The Talented Clementine
By Sara Pennypacker
Published by Hyperion
Copyright 2008

Accelerated Reader: 4

Suggested Delivery: Independent Reading

ZANY, WITTY, QUIRKY, FUNNY, ENTERTAINING

This bubbly third grade girl is startled when her teacher announces their classroom talent show.  Clementine has no talents, in fact she can’t even hop gracefully.  Surrounded by other gifted students, even a girl who needs to alphabetize all of them to keep track, Clementine attempts to tap dance, move to Egypt and even ponders hiring a substitute.  Her father won’t allow her brother to imitate Elvis and now she is left with nothing.  As Clementine narrates this hilarious adventure, we come to find that Clementine finds her talent as stage manager during the performance.  Not only is she surprised in herself, she amazes others and gleams to find out she is in fact good at something. 

Sara Pennypacker's Official Website

Sara Pennypacker’s site includes a list of her books with summaries and details, as well as a list of appearances, an “about me” section and how to contact the famous author.  An activity kit designed for teachers and students has fun worksheets and lesson plans you can complete with the aid of her books. 

Discussion Guide

This site is filled with multiple discussion guides.  By clicking on “The Talented Clementine,” you’ll receive pages and pages of discussion questions, and additional information about both the author and the illustrator. 

VOCAB: Sphinxes, Crème Brulee, Howling, Jealous, Tumbling, Stumped, Sensible, Emeralds

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book to excite children about an upcoming talent show or school event.

-Use this book to excite children during a read-a-loud. 

-Use this book to discuss family structure with students. 

Before: Have students create posters for an imaginary talent show.  Another option could be to have students exhibit talents they may have within the classroom to excite them about the main idea of this novel.

During: Students will participate in a fishbowl discussion where they will discuss major points and questions they have about Clementine’s journey and her decisions.  Some open ended questions which will push the students to think outside of the box may include:

-What made Clementine realize her talent?

-What did Clementine struggle with before she found her calling?

-What are you talented with?  How did you figure it out?

-How do you think Clementine’s behavior differed from the other children?

-Do you have any stories about any younger siblings that could relate to Clementine and her brother?

After: Have students create a book report where they will include their own summary, draw a picture of a scene from the book and select five adjectives which describe the book and have them explain why. 

Writing: Clementine is surprised when she finds her hidden talent.  Have students write from experience a time they had surprised themselves.  Maybe they discovered a hidden talent they had?  Maybe they decided they don’t like something that they used to love.  Keep the questions broad so students can find out on their own what they’d like to write about.