We the Children
(Part of Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the Scho)
Illustrated by: Adam Stower / Read by: Keith Nobbs
For Ages: 7 - 10
The Boston area has been hit hard by a new wave of commercialization. Historic sites have yielded to the lure of big bucks, and now, C. Robinson Fetchley, a shady developer, is planning to make history by breaking ground for his tenth entertainment mega-park—but he needs to get his hands on the Duncan Oakes School first.
While everyone else in town is in love with this garish future, young Benjamin Pratt is in love with the past, the real past. He is one of those rare middle schoolers who already knows what he wants to do in life: he wants to be an historian. And, right now, the only thing he likes about his educational experience is Oakes School itself. It’s so old, it’s so interesting. It’s so full of stories. But what can he do? He’s just a 6th grade kid who likes American history.
Then, one day at school Ben discovers an old leather pouch, really old—just the way he likes it. Inside is a parchment scroll written by three students. The date on the note is 1791. They call themselves The Keepers of the School and it turns out, the 18th century keepers are not the only secret groups that have existed at Oakes School.
This first in a six-book series follows Ben and his sarcastic friend, Jill as they uncover a remarkable history and use it to protect the future of their school.
While everyone else in town is in love with this garish future, young Benjamin Pratt is in love with the past, the real past. He is one of those rare middle schoolers who already knows what he wants to do in life: he wants to be an historian. And, right now, the only thing he likes about his educational experience is Oakes School itself. It’s so old, it’s so interesting. It’s so full of stories. But what can he do? He’s just a 6th grade kid who likes American history.
Then, one day at school Ben discovers an old leather pouch, really old—just the way he likes it. Inside is a parchment scroll written by three students. The date on the note is 1791. They call themselves The Keepers of the School and it turns out, the 18th century keepers are not the only secret groups that have existed at Oakes School.
This first in a six-book series follows Ben and his sarcastic friend, Jill as they uncover a remarkable history and use it to protect the future of their school.
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Book details:
- Simon & Schuster Audio |
- ISBN 9780743583855 |
- April 2010 |
- Grades 2 - 5 |
- Lexile 860
$11.95 List Price
Available for immediate download
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A Reading Group Guide to
WE THE CHILDREN
Book One of Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School
by Andrew Clements
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. One of the first things readers learn about Ben is that he has caps on his front teeth. What happened to his front teeth? How does this experience affect his feelings about saving Oakes School?
2. What does Mr. Keane give Ben? Who owned this object before Mr. Keane? Why does Mr. Keane believe the school is about to be attacked?
3. Who was Duncan Oakes? What objects in and around the school remind students of Captain Oakes? Does your school have paintings, statues, trophies, or other items that help students remember its past? Do you ever think about these items? If so, describe one or more of these items and what thoughts, ideas, or inspiration they bring to you.
4. In Chapter 3, Ben thinks to himself, “Welcome to the exciting new theme of Benjamin Pratt's life-change.” List three changes about which Ben is thinking. How does Ben feel about all these changes? Is change a theme in your life? If so, in what ways?
5. Who is Mr. Lyman? Why is he different from past janitors at Oakes School? What secrets does Jill discover about Mr. Lyman? In addition to Mr. Lyman, from whom do Ben and Jill keep Mr. Keane's coin and last words secret? Do you think this is a good decision? Why or why not?
6. How does Ben feel about sailing an Optimist? How long has he been sail see more
WE THE CHILDREN
Book One of Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School
by Andrew Clements
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. One of the first things readers learn about Ben is that he has caps on his front teeth. What happened to his front teeth? How does this experience affect his feelings about saving Oakes School?
2. What does Mr. Keane give Ben? Who owned this object before Mr. Keane? Why does Mr. Keane believe the school is about to be attacked?
3. Who was Duncan Oakes? What objects in and around the school remind students of Captain Oakes? Does your school have paintings, statues, trophies, or other items that help students remember its past? Do you ever think about these items? If so, describe one or more of these items and what thoughts, ideas, or inspiration they bring to you.
4. In Chapter 3, Ben thinks to himself, “Welcome to the exciting new theme of Benjamin Pratt's life-change.” List three changes about which Ben is thinking. How does Ben feel about all these changes? Is change a theme in your life? If so, in what ways?
5. Who is Mr. Lyman? Why is he different from past janitors at Oakes School? What secrets does Jill discover about Mr. Lyman? In addition to Mr. Lyman, from whom do Ben and Jill keep Mr. Keane's coin and last words secret? Do you think this is a good decision? Why or why not?
6. How does Ben feel about sailing an Optimist? How long has he been sail see more
Video
Andrew Clements: Off The Shelf
We the Children asks: Can a kid change the course of history?
Andrew Clements: Off The Shelf
Writer Andrew Clements: Revealed
Go on the hunt with WE THE CHILDREN and Andrew Clements
We the Children by Andrew Clements
A visit with author Andrew Clements
