Recently, I asked for book recommendations because I wanted to create a new video about great books to read. But then, I had an even better idea: why not start a book club? So, we launched the Brainscoop Book Club, and it’s going to be hosted on our Discord server!
We have chosen an exciting book for our first read: Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains by Bethany Brookshire. This book explores how humans often label certain animals as “pests” and what that means for both us and the animals. It’s a fascinating look at urban wildlife and how we interact with them.
What’s even more exciting is that Bethany Brookshire herself will join us for a live Q&A session on our Discord! This event will take place on April 20th, which is a Saturday and also Earth Day. It’s a perfect opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the book and its themes.
If you’re interested, grab a copy of the book and start reading. Then, join us on Discord to discuss your thoughts and ideas. It’s a great way to learn more about urban wildlife and connect with others who share your interests.
We hope to see you there! Have a fantastic weekend, and happy reading!
Gather with your classmates to discuss the main themes of Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains. Share your thoughts on how humans perceive certain animals as pests and the impact this has on wildlife. Prepare a few questions or comments to contribute to the conversation.
Design a poster that highlights the importance of understanding urban wildlife. Use facts from the book to educate others about how animals are labeled as pests and what we can do to coexist peacefully. Display your poster in the classroom or school hallway.
Prepare for the live Q&A session with Bethany Brookshire by writing down three questions you would like to ask her. Consider questions about her research process, her inspiration for writing the book, or her thoughts on urban wildlife conservation.
Participate in a role-playing debate where you and your classmates take on the roles of different stakeholders, such as city planners, wildlife experts, and local residents. Discuss the pros and cons of labeling certain animals as pests and propose solutions for coexistence.
Write a short essay reflecting on how your perception of urban wildlife has changed after reading the book. Discuss any new insights you gained and how you might apply this knowledge in your daily life or community.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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A while ago, I put out a call for book recommendations because I was planning to record a new recommended reading video. After recording it, I thought it could be more fun to launch a book club instead. So, we decided to start a Brainscoop Book Club, which will be hosted on our Discord.
We have selected our first book: *Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains* by Bethany Brookshire. What’s even more exciting is that Bethany Brookshire has agreed to join me for a live author Q&A on our Discord on April 20th, which is a Saturday and also Earth Day.
I wanted to give you a heads-up in case you want to check out the book, read along, and join us on Discord. We’ll be discussing urban wildlife and other interesting topics.
Thanks, and have a great weekend! Goodbye!
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This version maintains the original message while removing informal language and filler phrases.
Book – A written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers. – The book we are reading in class explores the themes of friendship and courage.
Club – A group of people who meet to participate in an activity or discuss a subject of common interest. – Our school’s book club meets every Friday to discuss the latest novels and share our thoughts.
Pests – Organisms that are considered harmful or inconvenient to humans or their activities, especially in agriculture or gardening. – In our environmental studies class, we learned how certain pests can affect crop production and what methods can be used to control them.
Humans – Members of the species Homo sapiens, distinguished by their ability to think, communicate, and create complex societies. – The novel we are studying examines how humans interact with nature and the impact of their actions on the environment.
Wildlife – Animals, birds, and other living organisms that live and grow in natural conditions, not domesticated or cultivated. – The author describes the rich wildlife of the forest, highlighting the importance of preserving these natural habitats.
Earth – The planet on which we live, the third planet from the sun in our solar system. – In literature, the earth is often portrayed as a nurturing mother, providing for all living creatures.
Reading – The action or skill of understanding written or printed matter. – Reading different genres of literature helps us understand diverse perspectives and cultures.
Author – A person who writes books, articles, or other texts. – The author of our current novel uses vivid imagery to bring the story’s setting to life.
Urban – Relating to, or characteristic of a city or town. – The story is set in an urban environment, where the characters navigate the challenges of city life.
Themes – The central topics or ideas explored in a literary work. – One of the major themes in the book is the conflict between tradition and change.
