The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman When 8th grader Anthony "Antsy" Bonano meets Calvin Schwa he quickly realizes the two of them could make a profit. Calvin is practically invisible. His teachers don't notice him, his classmates don't remember him, even his father forgets he is there. Antsy quickly becomes Calvin's manager and rents him out for dares and other errands like spying on teachers. However, Antsy becomes Calvin's friend and gradually realizes that becoming invisible is no joke to Calvin. He worries that one day he will just disappear like his mother did. Antsy and Calvin try to figure out what happend to Calvin's mother so they can stop it from happening to Calvin.

Discussion

Would you want Antsy for a friend? Why or why not?

What do you think of Antsy's nickname? Do you think it is embarrassing or funny? Would you like to have a nickname like that?

Why do you think no one noticed Calvin? Has there ever been a time when you have felt invisible?

When Mr. Crawley catches Antsy and Calvin in his house he decides to punish them himself. Do you think the punishment fit the crime? Have you ever been caught doing something you were not supposed to be?

Was Mr. Crawley a good grandfather? Do you think Antsy and Lexie should have surprised him the way that they did?

What did you think of the ending of this book? Were you happy or sad for Calvin?

Activity

Paper Clip Bracelets
From About.com: Family Crafts

Stuff You Need:

Metal paper clips
Multi-colored, plastic coated paper clips
Small beads

• Make sure the beads you get have big enough holes to slide onto the paper clips. Seed beads will NOT work.
• Thread beads onto the metal paper clips. You can straighten the paper clips a bit if needed, but then put the back in their original shape.
• Hook the paper clips together, alternating the metal clips with the plastic coated clips. Make them long enough to fit around your wrist and then clip the 2 ends ones together to make a circle. This will make a pretty bracelet or an ankle bracelet.

Recipe

Breath Bustin' Dog Biscuits
From The Poop: The Site Where A Dog Can Have Its Day

Indgredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix
1/2 cup mint leaves -- loosely packed
1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons margarine
1 egg
1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup or corn syrup

• Combine all ingredients in food processor, process until well mixed, mint is chopped, and a large ball forms.
• Press or roll on non-stick surface (floured board or ceramic) to a thickness of 1/4-1/2".
• Cut into 1x2" strips or with bone-shaped cookie cutter and place on non-stick cookie pan.
• Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Cool and store in air-tight container.
• Makes about 30 medium biscuits.