By Plamena Quintavalla

In an engaging literary exploration, sixth graders worked on strategies for pulling themes out of literature. After reading “The Giver” by Lois Lowery as a class, the students chose books of their preference and connected with their peers in small book clubs to delve into the depths of their novels.

The students chose from several novels, including “Tuck Everlasting” by Natalie Babbitt, “Counting by 7s” by Holly Goldberg Sloan, “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis, “Fish in a Tree” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, “Wolf Hollow” by Lauren Wolk and “Warriors Don’t Cry” by Melba Pattillo Beals.

Guided by their dedicated teacher, Kathryn Marron, the students gathered in groups to engage in thoughtful discussions, focusing on the emergence of themes in their chosen novels.

“The students really loved the books they picked and enjoyed the level of independence they felt running their own discussions,” Marron said.

All of the novels that the students read in this literary exploration were purchased through a Bronxville School Foundation grant.

Photo courtesy of Plamena Quintavalla.