A Week in the Woods

A Week in the Woods
Andrew Clements

Aladdin Paperbacks
New York
2002

Mark Chelmsley is a fifth grade student, who after many moves, is now attending Hardy Elementary. Mark is challenged by the moving of schools and discovers how his attitude impacts his social life. But he has one other problem... Mr. Maxwell. This is Mark's teacher who does not like Mark. The fifth grade of Hardy Elementary has a field trip in which they spend a week in the woods. Tension builds between Mr. Maxwell and Mark putting both of them in harms way.

 Noteworthy Features:

• Adventure: Mark Chelmsley is adventurous, especially when it comes to the outdoors. 
• Attitude: Mark begins the story with a bad attitude. He is unhappy about moving and does not care about others. Although he is very smart, he slacks off in school. Mark changes his attitude and this change in attitude makes a huge impact on his life.

A teacher should recommend this book to student's who enjoy adventure and camping. Mark's experiences are exciting and make the reader want to keep reading to find out what happens next. This book is also beneficial for students to read because of the attitude change Mark makes. It illuminates the difference that having a good attitude can make. It also shows that sometimes you may be doing all the right things, but you will still not get a positive reaction. Following Mark's example, you continue to try and be a good person despite the attitude others have toward you.

Links for Classroom Activities:

• Literature Unit 
• See Video - Interview Assessment