Things Not Seen

Things Not Seen
By Andrew Clements

Scholastic Inc
New York
2002

Bobby Phillips was a typical fifteen year old boy, until one day he wakes up invisible. His parents try to help him as much as they can, urging him not to tell anyone. He goes to the library and meets a Alicia, a blind girl. Since she cannot see, she is the perfect person to talk to, and they become friends. He is forced to tell her of his situation and she helps him through his struggles. In addition to being invisible, Bobby faces hardships which leave him home alone for a couple days and more hardships when the school calls the Child Protective Services because he has missed three weeks of school. Bobby, Alicia, and both of their parents work to find the cause of Bobby's invisibility.

Noteworthy Features:

• Conversations: The author includes Instant Message conversations between Bobby and Alicia. These conversations are written with improper grammar, shortened spellings, and little or no punctuation. They are written the way people would actually IM each other. 
• Blindness: This book addresses the disability of blindness. It can help students understand the struggles a person who is blind may experience. 

Amidst all of the chaos and hardships, Bobby learns about friendship, trust, and taking control of his future. As a teacher this book is good for students to read. It has a storyline that students will enjoy of a boy who becomes invisible. But it also teaches students what it means to be a friend and the difference a friend can make in a persons life. It also focuses on the concept of trust. Bobby keeps his word making him someone to trust. Alicia also keeps Bobby's secret for him making her another example of a trustworthy person. Lastly, another strong concept from this book is taking control of ones future. It is important that students learn to think for themselves and know what they think. Bobby is constantly working towards thinking for himself. Alicia also exhibits this theme. Her story of becoming and living blind, pushed her to see life differently and take control of her future.

Links for Classroom Activities:

• http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/things-not-seen-lesson-plan
  This is a link to a lesson plan for this book. It includes objectives, pre-reading, activities, and other recommended books.

• http://edhelper.com/books/Things_Not_Seen.htm
  This is a link to a unit plan for this book. It breaks down the book into chapters, includes word wall words, reading journals, and extended activities. 

Room One: A Mystery or Two

Room One: A Mystery or Two

By Andrew Clements

Scholastic Inc

New York

2006

Living in a small farm town, Ted Hammond, is the only 6th grade student in "Room One" of his one room school. He loves to read mysteries. As he rides his bike past an abandoned house, he sees a young girl's face in the window, thus beginning his own real life mystery to solve. Acting as a detective, Ted decides to make a stop on his newspaper route to investigate the house. He meets the girl and discovers she needs help but he must promise to keep her secret. He promises and provides food and supplies -- but he eventually must tell his teacher, Mrs. Mitchell. With the help of his teacher, Ted learns that the girls needs more help then he can give her alone. He learns that sometimes you need help from other people. The mystery continues and Ted does his best to find a solution.

Noteworthy Features: 

• Sketches: This book contains small and infrequent sketches. There are sketches of locations and people that important to the story. These pictures are small and just give a small glimpse to help the reader imagine what the author is depicting.
• Epilogue: The epilogue of this book is the "Anchor Desk Notes" for the newscaster telling the story of Ted Hammond and his "happy ending" solution to the mystery.
• Lessons Learned: This book teaches students about pride. Ted Hammond learns that it is okay to ask for help. He learns that sometimes you need help from others. Another lesson this book discusses is the importance of helping others. Not only does Ted help the family, but the entire community. He discovers the importance of his family, school, and town

"Room One: A Mystery or Two" is a great book for students who enjoy a mystery story. It is a story that will engage students as they follow Ted's journey to help the young girl. Both boys and girls would would enjoy reading this book. However, it does touch on some difficult topics including: death of a father in the Iraq War and a women hiding out from fear of a man harming her. It does not go into great depth on these topics, but teachers should be aware of how their students may respond. Although these two topics are difficult, they can also lead to a good discussion with students.

Links for Classroom Activities:

• https://multcolib.org/room-one-mystery-or-two
  This website gives some ideas of discussion questions to ask the students. It also offers suggestions of other books to read if you liked this one.
• http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.lib.la.us%2Fempowerlibrary%2FRoom%2520One.doc&ei=4ErMVI7AHYWryQS5kIDADQ&usg=AFQjCNHNKVliZC-31G1tVYEBc3mHQFeENg
  This page lists websites that offer discussion questions, worksheets, and classroom activities. It also provides information on homelessness, helping soldiers, work ethic, etc. It also has links to activities such as virtual 4-H farm, information on one room school buildings, and mystery games.