Summer Reading Literature Club: The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy
Do you love diving into magical worlds, uncovering secrets, and discussing big ideas with fellow book lovers? Join us for a 4-day book camp where we’ll read and discuss The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu!
AJ Crocker
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(46)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
4+ hours per week. Due to the accelerated pace of this reading group, students will be asked to read between 4 and 8 chapters between classes. They may use audiobook versions or read alouds from Youtube to supplement their reading, but students are likely to be reading for 1.5-2 hours between classes.Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Intermediate Level
Do you love diving into magical worlds, uncovering secrets, and discussing big ideas with fellow book lovers? Join us for a 4-day book camp where we’ll explore The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu! Each day, we’ll dig into different aspects of the story—character growth, hidden histories, the role of magic, and the larger themes of power and identity. Through thoughtful discussions, fun activities, and creative challenges, students will deepen their understanding of the book while building their love for reading! Camp Schedule: Before class: Students complete the pre-reading activity in the classroom post and watch a video of Ms. Crocker launching the text! For Class 1: Students should have read chapters 1-8 📚 Day 1: Meet Marya Lupu & The World of Dragomir Academy First impressions of Marya and her world What does it mean to be "troubled"? Who decides? For class 2: Students read Chapters 9-18 🔍 Day 2: Uncovering Secrets & Challenging the Rules The role of magic and power in society Hidden truths at Dragomir Academy For class 3: Students read Chapters 19-24 💡 Day 3: Character Growth & Breaking Barriers How do Marya and the other girls change? Connections to real-world themes of gender and expectations For class 4: Students read Chapters 25-29 🎭 Day 4: Creative Reflections & What’s Next? Alternate endings, creative writing, and fan theories Final discussion and book recommendations for future reading! Who Should Join? This camp is perfect for middle-grade readers (ages 9-13) who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and books that make you think. Whether you love book clubs or are just getting started, everyone is welcome! Each camp in this series features a new book, so you can keep coming back for more reading adventures! Ready to explore Dragomir Academy? Let’s dive into this magical story together!
Learning Goals
Deepen Reading Comprehension – Analyze key events, character development, and themes within The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy.Engage in Thoughtful Discussion – Express opinions, ask questions, and build on others’ ideas in a respectful, discussion-based setting.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Meet Marya & The World of Dragomir Academy
-Icebreaker: Introductions & favorite fantasy books
-Discussion: First impressions of Marya and her family dynamics
-Exploring setting & world-building – What makes this world unique?
-Theme focus: What does it mean to be "troubled"? Who decides?
-Activity: Create your own academy rules – What would a fair school look like?
-Homework: Read Chapters 9–16 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Uncovering Secrets & Challenging the Rules
-Recap & quick reflection
-Discussion: What are the rules at Dragomir Academy? How do they affect the girls?
-Power & oppression – Who has control in this world?
-Symbolism & foreshadowing – What hints does the author give about hidden truths?
-Activity: Write a secret letter from one character to another, revealing something they can’t say aloud.
-Homework: Read Chapters 17-24 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Character Growth & Breaking Barriers
Discussion: How are Marya and her classmates changing?
Personal connections: Have you ever felt underestimated or misjudged?
Exploring gender roles & expectations – How does this world compare to ours?
Activity: If you were in Marya’s shoes... (choose-your-own-adventure-style discussion).
📌 Homework: Read Chapters 25–32 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Creative Reflections & What’s Next?
Discussion: What were the biggest lessons from the book?
Alternate endings – What if the story had gone differently?
Activity: Fan fiction challenge – Students can outline or write a short scene imagining what happens after the book ends.
Book recommendations & next steps – What should you read next? 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Ms. Crocker has experience working with a number of learning needs and is happy to make accommodations and adjustments to meet everyone's needs.
Parental Guidance
The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy contains themes that may require discussion with younger readers. The book explores gender roles, societal oppression, and power dynamics, as well as instances of unfair treatment of girls and strict societal expectations. There are moments of emotional hardship, exclusion, and self-doubt as the main character navigates a world that underestimates her abilities.
While there is no graphic violence or strong language, some themes may be thought-provoking or frustrating for young readers. Parents are encouraged to read alongside their child or discuss key themes to help process the book’s messages.
Pre-Requisites
Students will be most successful if they are reading at a 4th grade reading level or higher. If a student is struggling to read the chosen book at the class' pace, I recommend using audiobooks, read alouds, or shared reading to help!
Supply List
"The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy" text - it is best to get the printed version of this book, but Kindle or eReader options are acceptable as well. The book is also available as an audiobook for extra learner support.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu
Outschool is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., owner of the Harry Potter® mark and related Harry Potter marks.
Joined April, 2023
4.9
46reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from Colorado State University
I am an experienced upper elementary teacher with over a decade of experience supporting students and their needs in the classroom. I currently work as an elementary librarian. I hold an M.A. in International Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and an M.S. in Teaching & Learning from Colorado State. I am certified K-6 Elementary Education and 7-12 Social Studies.Reviews
Live Group Course
$60
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
4-8 learners per class
