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Os Segredos da Maxi
O Timminy sabe que chegar a uma nova cidade é tudo menos fácil, sobretudo quando se é alvo de bullying por se ser o miúdo mais pequeno da escola. Felizmente, a alegre, doce e independente Maxi entra na sua vida... E TUDO MUDA!
Enquanto o Timminy se está a sentir em baixo por ter sido gozado por alguns colegas e fechado em cacifos, a Maxi e a sua vizinha Abby estão decididas a ajudá-lo! As duas, e outros novos amigos, vão fazer de tudo para lhe mostrar que não precisamos de ser iguais a ninguém para encontrarmos e conquistarmos o nosso lugar especial no mundo.
O Timminy está prestes a aprender essa grande lição e a descobrir muito outros SEGREDOS que a Maxi lhe ensina todos os dias. Segredos preciosos que farão dele uma pessoa melhor... e muito, muito maior!
Enquanto o Timminy se está a sentir em baixo por ter sido gozado por alguns colegas e fechado em cacifos, a Maxi e a sua vizinha Abby estão decididas a ajudá-lo! As duas, e outros novos amigos, vão fazer de tudo para lhe mostrar que não precisamos de ser iguais a ninguém para encontrarmos e conquistarmos o nosso lugar especial no mundo.
O Timminy está prestes a aprender essa grande lição e a descobrir muito outros SEGREDOS que a Maxi lhe ensina todos os dias. Segredos preciosos que farão dele uma pessoa melhor... e muito, muito maior!
302 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2016
134 people are currently reading
1465 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Plourde
69 books151 followersI write kids' books--talk about a FUN job! I worked for 21 years as a speech-language therapist in Maine schools. When I got married, I got 3 & 4-year-old stepsons as part of my ready-made family. I read the boys picture books at bedtime. They fell asleep after 2 or 3 books, but I kept reading stacks and stacks of picture books and started to dream . . . maybe I could write picture books. I was already writing educational books (listening & speaking ideas for the classroom), but PICTURE BOOKS--that was different!
Different, and sloooooow! I had 13 years of rejections before getting my first book published, Pigs in the Mud in the Middle of the Rud, and I still get more rejections than acceptances--even after having more than 40 books published. So I'm still an author-in-training--learning to be a better author all the time.
I LOVE writing, the whole creative process. I also LOVE sharing my books with kids at schools: doing interactive readings, turning one of my books into a play, and teaching students how to plan and write different kinds of stories (i.e. problem stories, character stories, graphic novel scenes, fables) modeled after my books.
I love to try new kinds of writing such as poetic stories, a biography, a graphic novel, and more. Writing new kinds of stories is a challenge, but it makes writing fun and keeps me interested in the process.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
July 22, 2020
Timminy’s family are moving him to a new town, and he isn’t excited. He’ll have to start a new school which he’s nervous about. The one positive thing about the move is that he’s allowed to get a dog for a pet. When Maxi, a Great Pyrenees comes into his life, everything changes. Maxi is just what Timminy needs. After all, there’s a lot you can learn from a dog.
My kids and I resonated with this book being the dog lovers that we are, but more so because we also have a deaf dog. What a blessing she’s been too. When she was born we worried that we wouldn’t be able to give her what she needed (having zero experience with deaf dogs), but reflecting now, she’s given us everything—more than I could’ve ever imagined, and it’s hard to imagine life without her. She’s such a happy, normal dog, and she’s taught us so much.
This story is a real tear-jerker. I can’t remember the last time a middle-grade book actually made me cry. It explores friendship, acceptance, loss, bullying and other important topics. We all enjoyed it. It’s an excellent book for all ages.
5*****
My kids and I resonated with this book being the dog lovers that we are, but more so because we also have a deaf dog. What a blessing she’s been too. When she was born we worried that we wouldn’t be able to give her what she needed (having zero experience with deaf dogs), but reflecting now, she’s given us everything—more than I could’ve ever imagined, and it’s hard to imagine life without her. She’s such a happy, normal dog, and she’s taught us so much.
This story is a real tear-jerker. I can’t remember the last time a middle-grade book actually made me cry. It explores friendship, acceptance, loss, bullying and other important topics. We all enjoyed it. It’s an excellent book for all ages.
5*****
January 16, 2018
A tear-jerker, but worth it! When my husband died, people always asked me why I married a man with a terminal illness...why I would put myself through that, knowing what the end result would be. I always said, "Why give up on all those happy times, just because of the one bad thing that would happen in the end?" This rings true in this book as well. Some things are worth the heartache...
May 12, 2016
This book is exceptional. It goes so beyond the mere presence of Maxi. It really provides "secrets" which can be applied to all human beings. It explores many themes such relationships, overcoming challenges, and accepting others differences. It hit close to home in so many parts. I laughed and cried. And the quotes to end each chapter.
August 31, 2016
This is not your average boy and his dog book. Maxi's Secrets will have you reveling in Plourde's ability to develop characters in a true and surprising way.
This is a heart print book for me. One that will stick with me long after tonight. If you love stories about friendship (even in the most unlikely places), bravery and canine companionship, then this is the book for you.
This is a heart print book for me. One that will stick with me long after tonight. If you love stories about friendship (even in the most unlikely places), bravery and canine companionship, then this is the book for you.
June 8, 2016
Wow! I am usually able to judge a book based on the buzz it gets. This book generated A LOT of buzz with readers I trust. Due to this I ordered it for our Mock Newbery before I even read it. But, the buzz couldn't have prepared me for what I actually experienced. This book is SO much more that a "Dog" story.
This book has it all. The layers between characters, the growth of characters, the connections in this story, and the importance of having and developing a voice are so strong in this book.
I cannot wait for others to be able to read this book on August. It is a special book, and it is one which I hope will be honored and cherished by not only committees, but more importantly by the readers it will serve.
I cannot recommend this book any more strongly than I am right now. It is for sure a book you will reread. I often will reread books I love and cherish. This book will join that list!
This book has it all. The layers between characters, the growth of characters, the connections in this story, and the importance of having and developing a voice are so strong in this book.
I cannot wait for others to be able to read this book on August. It is a special book, and it is one which I hope will be honored and cherished by not only committees, but more importantly by the readers it will serve.
I cannot recommend this book any more strongly than I am right now. It is for sure a book you will reread. I often will reread books I love and cherish. This book will join that list!
July 22, 2016
The reader is told right up front: "Let's get this part over with - it's no secret. My dog, Maxi, dies."
But even with that blunt warning, I plunged ahead into the book. And even though I sat on the sofa and bawled my eyes out, I have to say that this book is just awesome!
Book lovers, even those with past experience reading Sounder, Old Yeller, and many others, dive into these books because the relationship we have with our pets is so universal. We know that we're about to share a special experience with the author, the characters in the story, and those around us. Many people, including young readers, will relate to Timminy's story, and hopefully be able to relate to each other better, after reading this.
For my complete review, please visit: http://janatheteacher.blogspot.com/20...
But even with that blunt warning, I plunged ahead into the book. And even though I sat on the sofa and bawled my eyes out, I have to say that this book is just awesome!
Book lovers, even those with past experience reading Sounder, Old Yeller, and many others, dive into these books because the relationship we have with our pets is so universal. We know that we're about to share a special experience with the author, the characters in the story, and those around us. Many people, including young readers, will relate to Timminy's story, and hopefully be able to relate to each other better, after reading this.
For my complete review, please visit: http://janatheteacher.blogspot.com/20...
February 17, 2017
Your name is Timminy, you are very short for your age and you are beginning the school year in a new school, which happens to also be a middle school and the place your dad is assistant principal in a brand new town. Good thing you have your dog Maxi to help you weather the storm.
Love all the lessons that Maxi the great pyrenees puppy teaches her family. Many a young boy or girl will take heart in their preteen years as they also learn from Maxi about being different and being a friend.
Love all the lessons that Maxi the great pyrenees puppy teaches her family. Many a young boy or girl will take heart in their preteen years as they also learn from Maxi about being different and being a friend.
August 7, 2016
This book is going to be around for a long long time because it's going to stick in the hearts of many many readers.
Thank you, Lynn Plourde, for giving us Maxi and Timminy.
Thank you, Lynn Plourde, for giving us Maxi and Timminy.
March 10, 2022
Maxi's Secret
Lynn Plourde
Rating - 4.5⭐
I read a lot of Middle Grade Fiction this month. And most of them have someone different as their protagonist. Most of them deal with kids on the spectrum but this one dared to be different.
Timiny's parents are changing cities. And consequently he has to change schools too, something he isn't too eagerly looking forward to. You would too if you are tiny, have a name to match and a propensity to talk too much. Talking too much invites the school bullies, you see, who can then shove you in all kinds of cramped spaces, especially lockers. Well, his parents know the trick to get him on board and bribe him with a puppy. The puppy, though is a mixed breed, grows huge too soon and is deaf. How do you make a puppy listen if he or she can't even hear?
The characters in the book are layered and memorable. Abby who doesn't let her blindness keep her back from enjoying life, huge Rory who turns out to be not so intimidating once you get to know him, a disabled girl who takes inspiration from the life around her for her drawings, Timiny who may be tiny but has a heart as big as his mouth, and Maxi, the lovable dog who is the hero of the show. The insecurity of a little kid who is frequently bullied is portrayed well.
Written in extremely small chapters, with life lessons at the end which are termed as the secret Maxi teaches to Timiny, this was a breeze to read about until the end when it turns into a tear jerker. In my opinion that ending wasn't at all required. But maybe that's my HEA craving self talking. Recommended to all dog lovers and even those who aren't, because Maxi's secrets are for everyone.
Lynn Plourde
Rating - 4.5⭐
I read a lot of Middle Grade Fiction this month. And most of them have someone different as their protagonist. Most of them deal with kids on the spectrum but this one dared to be different.
Timiny's parents are changing cities. And consequently he has to change schools too, something he isn't too eagerly looking forward to. You would too if you are tiny, have a name to match and a propensity to talk too much. Talking too much invites the school bullies, you see, who can then shove you in all kinds of cramped spaces, especially lockers. Well, his parents know the trick to get him on board and bribe him with a puppy. The puppy, though is a mixed breed, grows huge too soon and is deaf. How do you make a puppy listen if he or she can't even hear?
The characters in the book are layered and memorable. Abby who doesn't let her blindness keep her back from enjoying life, huge Rory who turns out to be not so intimidating once you get to know him, a disabled girl who takes inspiration from the life around her for her drawings, Timiny who may be tiny but has a heart as big as his mouth, and Maxi, the lovable dog who is the hero of the show. The insecurity of a little kid who is frequently bullied is portrayed well.
Written in extremely small chapters, with life lessons at the end which are termed as the secret Maxi teaches to Timiny, this was a breeze to read about until the end when it turns into a tear jerker. In my opinion that ending wasn't at all required. But maybe that's my HEA craving self talking. Recommended to all dog lovers and even those who aren't, because Maxi's secrets are for everyone.
Read
December 28, 2021Great book about new students, jumping to conclusions and people are more than what meets the eye.
October 1, 2019
It was good, but some parts where a little sad. But it was a nice story about a dog.
November 18, 2016
I picked this book to donate to my library as a memorial for my dog Liza. Liza was more than 14 years old last December, nearly blind, mostly deaf, and suffering from too many aches and pains, it was time to let her go. It took me until September of this year to find the right book to dedicate to Liza. I think this was the right book, hope it reaches its audience here, and everywhere.
Lynn Plourde is a Maine author who previously wrote picture books. This is her first middle grade novel. Maxi's Secrets is a story about a 5th grade boy, Timminy, who moves from Portland, Maine to a smaller rural town in Maine. Getting the dog, Maxi, was his parents ploy to help him with the move.
His new school is a middle school that includes 5th through 8th grade. Timminy is the shortest kid in the school. One of his neighbors, Abby, is blind, another, Rory, a huge 8th grader. Through all his adjustments to his new place, bullies, friendships, and anger, it is Maxi who comforts him at home and keeps him going. Every chapter ends with a secret to understanding, living, and enjoying life. Short, single sentence, low-key advice, and not too preachy in it's delivery. I really liked this book. It refers to several other dog stories, Shiloh, Where the Red Fern Grows, Marley and Me, and on the first page it says this about fictional dogs, "You cried, I cried when fake dogs died. Maxi was real." No secret, there will be tears before this book is done. But don't let that keep you from reading this sweet story.
Lynn Plourde is a Maine author who previously wrote picture books. This is her first middle grade novel. Maxi's Secrets is a story about a 5th grade boy, Timminy, who moves from Portland, Maine to a smaller rural town in Maine. Getting the dog, Maxi, was his parents ploy to help him with the move.
His new school is a middle school that includes 5th through 8th grade. Timminy is the shortest kid in the school. One of his neighbors, Abby, is blind, another, Rory, a huge 8th grader. Through all his adjustments to his new place, bullies, friendships, and anger, it is Maxi who comforts him at home and keeps him going. Every chapter ends with a secret to understanding, living, and enjoying life. Short, single sentence, low-key advice, and not too preachy in it's delivery. I really liked this book. It refers to several other dog stories, Shiloh, Where the Red Fern Grows, Marley and Me, and on the first page it says this about fictional dogs, "You cried, I cried when fake dogs died. Maxi was real." No secret, there will be tears before this book is done. But don't let that keep you from reading this sweet story.
March 19, 2017
Even though the opening of this middle grade novel discloses that the dog dies, the last 30 pgs are incredibly sad. Yet, that's also where the writing picks up and excels. Other than that bold in-your-face opening (Let's get this part over with - it's no secret. My dog, Maxi, dies.), absolutely no symptoms of Maxi's illness show until pg 189 of the book's 262 pgs. Yet when the family takes her to the vet, the cancer has already spread too far to be treatable.
The story is slow-paced until the last quarter of the book, which ratchets up the pace considerably. The paragraphs are so short, the book seems choppy. The life lessons are a bit didactic for middle grade readers, mainly because of the sheer volume of them - one at the end of each of the 51 chapters. Themes are friendship and living life to the fullest, whatever your circumstances.
Abby is a strong female character who lives life fully despite her disability, or maybe because of it. She makes this book worth reading. But the protagonist is a whiner with a large chip on his shoulder. Dealing with that is his character arc. Still, he is difficult to hang out with for the first half of the book. Some of Timminy's friendships feel forced, especially Carver and Kassy. I still don't understand how/why Rory and Kevin are friends. They certainly don't act like friends around one another.
Overall, I have mixed reactions to this book. I suspect more emotional readers will like it better than I do.
The story is slow-paced until the last quarter of the book, which ratchets up the pace considerably. The paragraphs are so short, the book seems choppy. The life lessons are a bit didactic for middle grade readers, mainly because of the sheer volume of them - one at the end of each of the 51 chapters. Themes are friendship and living life to the fullest, whatever your circumstances.
Abby is a strong female character who lives life fully despite her disability, or maybe because of it. She makes this book worth reading. But the protagonist is a whiner with a large chip on his shoulder. Dealing with that is his character arc. Still, he is difficult to hang out with for the first half of the book. Some of Timminy's friendships feel forced, especially Carver and Kassy. I still don't understand how/why Rory and Kevin are friends. They certainly don't act like friends around one another.
Overall, I have mixed reactions to this book. I suspect more emotional readers will like it better than I do.
April 13, 2023
This is the first book that has made me cry in front of my class. We loved it! Every time I stopped reading the gang would clamor for more.
Plourde nailed the voice and essence of a fifth grade boy! Specifically the insecurity and anger that goes along with a perceived fault. And just when that anger was on the verge of being too much the character morphed and grew in a realistic and relatable way. Towards the end of the book when Maxi dies -- I started to feel a bit uncomfortable with the frequent iterations of "dead" but then it dawned on me that this age group isn't going to get (or talk) in more "poetic" ways about dying -- so again, it really work for this age group. Additionally, I loved the scope of characters -- none were one dimensional and all felt like friends by the end of the book -- Rory being my favorite.
All in all, I loved it; I can't wait for Plourde to write more middle grade fiction! And most importantly, I can't wait for her to come back to our school so I can tell her in person, how much I (and my kiddos) loved her book!
Plourde nailed the voice and essence of a fifth grade boy! Specifically the insecurity and anger that goes along with a perceived fault. And just when that anger was on the verge of being too much the character morphed and grew in a realistic and relatable way. Towards the end of the book when Maxi dies -- I started to feel a bit uncomfortable with the frequent iterations of "dead" but then it dawned on me that this age group isn't going to get (or talk) in more "poetic" ways about dying -- so again, it really work for this age group. Additionally, I loved the scope of characters -- none were one dimensional and all felt like friends by the end of the book -- Rory being my favorite.
All in all, I loved it; I can't wait for Plourde to write more middle grade fiction! And most importantly, I can't wait for her to come back to our school so I can tell her in person, how much I (and my kiddos) loved her book!
January 27, 2020
Maxi's story is one I know readers are going to love so much. I loved the friendship between Timminy and Abby, as well as the unlikely friendship found with Rory. All three of those characters are so multidimensional, giving readers a lot to think about as they navigate their own friendships during the difficult middle grade years. I appreciated a story that includes supportive parents in a strong family unit. That's not something that's easy to do in a middle grade novel but this story found a perfect balance of depicting children handling problems on their own with parent support sprinkled in. And then of course there's Maxi. I'm really not an animal person. I don't always get the bond. But Maxi tugged at my heart from the very beginning, and I loved the way she brought so much joy to the story...and of course her secrets. You really CAN learn a lot from a dog!
July 12, 2017
My favorite of the SSYRA books so far. I liked the characters, how they changed and were different based on the perceptions people had of them. The fog was pretty cool too. It's like the different popular dog books (A Dog's Purpose, The Art of Racing in the Rain, etc) but for kids.
August 22, 2016
I was 90% sure I wouldn't cry because the first line tells you that the dog will die.
I was wrong.
An emotionally affecting story, but I found it a bit simplistic for the majority of the time. It reminded me a bit of The Year of Billy Miller with the straightforward way the story was told. I would have appreciated a bit more complexity in the writing.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital advance reader's copy, provided via Netgalley.
I was wrong.
An emotionally affecting story, but I found it a bit simplistic for the majority of the time. It reminded me a bit of The Year of Billy Miller with the straightforward way the story was told. I would have appreciated a bit more complexity in the writing.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital advance reader's copy, provided via Netgalley.
April 2, 2016
I am giving this book seven out of five stars. This is a true work of heart. Lynn's storytelling is perfectly paced and filled with the perfect amount of laughter, love, and struggle.
Something I've learned from my reading life.....if it's a Nancy Paulsen book, you are going to cherish it.
Review based on uncorrected proof.
Something I've learned from my reading life.....if it's a Nancy Paulsen book, you are going to cherish it.
Review based on uncorrected proof.
September 24, 2016
A wonderful dog story that has it all. A lovable dog, interesting characters, deep connections within themes, a great friendship, and, yes, lessons you can learn from a dog. I loved the short chapters and the way the author braided even harder lessons and the characters' development within the story. Give this to dog-loving middle grade kids or - as a read aloud - to their teachers.
December 16, 2016
Much more than another sad dog story. You know from page one that the dog dies, no surprises then, but still hard to read. Yes, the dog will let you know when it's time - I learned that too from personal experience :-(. Lots of good things to talk/discuss about friendships & stereotypes!
December 19, 2016
It didn't touch me as much as most dog books I've read, but I liked the life secrets posted after each chapter. Also, middle school kids could identify with feeling "different" as Timminy, Rory, Abby, and Devon all had ways in which they were different from other middle schoolers.
June 22, 2016
Oh my gosh. Another incredible MG novel. Read it in one day and yes it made me cry again!!! A must/read...
July 9, 2017
I love the opening chapter. Encourage the reluctant reader to at least read to Chapter 8 before they stop reading. They need to be patient as the stage is being set. They will not be disappointed.
February 3, 2020
SPOILER ALERT
Chosen Text Set: Students will choose from the three books I have provided below. I will have 6 sets of each book.
Brown, Peter (2016). The wild robot. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.
Clements, Andrew (2017). The loser’s club. New York, NY: Random House.
Plourde, Lynn (2016). Maxi’s secrets. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
Short Summary and Commonalities: Character Development & Theme
The Wild Robot: Roz’s character development is heavily impacted by the interactions of other co-habitants on the island. Through flourishing creative writing strategies, we experience all the feels life through an innocent newcomer. The reader learns about the trials and errors Roz undergoes, bullying, friendships, problem solving and above all, the numerous revelations about herself and life in general. She feels and understand how much happier she is when the mutually symbiotic relationships form among the island’s creatures. Roz’s motto is to think, help, change. (longer summary at end of review)
The Loser’s Club: Alec starts off a little hostile about his intentions at after school care, but soon sees the light of pride and love for his co-founded club. Carefully, he sows his seeds by getting to know each member and choosing the perfect book for each person. This doesn’t come easy though. He goes through personal battles of bullying and not fitting in just as Roz did and comes out with confidence and reassurance of who he is and the impact his club has made. (longer summary at end of review)
Maxi’s Secrets: Timminy is experiencing a rough start at a new school with bullying and trying to make friends. Luckily, venturing over to his neighbor’s house sets off a contagion of events that led him to a new circle of friends. The transformation he undergoes allows him to problem solve situations using critical events, self-discovery and reflection, learning to allow people to see the real you. Furthermore, Timminy beings the understanding of how rich life can be when you aren’t so critical of yourself and that sometimes things are the way you expect them to be. (longer summary at end of review)
Description of Response Method:
The book response will be conducted in a 2-part phase. The first part is a plot summary of the main points to check for comprehension. The second part is character development and analysis. The collaborative piece will be synthesizing the three books together through literature circles focused on character development. Literature circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books. Collaboration is at the heart of this approach. Students reshape and add onto their understanding as they construct meaning with other readers. There, students will conduct a discussion about:
1. Similarities between the main characters
2. Literary devices
3. Personality characteristics
4. Challenges faced
5. Compare and contrast differences
6. Perspective change
7. Understanding of events that occurred and affected inner character growth.
8. The final literature circle topic will be what the author is trying to convey or the central idea of the story. What is the moral of the story for the main character?
State Standards:
LA 4.1.6.b Identify and describe elements of literary text (e.g., characters, setting, plot, point of view, theme).
LA 4.1.6.c Identify and explain why authors use literary devices (e.g., simile, metaphor, alliteration, onomatopoeia, imagery, rhythm, personification, hyperbole, idioms).
Professional Literature
Limit the number of literary elements and reading skills you explicitly teach with any one book. (Fisher and Ivey, 2007). Use a variety of texts to teach students everything they need to know about symbolism, characterization or figurative language. Focus on the elements and skills that students need to comprehend that specific text (Miller, 2009, p. 127). The Wild Robot, The Loser's Club and Maxi's Story all clearly emphasize character development and personal growth through understanding experiences when viewed through new lenses. Events are not always predictable and inner growth occurs from new understandings.
References
Brown, Peter (2016). The wild robot. New York, NY: Boston Little, Brown and Company.
Clements, Andrew (2017). The loser’s club. New York, NY: Random House.
Miller, Donalyn; Anderson, J. (2009). The book whisperer. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass.
Plourde, Lynn (2016). Maxi’s secrets. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
http://www.litcircles.org/Overview/ov...
Chosen Text Set: Students will choose from the three books I have provided below. I will have 6 sets of each book.
Brown, Peter (2016). The wild robot. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.
Clements, Andrew (2017). The loser’s club. New York, NY: Random House.
Plourde, Lynn (2016). Maxi’s secrets. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
Short Summary and Commonalities: Character Development & Theme
The Wild Robot: Roz’s character development is heavily impacted by the interactions of other co-habitants on the island. Through flourishing creative writing strategies, we experience all the feels life through an innocent newcomer. The reader learns about the trials and errors Roz undergoes, bullying, friendships, problem solving and above all, the numerous revelations about herself and life in general. She feels and understand how much happier she is when the mutually symbiotic relationships form among the island’s creatures. Roz’s motto is to think, help, change. (longer summary at end of review)
The Loser’s Club: Alec starts off a little hostile about his intentions at after school care, but soon sees the light of pride and love for his co-founded club. Carefully, he sows his seeds by getting to know each member and choosing the perfect book for each person. This doesn’t come easy though. He goes through personal battles of bullying and not fitting in just as Roz did and comes out with confidence and reassurance of who he is and the impact his club has made. (longer summary at end of review)
Maxi’s Secrets: Timminy is experiencing a rough start at a new school with bullying and trying to make friends. Luckily, venturing over to his neighbor’s house sets off a contagion of events that led him to a new circle of friends. The transformation he undergoes allows him to problem solve situations using critical events, self-discovery and reflection, learning to allow people to see the real you. Furthermore, Timminy beings the understanding of how rich life can be when you aren’t so critical of yourself and that sometimes things are the way you expect them to be. (longer summary at end of review)
Description of Response Method:
The book response will be conducted in a 2-part phase. The first part is a plot summary of the main points to check for comprehension. The second part is character development and analysis. The collaborative piece will be synthesizing the three books together through literature circles focused on character development. Literature circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books. Collaboration is at the heart of this approach. Students reshape and add onto their understanding as they construct meaning with other readers. There, students will conduct a discussion about:
1. Similarities between the main characters
2. Literary devices
3. Personality characteristics
4. Challenges faced
5. Compare and contrast differences
6. Perspective change
7. Understanding of events that occurred and affected inner character growth.
8. The final literature circle topic will be what the author is trying to convey or the central idea of the story. What is the moral of the story for the main character?
State Standards:
LA 4.1.6.b Identify and describe elements of literary text (e.g., characters, setting, plot, point of view, theme).
LA 4.1.6.c Identify and explain why authors use literary devices (e.g., simile, metaphor, alliteration, onomatopoeia, imagery, rhythm, personification, hyperbole, idioms).
Professional Literature
Limit the number of literary elements and reading skills you explicitly teach with any one book. (Fisher and Ivey, 2007). Use a variety of texts to teach students everything they need to know about symbolism, characterization or figurative language. Focus on the elements and skills that students need to comprehend that specific text (Miller, 2009, p. 127). The Wild Robot, The Loser's Club and Maxi's Story all clearly emphasize character development and personal growth through understanding experiences when viewed through new lenses. Events are not always predictable and inner growth occurs from new understandings.
References
Brown, Peter (2016). The wild robot. New York, NY: Boston Little, Brown and Company.
Clements, Andrew (2017). The loser’s club. New York, NY: Random House.
Miller, Donalyn; Anderson, J. (2009). The book whisperer. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass.
Plourde, Lynn (2016). Maxi’s secrets. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
http://www.litcircles.org/Overview/ov...
November 22, 2023
6/5 stars!!!
This is actually a reread book.
In fourth grade I read this book and when I finished I ran to the bathroom crying for 20 minutes. I then came back later to cry again.
Last night I had just finished chapter 47 and I knew what was gonna happen. And just like that I started bawling my eyes out. I couldn’t stop until I finished the book and went to bed.
The reason I love this book so much is because it isn’t from the prospective of the dog but instead of Timminy the owner. It makes the story about his life with a dog in it instead of Timminy and his dog plus a little bit of his life.
The main reason I love this book though is because at the end of every chapter there is a secret that Maxi wanted to tell. I find it as such a heartwarming thing and makes me excited for the end of each chapter. Here is my favorite secret.
Secret #49
Sometimes there are no words.
This is actually a reread book.
In fourth grade I read this book and when I finished I ran to the bathroom crying for 20 minutes. I then came back later to cry again.
Last night I had just finished chapter 47 and I knew what was gonna happen. And just like that I started bawling my eyes out. I couldn’t stop until I finished the book and went to bed.
The reason I love this book so much is because it isn’t from the prospective of the dog but instead of Timminy the owner. It makes the story about his life with a dog in it instead of Timminy and his dog plus a little bit of his life.
The main reason I love this book though is because at the end of every chapter there is a secret that Maxi wanted to tell. I find it as such a heartwarming thing and makes me excited for the end of each chapter. Here is my favorite secret.
Secret #49
Sometimes there are no words.
September 6, 2024
Por ter um problema Timminy não deixou de gostar da Maxi (surda). Sua cadela.
É possível ouvir alguém mesmo que os nossos ouvidos não funcionem.
Timminy sofreia de bulling por ser baixo.
Abby amiga vizinha surda e tinha pele negra;
Só por não ter todos os sentidos Timminy tratou-a normal a amizade é a mais forte e não tem limites muito pelo contrário é infinita!
Abby aprendeu a lidar não foi algo que quis nem que não foi desde que nasceu.
História linda sobre não desvalorizar os ontros só por terem uma doença ou uma condição física, psicológica. Com um ensinamento fundamental:
RESPEITO
Afinal antes de fazermos ao outro temos de pensar se gostávamos se nos fizessem a nós!
É possível ouvir alguém mesmo que os nossos ouvidos não funcionem.
Timminy sofreia de bulling por ser baixo.
Abby amiga vizinha surda e tinha pele negra;
Só por não ter todos os sentidos Timminy tratou-a normal a amizade é a mais forte e não tem limites muito pelo contrário é infinita!
Abby aprendeu a lidar não foi algo que quis nem que não foi desde que nasceu.
História linda sobre não desvalorizar os ontros só por terem uma doença ou uma condição física, psicológica. Com um ensinamento fundamental:
RESPEITO
Afinal antes de fazermos ao outro temos de pensar se gostávamos se nos fizessem a nós!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2019
Perfect book for family book club with our elementary aged kids. Love unconditionally, respect differences, stand up for what is right, and the struggle of dealing with loss ... this book covers it all. Heartbreaking and smile provoking, the story of Timiny, Maxi, Rory and Abby will have long-lasting impression.
March 22, 2019
Aww, this book was so sweet! I think I might be a little older than the target audience because the language seemed a little simple, but it makes sense because the main character is in 5th grade. I would really recommend this book and I liked the diversity of the characters. However, I wish I had read it a few years ago.
April 25, 2017
Thanks Julie for sharing your book with me. You were right - I am glad that I read it. I liked the characters and they story. I like we get to see the characters grow and change as the chapters progress. Maxi has many secrets to teach us.
What secrets can I learn from the friends I spend my days with? I think I'll try to pay attention and notice.
What secrets can I learn from the friends I spend my days with? I think I'll try to pay attention and notice.
February 1, 2019
Timminy is having a hard time this year when his family decides to move out of state, he has to start a new middle school and to top it off his dad is the new assistant principal. Then the best thing that could happen is that his parents get him a dog and he names her Maxi. Something seems different about Maxi, she doesn’t respond to sounds. Timminy soon discovers that Maxi is deaf. Together they become friends with Abby the next door neighbor girl who is blind. This is a story of overcoming one’s short comings and finding strength in who you are. Fun story.
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