"The View from Saturday"
By: E.L. Konigsburg
Realistic Fiction
Grades 5-7
160 pages
Grade 6 teacher Eva Marie Olinski has been asked many times how she chose the members of her amazing academic quiz team, when in truth, she doesn't really know. Four students from different backgrounds, all a little extraordinary in their unique ways, come together over afternoon tea on Saturdays. They form a deep friendship based on the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of knowledge. Calling themselves "The Souls," they soon find themselves winning contests against not only other Grade 6 students, but Grade 7s and 8s as well! But what they discover and what bonds them together is far more special than the victories they enjoy.
To be completely honest, I read this book because it was on a book list of highly recommended reads for intermediate students. Plus, it won the Newbery Medal, one of the highest awards for Children's Literature. While I was reading, I didn't always fully 'buy in' to the situation of the students -- it seemed a little beyond what might really happen. I've classified this under Realistic Fiction, but it does have an element of something...imaginative about it. That said, since I finished the book, elements of it have sprung up in my mind and given me pause. I think Konigsburg has done a masterful job of talking about feelings and experiences that are very difficult to put into words -- implying, rather than describing, through the story. This is definitely a book that will be enjoyed by deep thinkers ; )
By: E.L. Konigsburg
Realistic Fiction
Grades 5-7
160 pages
Grade 6 teacher Eva Marie Olinski has been asked many times how she chose the members of her amazing academic quiz team, when in truth, she doesn't really know. Four students from different backgrounds, all a little extraordinary in their unique ways, come together over afternoon tea on Saturdays. They form a deep friendship based on the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of knowledge. Calling themselves "The Souls," they soon find themselves winning contests against not only other Grade 6 students, but Grade 7s and 8s as well! But what they discover and what bonds them together is far more special than the victories they enjoy.
To be completely honest, I read this book because it was on a book list of highly recommended reads for intermediate students. Plus, it won the Newbery Medal, one of the highest awards for Children's Literature. While I was reading, I didn't always fully 'buy in' to the situation of the students -- it seemed a little beyond what might really happen. I've classified this under Realistic Fiction, but it does have an element of something...imaginative about it. That said, since I finished the book, elements of it have sprung up in my mind and given me pause. I think Konigsburg has done a masterful job of talking about feelings and experiences that are very difficult to put into words -- implying, rather than describing, through the story. This is definitely a book that will be enjoyed by deep thinkers ; )