Cover to Cover

A Book Club for Grades 2-3

Borrow from the library a copy of Katherine Applegate's novel-in-verse, "Wombat Waiting," and join us to discuss this story about the adventures of a unusual little dog trying to find her person.

"Yep, her name is Wombat, and nope, she's not a wombat. True, there's a passing resemblance, if you squint just right...but, for the record, she is, most definitely, a dog." Actually, when the story begins she doesn't even have a name yet, nor a person to call her own. Katherine Applegate's "Wombat Waiting" is a novel-in-verse that follows this gentle, but impatient, creature through a journey to find that person, experiencing adventures along the way that test her determination and bring her into unusual friendships.

Reading lovers in Grades 2-3! Join us for Cover to Cover on October 20 to discuss "Wombat Waiting" by Katherine Applegate (who you may know as the author of "The One and Only Ivan," "Odder," and many other children's chapter books). You can borrow a copy from the Circulation or Information desks at the Connie Morella Library, along with the specially prepared reading guide. Just ask for the October book for "Cover to Cover." You can also borrow an e-audiobook from the library's free Libby app or online at mcplmd.overdrive.com (it is not available currently as an e-book or on the Hoopla app). If you use an electronic version, please contact librarian Jeff Coster (jeffrey.coster@montgomerycountymd.gov) for a copy of the reading guide prepared specially for our group.

Cover to Cover is a monthly reading, discussion, and activity group created just for students in 2nd and 3rd grade. Each month, we will read a different chapter book that you can check out ahead of time from the Connie Morella Library (or read or listen to on one of our free e-book apps, if available), along with a specially prepared reading guide to help you get ready for the group's next meeting. At each session, we'll have an icebreaker activity and discuss the plot, characters, topics, settings, and themes of the book in a variety of different ways, from traditional question-and-answer discussion to role plays, think-pair-share, fishbowl, and more to encourage fun interaction among the participants. Then we'll finish with an activity related to the book--for example, a small art or craft project or interactive game--to reinforce the main themes or topics. Books will be chosen from among a variety of genres--adventure, humor, realistic fiction, science-fiction, fantasy, mystery--with a range of diverse characters in a variety of different cultural backgrounds and life circumstances. Many of the books used will be from lists of nominees at the appropriate age-level for honors such as the Maryland Association of School Libraries’ Black-Eyed Susan Award and the Maryland Library Association’s Youth Services Division’s Blue Crab Young Reader Award.

We'll use a range of formats, from a traditional book club, possibly with a shared read-aloud component. Volunteers can practice reading out loud to their peers the first chapter of the next month's book, or perhaps a short story or poems chosen for their suitability. This program is designed to support students transitioning from beginning readers and simple chapter books into the next challenge of longer chapter books with more complex vocabulary, different writing styles, and fewer pictures, but all materials chosen for use will be in the general on-level range for ages 7 to 9. 

Library Program Attendance (both virtual and in the branch) is limited to participants within the suggested age range of the program. Children attending an MCPL program under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attending a program intended for children must have an accompanying child.

Questions about this program? Contact the Connie Morella Library at 240-777-0970 or librarian Jeff Coster at jeffrey.coster@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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Accommodation Requests

To request an accommodation, contact the library branch where you want the accommodation. If they are unable to help, or if you need an accommodation for an online resource or event, complete our Accommodation Request Form online or call Library Administration at 240-777-0002.

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