivity reader for this project. Can you tell us why you included this step in your process and also a bit about this experience?
4. What do you hope readers will take away from this book and Wren’s story?
5. What is next for you? What are you currently working on?
Grab a FREE motivational quote poster set for your classroom here: www.amandazieba.com/teachersignup
And finally, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more great videos from the Word Nerd!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJjkZzqcclLzpFjTnVK8U6w?sub_confirmation
Book Blurb: 3:47 a.m. That’s when they come for Wren Clemmens. She’s hustled out of her house and into a waiting car, then a plane, and then taken on a forced march into the desert. This is what happens to kids who’ve gone so far off the rails, their parents don’t know what to do with them anymore. This is wilderness therapy camp. Eight weeks of survivalist camping in the desert. Eight weeks to turn your life around. Yeah, right. The Wren who arrives in the Utah desert is angry and bitter, and blaming everyone but herself. But angry can’t put up a tent. And bitter won’t start a fire. Wren’s going to have to admit she needs help if she’s going to survive.
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
Wanna say thanks and fuel future creations? Buy me a virtual cup of coffee for making this (and many other!) amazing free video resources for your classroom. Click here → https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
Interactive Student Engagement Worksheets for the entire First Chapter Friday Video Series - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Chapter-Friday-Student-Engagement-Worksheets-Full-Year-7158141
Grab your copy of Wild Bird here (Aff. link): https://amzn.to/3uwFSZU
Head to Wendelin’s website for a free Wild Bird Discussion Guide: http://www.wendelinvand.com/stand-alone-novels-mg--ya.html
An American Booksellers Association Indie Next Great Reads selection
An ALA/YALSA Quick Pick Title
An ALA/YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2019 title
An ABA Indie Next Crossover Title recommended for teens and adults
2020 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award nominee (Illinois)
2019-2020 South Carolina Book Award nominee (South Carolina)
2019-2020 Teen Choice Book nominee (South Dakota)
2020 Evergreen Teen Book Award nominee (Washington)
2020 Grand Canyon Tween Reader Award nominee (Arizona)
2019-2020 Golden Sower Award nominee (Nebraska)
2019 Red Dirt Award nominee (Oklahoma)
2018 Lone Star title (Texas)
Interview Questions
1. What were the story seedlings for this book?
2. Storytelling is very important to the main character of Wren and Disney stories have a particularly special role in her life and this book. What is your favorite Disney movie?
3. I heard you worked with a sensitivity reader for this project. Can you tell us why you included this step in your process and also a bit about this experience?
4. What do you hope readers will take away from this book and Wren’s story?
5. What is next for you? What are you currently working on?
Grab a FREE motivational quote poster set for your classroom here: www.amandazieba.com/teachersignup
And finally, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more great videos from the Word Nerd!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJjkZzqcclLzpFjTnVK8U6w?sub_confirmation