The Day the Books Disappeared

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After reading The Day the Books Disappeared, invite students to think about the things that they love reading about. Discuss Arnold’s love of airplanes and how his own interests kept him from seeing things that were important to his classmates. Talk with students about the many interests they have and why it is important to share those with one another and recognize the value of differences.

Provide a creative outlet for students to share their own interests with their classmates. Students can write and illustrate their own books about something they love or have each student create a page that highlights one of their favorite interests to include in a class anthology. Encourage students to include pictures and explain what it is they enjoy, why it is special to them, and what they would like their classmates to know about it.

Host a publishing party to celebrate students’ work before adding the completed books or class anthology to your classroom library. Encourage students to explore the additions to the collection throughout the year to learn more about their classmates, discover shared interests, and appreciate the unique experiences and perspectives each person brings to the classroom community.

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

• What is it about Arnold that gives him the ability to make the books disappear? How does Arnold feel and act when his classmates’ books begin disappearing? How did Arnold’s classmates feel when the books they loved disappeared? What would a world without books be like?
• What happens to help Arnold realize that he has made a mistake? What did he do to try and fix his mistake? Have you ever had to fix a mistake you made? What did you do?
• How would you feel if someone told you that you couldn’t read something you wanted to read? What helps Arnold realize that his classmates should be able to read what they want?  Who should decide which books kids read?
• What is your favorite book? What makes it special to you?
• How would you act if someone was excited to show you their favorite book? Why is it important to respect other people’s interests
• Why should schools and libraries have all kinds of books for students to read? How do you choose what books to read?

Related Resources

The Day the Books Disappeared Activity Sheets from Disney Hyperion

Pamphlet Stitch Bookmaking from the J. Willard Marriott Library Book Arts Program

Book Structures for All Ages from the Minnesota Center for Book Arts

Resources to Protect the Freedom to Read in Schools from NEA’s Read Across America