Dave Packer and Lynsey Burgess are the ringleaders of “the Unshushables”. The fifth grade class at Laketon Elementary School are called the Unshushables for a reason- they never, ever stop talking. Through class, lunch, recess, assemblies, dismissal- they talk and talk. They also have terrific rivalry going on between the boys and girls, as each gender still believes the other carries cooties. When a dare breaks out between Dave and Lynsey, the entire 5th grade class is swept into the fold. Who can stay silent the longest? No more than three words can be said to teachers (and only when asked a direct question) and the students are on the honor system, with Dave and Lynsey keeping score. However, neither side is prepared for the consequences of their contest. With the rules firmly in place, the students begin their contest only to find that it has inadvertently raised the ire of their normally rational principal. Now the kids will join together to face a common enemy in the quietest way possible. Who knew their principal would go 
from struggling to make them quiet down to struggling to make them talk?
“No Talking” is another great story from Andrew Clements. The situation rings true for any teacher, because who hasn’t experienced that class that just will. not. stop. talking. Or, the class that can’t see past the gender lines in their own minds? An enjoyable book, any Andrew Clements fan will be happy they picked up this novel!
Filed under: reviews | Tagged: andrew clements, frindle, no talking |
The Reading Zone 
I am a CHildren’s Librarian and plan to use this book for a book club for grades 3-5. I’m looking for any activities that could be used. Thanks
I am also a children’s librarian and I have a 4th and 5th grade book discussion. We will be discussing No Talking in February. I have been kicking around a couple of ideas, and here is what I have come up with:
Do a cumulative story like Mr. Burton had the students tell during his first class after the contest started (pg. 68-71).
Have at least a portion of our discussion using the three word rule. See if Mr. Burton’s observations “every word counts; choose power words, ideas are collapsible” are true. “Very few words were being exchanged, but whole worlds of ideas were floating arounds as the kids tried to build their arguments…Still, they packed a lot into so few words.” (pg 121-122). Can we apply the three word rule to our book discussion and get the same results?
No Talking by Andrew Clements is definitely described well in the summary above. The book is very enjoyable and can be entertaining at some points too. I would definitely recommend this book.
That’s the best answer by far! Thanks for conigibuttnr.
This book was alsome and the poeple that wrote good about it is okay with me but if you have something negative to say please dont share and keep it to your self because he is(andrew clements)a great and wornderfull writers
“No Talking by Andrew Clements The Reading Zone” was a wonderful blog post.
If merely there was a whole lot more personal blogs like this excellent one on the actual world wide web.
At any rate, thanks a lot for ur time, Ashley
I have read “No Talking” before and it is a fantastic book…I recommend this book for anyone!!