The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty

The Yearof Secret Assignments 
by Jaclyn Moriarty

[Just read the first page to the “money back guarantee” (don’t forget to include the *conditions apply footnote). ]

Lydia interacts with the “writer’s notebook” throughout the story, even though it began as a thoughtless gift from her absent father, not necessarily the way the notebook’s authors expect, but always with keen and hilarious observations.

[Then read starting with “Okay time for your first Quick Flick” and response.]

Lydia and her friends, Emma and Cassie, interact with a notebook, a diary, and ultimately, through letters they are forced to exchange with the neighboring public school. In fact, even Cassie’s dad interacts with the family through letters. Pranks are requested and pulled,; some people really click; some get stalked; and some get even. Finally, all correspondents come together to pull one last prank, making for hilarity, some really excellent kissing, and always laugh out loud funny!

A note to younger students: this book contains explicit language and some more mature situations!

The Yearof Secret Assignments 
by Jaclyn Moriarty

Note this contains bad language when read aloud.

Before the booktalk, create “letters” by copying from the book, then highlighting the parts you want to read.

Suggestions:

1. Emily’s first letter, reading from the beginning to just before chocolate, followed by the response from Charlie through the second paragraph, even though it is out of order.
1. Lydia’s first letter Dear Person at Brookfield, reading from the beginning to just before her birthday. Follow with the response from Seb through “Suggest a place to meet.” 
3. Cassie’s letter from the “You couldn’t believe it either,” skipping the teacher part, and of course, the whole response from Matthew.

Open the letters in front of the students and read the selected parts, cautioning students on the language and being able to handle this.

Then introduce the story:

Lydia and her friends, Emma and Cassie, interact with a notebook, a diary, and ultimately, through letters they are forced to exchange with the neighboring public school. In fact, even Cassie’s dad interacts with the family through letters. Pranks are requested and pulled; some people really click; some get stalked; and some get even. Finally, all correspondents come together to pull one last prank, making for hilarity, some really excellent kissing, and always laugh out loud funny!

Booktalks by Mary Jo Heller, Shoreline School District.