<![CDATA[Chad Kurzawski]]>https://www.monthlynovels.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MI1I!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa6ea455b-008a-4876-bb47-102b36c5cdd0_156x156.jpegChad Kurzawskihttps://www.monthlynovels.comSubstackSun, 31 May 2026 02:05:17 GMT<![CDATA[Journaling Guide for Song for a Whale]]>https://www.monthlynovels.com/p/journaling-guide-for-song-for-a-whalehttps://www.monthlynovels.com/p/journaling-guide-for-song-for-a-whaleFri, 13 Jun 2025 19:00:41 GMT

At Monthly Novels, we believe actively taking note while reading is one of the most important thing you can do to remember the book well and prepare for future writing assignments. Here are seven journaling topics you could write about as you read:

  • Feeling misunderstood

  • Expressing yourself

  • Talents and confidence

  • Courage and independence

  • Being judged

  • Connecting with others

  • Any topic of your choice

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Agenda

  1. Choose 2 or 3 journaling topics you’d like to think carefully about.

  2. Write a few sentences explaining why you chose your 2-3 topics.

  3. As you continue to read the novel, take notes on all seven journaling topics (but pay special attention to the ones you chose). You can:

    1. Use our post-it notes in the attached assignment sheet. This is our recommended method because it helps you easily organize your ideas once it’s time to write about the full book.

    2. Use your own post-it notes; just be sure to label them with the journaling topics!

    3. Write directly in your copy of the book.

  4. Go back and reread chapters 1-3, journaling as you go.

Journal Guide And Post It Notes For Song For A Whale
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]]><![CDATA[Read chapters 1-3 of Song for a Whale]]>https://www.monthlynovels.com/p/read-chapters-1-3-of-song-for-a-whalehttps://www.monthlynovels.com/p/read-chapters-1-3-of-song-for-a-whaleThu, 12 Jun 2025 18:44:53 GMTWe’re now ready to read the first 3 chapters of Song for a Whale!

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Agenda

  1. Before you begin reading, view the video below and/or read the summary provided.

  2. Review these discussion questions; you’ll want to think about them as you read.

    1. How does Iris feel at school, and what makes it hard for her to fit in? Do you think the adults at school are helping or making it worse?

    2. Have you ever felt like Iris—like no one understood how you communicate or who you are? What helped you feel better?

    3. What are some ways Ms. Alamilla and Ms. Conn treat Iris differently How does that affect how Iris feels in their classrooms?

  3. Read chapters 1-3. As you read, take notes on the discussion questions above. You can write directly in your copy of the book, on post-it notes, or on the provided worksheet.

Chapters 1 3 Reading Lesson Song For A Whale
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]]><![CDATA[Anticipation Guide for Song for a Whale]]>https://www.monthlynovels.com/p/anticipation-guide-for-song-for-ahttps://www.monthlynovels.com/p/anticipation-guide-for-song-for-aWed, 11 Jun 2025 18:04:18 GMTBefore we begin reading, consider the deeper subjects and themes in Song for a Whale.

Anticipation Guide Song For A Whale
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]]><![CDATA[Read novels | Write better]]>https://www.monthlynovels.com/p/read-novels-write-betterhttps://www.monthlynovels.com/p/read-novels-write-betterWed, 11 Jun 2025 17:07:03 GMTAn active reading and writing life leads to high-level literacy skills, exactly what's needed for success in middle and high school.

Each month, we choose a middle grades novel and build a fun, engaging experience for parents, guardians, and their 4th-6th graders. We believe reading builds empathy; if you are opposed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, this newsletter is not for you.

For June, 2025, we’re featuring Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly. Join us!

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