Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree
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Current user rating: 60% (4 votes)
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Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Copyright: 2007
Genre: state genre
Setting: state setting
Emma-Jean Lazarus knows that she is different. Several months of trials and tribulations ensue as she tries to help herself and others, only to land in hot water herself!
Contents |
Reviews
Eden's Review - 3 Stars
A cute story, quick read that would appeal to the younger or more innocent girls among my student body. This would not fly with the 8th graders or the guys, no mater how much I book talked it. The ones wanting a medal would read it, but would complain that it was a waste of their time. That said, I loved some of the elements of the story. The author demonstrated a knowledge of film and biblical analogy I.E. the awakening of Lazarus from the dead (grief for father).
Samantha RVMS: 7th gr.
Emma Jean Lazarus was a great book. Everything was thought out so well, I personally loved it and my favorite thing was Emma Jean’s character. She was nerdy yet really cool at the same time, a wonderful character and a wonderful book.
Kelly's Review - 3 Stars
I thought this was a very sweet story about a girl coping with the loss of her father. Perhaps the book portrays the stereotype that intelligent people are not socially adept. Emma-Jean is very smart, and up until Colleen asks for her help with a problem, she had managed not to get involved with her peers. Emma-Jean chooses to become involved with Colleen, just to help her solve her problem. Before Emma Jean knows it, she has developed a circle of friends. While the book is well written and enjoyable, I think that the themes in the book would be more appropriately received by grades 4-6. This age group is the audience in which they are dealing the most with trying to fit in and be socially accepted at school. Seventh graders might also enjoy the book, but I don't see many eighth graders dying to read it.
Fred's Review Here. This was a fast read and you have to love that for the list. I can't see any of the jocks reading this. There is just no way anyone above 6th grade would find this interesting. I found the plot to be ok and it did have a nice ending.3 Star Rating
Joel's Review - 3 Stars. It is a sweet book, but as mentioned no amount of book talking is going to get the boys reading this one. I like Emma-Jean's progression from innocently trying to help to being a busybody. Nice character development for the main character, but I felt like many of the other characters remained two-dimensional throughout the book, although Colleen shows some depth especially toward the end. As for the plot it was simple and predictable but not in an unpleasant way. I enjoyed it.
Author’s Biographical Sketch
Author Website: http://www.laurentarshis.com/ The author was born in New Mexico, but grew up in the New York area. She currently lives in Connecticut with her husband and four children. In addition to writing the Emma-Jean series, she is the editor of the Storyworks Magazine.
Other books written by the author:
Emma-Jean Lazarus Falls In Love (May 2009)
Similar Books
Books with Bullying Themes
| # | Author | Title | Publication Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Myers, Anna | Confessions from the Principal’s Chair | 2006 |
| 2. | Seidler, T. | Mean Margaret | 1997 |
| 3. | Van Draanen, W. | Secret Identity | 2006 |
| 4. | Wojciechowski, S. | Beany and the Meany | 2005 |
| 5. | Warner, S. | Super Emma | 2006 |
| 6. | Winerip, M. | Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back | 2007 |
| 7. | Korman, Gordon | Schooled | 2007 |
Books with Friendship Themes
| # | Author | Title | Publication Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Blume, J. | Just as Long As We’re Together | 1987 |
| 2. | Bauer, J. | Squashed | 1992 |
| 3. | Conford, E. | Felicia the Critic | 1978 |
| 4. | Creech, S. | Granny Torelli Makes Soup | 2003 |
| 5. | Jacobson, Jennifer | Winnie At Her Best | 2006 |
Discussion Questions
Why does Emma-Jean label some of the middle school girls as crier? Why isn’t Emma-Jean a crier?
The first chapter uses foreshadowing to tell us what issues will be the focus of the novel. After completing the first chapter, what do you think the focus will be?
Describe the graduate student who rented the top floor of Emma-Jean’s home. How is he similar and different from Emma-Jean’s father?
What technique does Emma-Jean use to distract Laura from the Ski Trip and to help Will Keller? Was it successful? Was it morally right? What other options might Emma-Jean have used?
What phrase does Colleen’s mother use to answer problems Colleen presents to her? List 2 sayings that your parent or guardian uses in response to problems or accidents?
Why do you think Emma-Jean told Mrs. Wright the story of her parent’s courtship?
Compare and contrast how Emma-Jean and Colleen’s mothers relate to their daughters. Cite examples from the story.
Who is most changed by the end of the novel, Emma-Jean or Colleen? List three reasons from the book to back up your opinion.
What type of person are you? Do you worry about what other people think of you like Colleen or could you care less about what people think like Emma? Why? (~kms)
Literary Links or Activities
Booktalks
Booktalks Quick & Simply by Nancy Keane
Podcasts
List podcasts links here
Indiana Academic Standards
Language Arts (List each and Indiana Academic Standards Grades 6-8 addressed by each):
1)Using Quotation Print Reference and online tools, research and select three quotes representing student’s individual role models. Create a poster depicting the quote and icons representing the role model in a quilt fashion. (i.e. Include a border with blocks depicting different events in the life of the person. A central block, or several blocks would include the quote.)
http://www.bartleby.com/100/
http://math.furman.edu/~mwoodard/mqs/ascquotp.html
http://www.aphids.com/quotes/index.shtml
2)Poetry: Have students select a poem and memorize it.
http://www.poets.org/
http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/
http://quod.lib.umich.edu/a/amverse/
http://www.ibiblio.org/ipa/
http://www.2020site.org/poetry/
Mathematics (List each and Indiana Academic Standards Grades 6-8 addressed by each):
1)Research the life of Henri Poincaire, include pertinent biographical information, a quote, and how his work still influences mathematics today.
http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Indexes/PQ.html
[1]
Science (List each and Indiana Academic Standards Grades 6-8 addressed by each):
Social Studies (List each and Indiana Academic Standards Grades 6-8 addressed by each):
Health (List each and Indiana Academic Standards Grades 6-8 addressed by each):
1)Using Olweus or your school’s bullying program, discuss how Emma-Jean’s tactics worked in comparison to what is being taught in your school.
2)Use the Bullying Curriculum written for this book and available at: http://www.laurentarshis.com/
Starred Reviews and Awards
- School Library Journal starred 04/01/07
- Publishers Weekly starred 02/05/07
- Horn Book starred 10/01/07,
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