Act 2 (Jack & Louisa)



Last updated Thursday, March 9, 2017

Author: Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 0448478404
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2017

Synopsis: A show-stopping series about life in the spotlight from Broadway actors and Internet sensations Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead. Shaker Heights Middle School is putting on Guys and Dolls and best friends Jack and Lou are hoping to get lead roles. But a mysterious new director soon arrives to town and threatens to meddle with their dreams. Is Shaker Heights big enough for two Broadway legends? Fans of Tim Federle’s Better Nate Than Ever will rejoice to meet Jack & Lou—the newest MTN’s (musical theater nerds) on the block.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you think 'Act 2' on the cover refers to? (act- one of the main divisions of a play)
•  What city skyline is on the cover of the book?
•  Have you ever heard of Broadway?

Vocabulary

•  Broadway-a street in New York City where there are many theaters
•  Rave-to talk or write about someone or something in an excited or enthusiastic way
•  Curtain call-the time when a performer returns to the stage at the end of a performance in response to the applause of the audience
•  Intricate-having many parts
•  Labyrinth-a place that has many confusing paths or passages
•  Tentatively-not done with confidence
•  Deadpan-showing no feeling or emotion

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have you ever acted in a play?
•  Have you ever been to the theater?
•  Where does Lou go during the holidays?
•  If you were showing a friend who was not from LA around, where would you take them?

Craft ideas:
•  Have kids draw their names in a marquee style. Have kids draw block letters and add marquee lights. See examples of marquee style letters on Pinterest.
•  Make a paper guitar. Cut out the body of the guitar using any color construction paper. Let the kids decorate. Cut out the guitar neck from a brown piece of construction paper and glue to the body. Draw in the strings. See example on Pinterest.
•  Check our music in March craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/march-2017-music-entertainment/

*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!