Children's Book Discussion Groups 2014

Starting in January, the Children’s Library will be continuing monthly book discussions of popular and award-winning novels. Our children’s fiction librarian, Kate Parker, has chosen a variety of genres from well-regarded authors, books sure to provide lively discussion.  We offer a Junior Readers Club for children in grades 2-3 and a Family Book Club for students in grades 4, 5 & 6.  Registration for each discussion is required here at the library.  Copies of the book to be discussed are available for check out upon registration.  Parents are highly encouraged to read the book and accompany their child to the discussion.  Participation in the discussions is not required.  Exposure to and participation in book discussions will enhance critical thinking skills in young readers and give them chances to express themselves in a casual, positive, grade-free environment.  Please join us this winter and spring as we talk about the following books:

JUNIOR READERS CLUB

 January 22.  Geronimo Stilton and the Golden Statue Plot.  This latest offering in the super popular illustrated novels about an adventuresome mouse and his cohorts follows Geronimo as he thwarts  pirate cats who are planning to steal New Mouse City's Statue of Liberty and taking it back to Cat Island, with some messages about energy conservation along the way.

February 26.  Courage of Sarah Noble. Before there was Laura Ingalls Wilder, there was Sarah Noble. 

 “Frontier tales, with the authentic feel of place and time and people, have endless fascination for young and old. This one is unusual in that it harks back to a time when the wooded hills of western Connecticut were frontiers,… It is simply told, with no embroidering of melodrama, but it carries the warmth of sincerity, and the wholesome appeal of true adventure.” –Kirkus Reviews 

 April 2.  Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom.

If your 2^nd/3^rd grader has heard the buzz about the Percy Jackson books, but is too young to wade in, try this new Heroes in Training series by Joan Holub (Goddess Girls).

  “After 10-year-old Zeus is plucked from his childhood cave in Crete by armed “Cronies” of the Titan king, Cronus, he is rescued by harpies. He then finds himself in a Grecian temple where he acquires a lightning bolt with the general personality of a puppy and receives hints of his destiny from an Oracle with fogged eyeglasses…”  -KirkusReviews

Humorous and hip, this book should appeal to the youngest mythology fans.

FAMILY BOOK CLUB

 January 15. One and Only Ivan.  (Rescheduled from last October.)

 "Living in a "domain" of glass, metal and cement at the Big Top Mall, Ivan sometimes forgets whether to act like a gorilla or a human—except Ivan does not think much of humans. He describes their behavior as frantic, whereas he is a peaceful artist . . . In a pivotal scene, Ivan finally admits his domain is a cage, and rather than let Ruby live and die in grim circumstances, he promises to save her. In order to express his plea in a painting, Ivan must bravely face buried memories . . . Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author’s note identifying the real Ivan . . . In a compelling ending, the more challenging question Applegate poses is whether or not Ivan will remember what it was like to be a gorilla." - Kirkus Reviews

 February 19.  Out of My Mind.  Reminiscent of Wonder, a look into the life of a physically challenged child. 

 “Melody, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, cannot walk or talk… [she] is an entirely complete character, who gives a compelling view from inside her mind…Realistically, Melody’s resilient spirit cannot keep her from experiencing heartbreak and disappointment even after she has demonstrated her intellect…” -Kirkus Reviews

  March 19.  I Funny. Are you a fan of James Patterson? (If so, see the blog from November 2013.) Either way, who doesn’t find a book with a fake nose, busy eyebrows and glasses on the cover funny? 

 “Middle school student Jamie is an aspiring comic. Frequently quoting his favorite comedians, Jamie reflects on life, using his forthright observations to hone his own comedic skills. Jamie relies on his quick wit and sometimes-audacious jokes to deflect inquiries about his circumstances…The affecting ending, which reveals a more vulnerable Jamie behind the guise of his humor, celebrates Jamie's resilient spirit.” -Kirkus Reviews

 April 9.  Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. Chris Grabenstein, who collaborated with James Patterson on the previous month’s selection, has here authored a completely different type of book.

  "When a lock-in becomes a reality game, 12-year-old Kyle Keeley and his friends use library resources to find their way out of Alexandriaville's new public library.…Full of puzzles to think about, puns to groan at and references to children's book titles, this solid, tightly plotted read is a winner for readers and game-players alike.” – Kirkus Reviews

We keep a list of past book club selections, so if you are looking for a suggestion for a children’s book club of your own, or just a quality book, please ask us.  We love to talk books!