Judy Moody Saves the World!



Last updated Sunday, January 5, 2014

Author: Megan McDonald
Date of Publication: 2010
ISBN: 0763648604
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2014

Synopsis: Judy Moody did not set out to save the world. She set out to win a contest. A Band-Aid contest. It all started with the Crazy-Strip contest - and the dream that she, Judy Moody, might one day see her very own adhesive-bandage design covering the scraped knees of thousands. But when her "Heal the World" motif merits only an honorable mention, Judy Moody realizes it’s time to set her sights on something bigger. Class 3T is studying the environment, and Judy is amazed to learn about the destruction of the rain forest, the endangered species (not) in her own backyard, and her own family’s crummy recycling habits. Now she’s in a mood to whip the planet into shape - or her name isn’t Judy Monarch Moody!

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is on the cover of the book?
•  From what do you think Judy saves the world? How?
•  Do you know someone who has tried to save the world? How?

Vocabulary:
•  compost - decayed mixture of plants (such as leaves and grass) that is used to improve soil in a garden
•  endangered species - a species threatened with extinction
•  trudged- walk slowly and heavily because you are tired or working very hard
•  inspiration - something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create
•  reflexes - an action or movement of the body that happens automatically as a reaction
•  habitat - place or type of place where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives or grows
•  lunatic - wildly foolish
•  ozone - a form of oxygen that is found in a layer high in the earth's atmosphere
•  erosion - the gradual destruction of something (such as water, wind, or ice)
•  mascot - person, animal, or object used as a symbol to represent a group (such as a sports team) and to bring good luck
•  awareness - knowing that something (such as a situation, condition, or problem) exists

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What kind of contest did Judy want to win?
•  What was Stinks band-aid design and message? What was Judy's?
•  How was Judy going to save the world? What was her plan B?
•  What is one way Judy tries to save energy?
•  What endangered animal did Judy adopt? What were some of the other endangered animals adopted?
•  Where does the Northeast beach tiger beetle live?
•  Who do Judy and her friends free?
•  Where does Judy decide to live?
•  Who wins the crazy strips contest? What award did Judy’s class win?
•  What was project P.E.N.C.I.L.?
•  How did they raise money to plant trees in the rainforest? How many trees will be planted?

Craft ideas:
•  Design and draw a message for your own crazy strip bandage. (Use masking tape, if available.)
•  Draw a Who's Who picture of your family, friends and pets. (see example before chapter 1)
•  Earth is in my hands craft: (see sample or picture in link below) 1) Cut a circle out of blue or green construction paper and draw the earth. 2) Trace your hands on construction paper and cut them out. 3) Glue the circle in the palm of the hands with the fingers sticking out. 4) Write ways to save the earth on the fingers.
•  http://boymamateachermama.com/2013/04/10/teacher-mama-earth-day-activity/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!