TUESDAY: No Talking

[grades 3-6] Dave has been reading about Gandhi and decides to try to go for a day without talking. And he is making good progress, too, until the incessant chatter by Lynsey irritates him so much he blurts out a challenge - a boys versus girls contest for the whole fifth grade to not talk for 48 hours. That means no talking to parents, teachers, coaches, or friends for two whole days. What might seem difficult for most fifth graders is even harder for the group dubbed "the unshushables" by school personnel. In fact, the group is normally so noisy that their silence is alarming to school personnel. When the principal orders the students to end the game, the battle of wills begins.

This is probably my favorite Andrew Clements book - right up there with Frindle. Another great school story with creative, likable students and school personnel who just want what's best for them. I especially liked the different teacher reactions to the students' silence. Some see it as a frustration while others see it as an opportunity. The "unshushables" have finally gotten shushed, and people want them to go back to talking - what a paradox!

I do feel a little nervous reading this to my students, imagining what it would be like to be the teacher in this scenario. I hope I would have the grace shown by some of the teachers in the story.