Book Bag Blog

First Video Conference Book Club Discussion

May 29, 2008 at 9:11 pm | In Book Chat, Book Thoughts, Student Activities, Technology | 3 Comments
Tags: book club, CBA, lunch bunch, video conference

The 6th grade lunch bunch book club just participated in our first video conference with another middle school today. We held our joint lunch bunch book club meeting with Sullivan’s Middle School in Rock Hill, SC. Our discussion was about the book Crossing the Wire, a novel about a young Mexican boy, Victor, who found himself the soul provider for his family after his father dies. Victor has always been happy at home growing and selling corn, but the with the produce prices dropping significantly, he realizes that his families’ only hope for survival is to “cross the wire” into the US and find work. Life in the US promises good jobs and a better life. Victor feels this is the only hope he has to earn enough money to support his family.

It was heart breaking to read about the difficult and dangerous struggles he faced as he attempted to cross into the US. This novel brought to light many controversial issues, including the current debate over regulation of immigration laws; the prevalence of “coyotes” and “mules” and how their reputation and illegal trades have affected so many of the Mexican population; and role of border police and vigilantes. Our students found a greater understanding of the desire to come to the US, illegally, even if the trip is life threatening.

A good read which offered great controversial topics for discussion.