Course Description

If you are a 4th-6th grader and love to read, discuss and explore literature, then this is the book club for you! In this course, we will read Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus. Book Synopsis: When 12-year-old Dory Byrne’s pop left New York City’s Lower East Side to fight Hitler, he promised her and her brothers that they’d be safe. Like he always said, “the neighborhood will give you what you need.” There’s the lady from the bakery, who saves them leftover crullers. The kind landlord who checks in on them. And every Thursday night, the Byrnes enjoy a free bowl of seafood stew at Mr. Caputo’s restaurant. . . which is where Dory learns about the abandoned hand-pulled elevator that is the only way to get to Caputo’s upper floors. But when a new landlord threatens their home in the community that’s raised them and kept them safe, the secret elevator—and the abandoned hotel it leads to—provides just the solution they need. Based on a very real place in old New York and steeped in the history of World War II, Nothing Else but Miracles is a warm and inviting story of resilience, the tight-knit community of the Lower East Side, and the miracles that await in unexpected places. Students will each be given a specific role which will guide the weekly discussion in response to what they have read. You may talk about events and characters in the book, the author's craft, or personal experiences related to the story. Literature circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books. NOTE: This course will require the student to have a copy of the book and to complete the assigned reading each week and come prepared to each session ready for discussion and fulfilling his/her assigned role within the group.

Contact Details