Twelve third-graders at Carlisle Elementary School gave up their recesses Wednesday to take part in a book club run by the school librarian.

This is the second year Carrie Abahazi has hosted the book club said Wednesday that the club is just as popular as it was when it began.

Last year, Abahazi said she started the club last year to give students an outlet to have fun with reading and discuss books without the pressure of the classroom.

“This is for fun,” Abahazi told the students Wednesday during the first meeting. “It isn’t for a grade; it’s so you can come and have fun.”

Abahazi said there are 36 students signed up for the book club, but said she is hosting the club in groups of 12 for three consecutive Wednesdays.

The students are currently reading “Mysteries According to Humphrey” by Betty G. Birney which follows Humphrey, a classroom hamster, as he investigates the class’ missing teacher.

Abahazi had students read the first few chapters before the first meeting and asked them to begin making predictions about why the teacher was missing. The student’s guesses ranged from her simply being sick to her attending a family member’s funeral and one student theorized that she had been kidnapped.

The student reaction to the club has been positive.

“I really like how she was asking us what we liked,” said Caleb Johns. Johns said he likes to read and joined the club to show he’s thinking in a different way.

“I like that the detective is a hamster,” said Grant Talbot. Talbot said he joined because he had never been in a club and wanted to see what it would be like.

The students said they did not mind giving up a recess period for the book club.

“I like it more coming here (instead of recess),” said Addie Rafey. “Recess has a lot of drama. (Book club) sounded fun.”

“I felt it was an opportunity I wouldn’t have in the other grades,” said Alex Pitzen. “I was ready to give up freezing cold recess.”

Cecilia Hupp said she enjoys the social aspect of the club.

“I like to read books and hear what others think about them,” Hupp said.

Abahazi said she hopes to continue the book club with another book next semester.

Librarian Carrie Abahazi leads a discussion with the book club Wednesday afternoon. Students discussed the book “Mysteries According to Humphrey” by Betty G. Birney and predicted how the book will and as well as discussing what parts they liked. The club will meet on Wednesdays in the next two weeks and then a new club will begin reading the book.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/10/web1_DSC_0579.jpgLibrarian Carrie Abahazi leads a discussion with the book club Wednesday afternoon. Students discussed the book “Mysteries According to Humphrey” by Betty G. Birney and predicted how the book will and as well as discussing what parts they liked. The club will meet on Wednesdays in the next two weeks and then a new club will begin reading the book.