Atheneum, 1991

SUMMARY: "I can think of seven things about seventh grade that stink," Alice declares to her father after the first day of school. But as the week progresses, she decides that it might not turn out to be so bad, and that she will try to go the whole year with everyone liking her. Then she encounters Denise Mack-Truck Whitlock and being Alice the Likable doesn't turn out to be so easy. Although she seeks advice, Alice discovers that she has to solve her own problems. [This is the third book about Alice McKinley which the author intends to continue until Alice is eighteen. They are consistent in quality of writing, characterization and interest.]

Level: Grades 5 - 8

Themes:

• Interpersonal Relationships;
• Self Esteem;
• Growing Up;
• Problem Solving;
• Single Parent Family.

Activities: Make a list (or web) of descriptive words that show everything you know about Alice. Then make another list (or web) of words that show how Alice sees herself and compare the two. Find and record places in the book that reveal what Alice is like. [Knowledge, Comprehension, Analysis]

2. When Denise and her friends catch up with Alice to make her sing, what do you think would have happened if Lester had not arrived when he did? Was it a good thing that he came? Why or why not? Did it solve Alice's problem with Denise? Write another version of how this episode might have ended. [Comprehension, Analysis, Synthesis]

3. Why did Alice choose Denise to interview in preparation for the class study of biography? What do you suppose Denise thought? Write a biography of Denise with the information Alice tells you she found out AND what you know about her from the author. [Knowledge, Application, Synthesis, Interpretation]

4. Find out all you can about the author and other books she has written. Make a presentation to share with the class, including a display of some of her books. [Comprehension, Application, Synthesis, Evaluation, Location, Access, Selection, Organization, Product]

5. Read one or more of the other books about Alice and expand the web about RELATIONSHIPS (below) or read a related book and make a web about the central theme. [Knowledge, Application, Syntheses, Location, Access, Interpretation, Organization, Product]

6. What was Alice's goal for her year in 7th grade? Was she successful? Write about the discussion she and her father have about it toward the end of the book. Include her father's comments and your own opinions. [Knowledge, Application, Synthesis, Evaluation]

7. Alice says, "Sometimes it's possible to show you're sorry when you can't come right out and say it." (P. 127). What is Alice sorry about and how does she show her apology without having to say it? Write about a time you have been able to show your feelings in a similar situation. [Knowledge, Application]

RESOURCES

Blume, Judy. Just As Long As We're Together

Hahn, Mary D. Daphnes' Book

Hall, Lynn. The Secret Life of Dagmar Schultz

Lowry, Lois. Anastasia On Her Own

Lowry, Lois. Anastasia Ask Your Analyst

Naylor, Phyllis R. Alice in Rapture, Sort Of

Naylor, Phyllis R. The Agony of Alice

Naylor, Phyllis R. All But Alice

Children's Books In Print

Commire, Anne Holtze & Sally Holmes. Something About the Author

Commire, Anne &Sally Holmes. Fifth Book of Junior Authors & Illustrators

Vertical File

Prepared by Ellen Berrie, Harpswell Island Schools, Brunswick, ME.

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