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Library Selection Week 4

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Library Selection for High School Week 4

This week we will be reading “The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs. It was first published in 1902 and the story is set around that time in England. “The Monkey’s Paw” is a horror story and a cautionary tale about unintended consequences. Below are links to the text version of the story and the audio version of the story. The text version is nine pages and the audio version is about thirty minutes.s.

As you read the story consider what message the author is trying to relay to you. Do you agree with the author’s message? Would you tempt fate and use the monkey’s paw? Below the story links are links to other stories you may enjoy if you liked “The Monkey’s Paw”.
 

The Monkey’s Paw

The Monkey’s Paw
To Read the Print Version of The Monkey’s Paw
To Listen to the Audio Version of The Monkey’s Paw

Questions to think about for “The Monkey’s Paw?

Are the Whites responsible for the bad things that happen to them, or are they helpless victims of fate, destined to suffer? Is it a combination of both? When we look closely at "The Monkey's Paw," it's full of questions about how much power people have over the direction of their lives.

This story is also about how we make choices. Think of Mr. White. He decides he wants to keep the paw, but it's Herbert who suggests the first wish, and Mrs. White his second one. He seems to make this second wish against his will. He knows it could be disastrous, but he does it anyway, either because he can't say no to his wife or because he wants to please her. His final wish, whatever it is, could be seen as a sign that his character is getting stronger. He is learning (rather late in the game), to take control of his life and to make good, careful choices on his own.

You may have noticed the monkey’s paw had three owners, three wishes, three people in the White family, and three knocks at the door. What does this do to contribute to the feeling of the story? Knowing what you do about the monkey’s paw, would you use it? Do you think the monkey’s paw was supernatural, or was it coincidence that caused the strange events? What do you think Mr. White’s final wish was? (Questions from Schmoop.com)

If you enjoy stories about wishes, you may like the classical tale (not the Disney version) of the Story of Aladdin. Click here for the text version, and click here for the audio version. If you like the horror element of this story and enjoyed “The Most Dangerous Game” last week you may like “The Hand” by Guy de Maupassant. Click here for the text version and click here for the audio version of “The Hand”.


Library Selection for Elementary Week 4

This week we are reading The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. The Lorax is a story about taking care of the world and someone who cares a whole awful lot.
To Listen to the Audio Version of The Lorax
The Lorax


Library Selection for Preschool/Intensive Support Week 4

This week we are reading the five selections below. Click on the links under each book cover to hear the stories being read to you.

The Gruffalo’s Child


To Listen to the Audio Version of The Gruffalo’s Child

 


The Mixed Up Chameleon
To Listen to the Audio Version of The Mixed Up Chameleon

 


 If You Give a Mouse a Cookie


To Listen to the Audio Version of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie


Creepy Pair of Underwear
To Listen to the Audio Version of Creepy Pair of Underwear

 


Strega Nona
To Listen to the Audio Version of Strega Nona

 


Strega Nona In Spanish
To Listen to the Audio Version of Strega Nona in Spanish

 


If you have questions, please contact the Librarian via email
Amy Brody, NMSBVI Librarian
AmyBrody@nmsbvi.k12.nm.us