Carmen Agra Deedy
September 30, 2011
Grades 3-6

Lane Elementary Authors
November 11, 2011
Grades 1-3

William Joyce
December 1, 2011
Grades 2-4

Brandon Mull
February 29, 2012
Grades 5-8

Discover Shakespeare
April 25, 2012
Grades 9-12

We are working to
bring more authors
to you and your students.


2010-2011 Season

2009-2010 Season

Adriana Trigiani's Viola in Reel Life

Note to teachers: Viola in Reel Life is a wonderful story that is both well written and enjoyable.  It shows how technology that is readily available for students and teachers can bring literature to life.

 

SUMMARY

Viola, New York City high school freshman, feels exiled to the flatlands of Northern Indiana when her parents move to Afghanistan for a year to make a documentary film.  Enrolled in the all-girl boarding school Prefect Academy, Viola leaves behind her BFFAA (best friend forever and always) Andrew, her best girlfriend Caitlin, and her crush Tag.

 

But she brings along her dearest possession—her digital video camera.  Feeling that she is to be abandoned at Prefect, Viola has vowed to make a video diary of her year in exile.

 

After adjusting to boarding school life, three unique roommates, dances with the neighboring all-boys boarding school, and infrequent webcam conversations with her parents, Viola meets the biggest challenge of her life.  She vanquishes a ghost and creates a masterpiece, making lifelong friends and memories in the process.

 

SUMMARY CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

Vocabulary

  • prefect
  • voiceover
  • storyboard
  • atrium
  • iconic
  • flashback

 

Comparing and contrasting similarities and differences

  • Direct students to compare and contrast the backgrounds, families, interests, and abilities of Viola’s roommates.

 

Developing and sequencing story elements

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

 

Print

 

 

These activities were written by Laura Reasoner Jones, NBCT—FCPS School-Based Technology Specialist.