The View from Saturday (original 1996; edition 1998)

Old Children's Book. Liked it as a kid, but haven't read it in years. ( )

Even though I had read this book before, I couldn't wait to get back in the car to rediscover how each of the characters would be linked to the others. Four exceptional students end up in Mrs. Olinski's sixth grade class - not just exceptional for their varied talents, but for the kindness of their hearts. The story addresses so many issues (divorce, sibling rivalry, bullying, discrimination) but with the lightest of touches.

Listened to Listening Library CD edition read by six different narrators: Rick Adamson, L. J. Ganser, Agnes Hermann, Aasif Mandvi, Barbara Rosenblat, and Jeff Woodman. Previously read.

Just a note: I participated in Academic Bowl in junior high and high school and that's likely to have influenced my feelings about this book. ( )

Summary: What is it that brings a group of friends together? Shared interest? Common characteristics? In this story, four friends seem to be pulled together by fate. Their apparent close knit relationship aids them in becoming a successful sixth grade academic team.

Personal Reaction: This is probably one of the best books I have ever read! It may sound a bit cheesy, but I felt it taught me a lot about friendship, being a good person, and paying close attention to what goes on around you. I feel that for personal reading, it would be best suited for older students such as sixth or seventh grade. However, I think it would be an alright read for a teacher to her students. There is so much to learn from this story, and it will certainly be on my classroom bookshelf.

Classroom Extension: I'm not sure how this would work, but I would make small groups and hold a mock academic decathlon in the classroom. Similar to the characters of the book, students would have to figure out the best way for them to be successful over a period of time, whether it is through working together and listening to eachother or being open to suggestions and being willing to learn from eachother. I also think it would be a great idea to hold tea parties like the ones in the book, where students would have to "dress up" and bring a small dish.

RGG: Sweet story. Geared towards younger readers - 4th-6th grade. Some good references to bullying, difficult familty situations.

RGG: Sweet story. Geared towards younger readers - 4th-6th grade. Some good references to bullying, difficult familty situations.