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The Nook Hunger Games

The last two Thursdays were SAVAGE at MPL with middle schoolers fighting to the death in our very own Hunger Games. Ok, so maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but we did have fun competing in Hunger Games inspired events. :)

The meeting started with a discussion of the book. We found that splitting the club into two groups made for much deeper discussion and more chances for everyone to be heard. The book evoked discussions about right and wrong, basic human rights, our culture's fascination with "reality TV," and what our future could hold.

After the discussion, we split into two-person districts and competed in the Nook Hunger Games. We started with a physical challenge (wheelbarrow races), and then we competed in a Cornucopia Challenge. Just like in the book, we raced to claim survival items including everything from crackers and water to weapons (don't worry, all plastic) and anti-venom medicine. Wearing flag football belts, we had to be careful to dodge the other tributes. If they stole one flag, you were "wounded." Two, you're dead! Most survived the Cornucopia Challenge, but a few unfortunate didn't survive for the last round, the intellectual challenge. This was a four minute book trivia quiz, and it was HARD! There could be only one winning district. Mariah P. and Shyan D. were the seventh/eighth grade winners while Chad S. and Christina D. won for the fifth/sixth grade. CONGRATULATIONS TRIBUTES!

See you on the 10th (7th and 8th grade) or the 17th (5th and 6th)! And remember, you must FINISH THE BOOK!

Here are a couple pics from the Cornucopia Challenge. Go to the Nook's facebook's page for more!

Hungry For More??

Phew! I don't know about you, but I can't get enough of The Hunger Games! I stayed up until 1:00am this morning finishing the second book in the trilogy, Catching Fire. Now it's on to the final book, Mockingjay! Speaking of which, how would you like to have your very own hardcover copy of Mockingjay? Become of a follower of this blog, and your name will be entered in a drawing to win the book. Click "LIKE" on the Nook's facebook page, and you'll be entered twice. The winner will be announced at our March meetings, so enter now!

We had our 7th/8th grade meeting last night to discuss The Hunger Games, and it was a blast! I won't spoil the activites for the 5th/6th graders who meet next week, but let's say that I was impressed by the deep discussions and greatly entertained by our very own version of The Hunger Games. Let's hope next week is just as fun!

Two new members joined last night bringing our total for both groups up to 27! WOW! Who said kids don't like to read? HA! Way to go!

We made the newspaper!

Click here to see the front page article in the Maryville Daily Forum about our book club! (Forgive the awful photo of me!)