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Annie's Life in Lists



Last updated Thursday, September 23, 2021

Author: Kristin Mahoney
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 1524765090
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2021

Synopsis: Annie's a shy fifth grader with an incredible memory and a love of making lists. It helps her keep track of things when they can seem a little out of control, like her family, her friends, and her life in a new place.

Annie has:
1. An incredible memory (really, it's almost photographic) that can get her in trouble
2. A desire to overcome her shyness
3. A brother who is mad at her because he thinks she is the reason they had to move to Clover Gap, population 8,432.
4. A best friend who she is (almost) certain will always be her best friend.
5. New classmates, some of whom are nicer than others.
6. A rocky start finding her place in her new home.

Annie's Life in Lists introduces a sweet new voice that finds that even amid the chaos of everyday life, it's important to put things in order.

Note to readers:
•  This book does just what the title says, it describes Annie’s life in lists.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Why do you make lists?
•  What was the last list you made?
•  How would you describe yourself in lists?

Vocabulary

•  Constellation - a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or identified with a mythological figure.
•  In stereo - two sources of sound or two people saying something at the same time.
•  Boonies - a thinly settled rural area; an area that is not close to any towns or cities.
•  Triage - to separate, sort, shift or select based on level of priority or severity; The determination of priorities for action.
•  Snotty - having or showing a superior or conceited attitude

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  During
•  Do you share anything in common with Annie’s memory?
•  What do you tend to remember about people you meet?
•  Who is Queen Amidala? A fictional character in the Star Wars Franchise.
•  Why do you think Annie got kicked out of school?
•  What youtube videos do you watch?
•  Have you ever had to move away from a best friend? Were you able to keep in touch?

After
•  Why does Annie make so many lists?
•  Do you find lists helpful?
•  Do you think Annie and Millie will stay in touch?

Craft ideas:
•  Describe your life in lists! (See Pinterest)

Step 1:
•  List 1: List 3 of your favorite things about your first day of 4th grade?
•  List 2: LIst 3 things that make you feel happy
•  List 3: List 3 things that you are thankful for
•  LIst 4: List 3 things you find interesting or would like to learn more about
•  LIst 5: List 3 things that made you laugh this summer

Step 2: Decorate and create a frame for your “Life in lists”.
Step 3: Share your lists with your classmates
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/september-2021-back-to-school-fun/
•  Make a Grandparents’ Day card (Sunday, September 12, made a federal holiday in 1978 by President Carter to acknowledge the close bond between grandparents and their grandchildren)

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!