Has anyone finished reading Bluefish yet? If so, what are your feelings about it? *What did you think about Mr. McQueen's tactics to help Travis learn to read?
*Why was Mr. McQueen's choice of Haunt Fox by Jim Kjelgaard a good one?
*What do Travis, Vida (Velveeta), and Bradley have in common?
*What does the title, Bluefish, refer to?
*This is technically another "dead dog" book. (See the post on 9-13-2012 about dead dog books.)
*Did the book leave you with hope for Travis and his grandfather's relationship?
When did you give this to us? I read it like 2 days after. I will have to read it again to be able to answerthe questions.
ReplyDeleteThe book brings forth the concept of the importance and responsibility teachers have in our jobs. Teaching is the best job in the world. Being a library teacher affords me the opportunity and responsibility to educate and influence students for good. We help to create hope in our students and so much more.
ReplyDeleteIt's now on my reading list. Thanks for the advice and the readers' questions.
ReplyDeleteI liked the story. It does show the importance of being a teacher and going an extra mile for our kids. It left me with the hope that Travis and his grandpa will have better relationship in the future.
ReplyDeleteI read the book right when we got it and loved the teacher, it reminded me of the Patricia Polacco book: Thank you Mr. Falker. It seemed like Mr. MacQueen's approach to reading instruction was very respectful of Travis' age and past experiences. I learned to read at home with the Dr. Seuss books we got every month from the bookclub my mom signed us up for. I memorized the stories until it made sense and I could figure out the new books. So maybe that will work for Travis. One downfall for me, is I didn't since learn phonics, I am a horrible speller! Spell check is the best invention!
ReplyDeleteI read the book within a week or two of receiving it. It set me wondering how you happened to find Bluefish as it seemed just right for middle school. It is checked out right now at Northwest. I laminated the cover, added the copy, and off the shelf it went. I liked the relationship between Velveeta & Travis, also Velveeta's language/vocabulary. The ending left things kind of up in the air, but really enjoyed the rest of the book & the relationships among the characters.
ReplyDeleteThough I have been reading it since we got it - I have not yet finished it. It just is not that compelling of a story for me. But I have been intrigued by Mr. McQueen's aproach to reading and learing. I wonder how many kids get turned off by our well intentioned "just try", which discounts all the effort they are making.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jill. I finished this when the weather was warm and the days were long. I am much to old to remember what it was about 8 months later. However I do remember that I was intrigued by the teachers method of teaching reading.
ReplyDeleteI read this book soon after I got it, as well. I really don't like sad emotive type books (I hate to cry when I read and I have even been know to cry during commercials) however I remember really liking Bluefish and ordering several copies for Bryant. The development and growth of the characters was interesting and well crafted and the ending was hopeful.
ReplyDeleteI loved the teacher's respectful way of getting Travis to read. Velveeta is quite a character! As I read about grandpa's alcoholism, I wondered how many kids in my school have to deal with this. SOOOO sad about the dog. :(
ReplyDeleteI reaad the book back last fall. I enjoyed it, but I don't think it will be a favorite among my grade school kids. I really liked Mr. McQueen, and I so felt for the two kids. They were great characters.
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