Module 7: Clementine

Module 7 introduced us to the wonderful world of realistic fiction.  Realistic fiction can be defined as books about things that could actually happen.  Children and adults alike are drawn to these books because they represent people, places, and experiences that are familiar to us.  One of the books I read for this module was Clementine, by Sara Pennypacker.

Image credit: http://www.sarapennypacker.com/pennypacker-clementine.htm

Clementine is the story of, well, Clementine - she narrates her life living in an apartment building, telling stories about her experiences at school (where she is often in trouble for not paying attention, despite the fact that she is paying attention, just not to the teacher!) and home.  The first in a series, Clementine is a fresh and funny realistic fiction book for elementary aged students, many of whom can probably relate to Clementine's antics and experiences with authority figures.

Carolyn Phelan of Booklist reviews Clementine:
"Clementine observes in the fresh, funny, first-person narrative. Frazee's expressive ink drawings capture every nuance of the characters' emotions, from bemusement to anger to dejection. Sometimes touching and frequently amusing, this engaging chapter book is well suited to reading alone or reading aloud to a roomful of children."

Since Clementine has to write in a journal for school, this book could easily be incorporated into a similar activity in a school classroom or even a book club setting at a public library.  As the kids read through the book, they can journal about their thoughts relating to Clementine, express their thoughts about the world around them, and perhaps even draw pictures to go along with their stories to mirror the drawings included in the book.

References:
Pennypacker, S.  (2006).  Clementine.  New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
Phelan, C.  (2006).  Clementine.  Booklist, 103(4), 55.