June Grades 5 & 6 Book Club: Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor

 

For June's Book Club, we read the book Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor by Ally Carter. Nicole, Natalie, and Julianna were present. We discussed the following: 

1. How do April, Violet, and Tim arrive at Winterborne House? Who are the other children already in residence at Winterborne House?

2. Who are Ms. Nelson and Smithers, and how are they connected to Winterborne House?

3. Who are the Winterbournes? Who is Gabriel? 

4. What role does Uncle Evert play in the story? 

5. How does April find Gabriel Winterborne? How would you describe their relationship? 

6. What do the contents of Ms. Nelson's notebook reveal?

7. With all its twists and turns, it is sometimes unclear who to trust in this novel. Who are the protagonists? Who are the antagonists? Who were you rooting for?

8. What is the tone of the narrative? 

9. What is the significance of the key April wears around her neck? 

10. How does the novel end? Will you read book 2?

Rating: on a scale of 1—5 (1 is the lowest; 5 is the highest), what do you rate this book?  

—10 out of 5! 

—4.5

—2.5

For July's Book Club, we will be reading:

Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk

"Twelve-year-old Crow has lived her entire life on a tiny, isolated piece of the starkly beautiful Elizabeth Islands in Massachusetts. Abandoned and set adrift in a small boat when she was just hours old, Crow's only companions are Osh, the man who rescued and raised her, and Miss Maggie, their fierce and affectionate neighbor across the sandbar. Crow has always been curious about the world around her, but it isn't until the night a mysterious fire appears across the water that the unspoken question of her own history forms in her heart. Soon, an unstoppable chain of events is triggered, leading Crow down a path of discovery and danger." — summary

We will be meeting on Wednesday, July 21 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside on the Swinburne Street side. In the case of inclement weather, Book Club will move indoors. Participants will be notified by noon, the day of, if the location changes. 

To register, visit the circulation desk or email Miss Colleen at jamlibyouth@gmail.com 

Be sure to stop by the library to pick up your copy!

July Grades 5 & 6 Book Club Suggestions

Winner of the 2018 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk

"Twelve-year-old Crow has lived her entire life on a tiny, isolated piece of the starkly beautiful Elizabeth Islands in Massachusetts. Abandoned and set adrift in a small boat when she was just hours old, Crow's only companions are Osh, the man who rescued and raised her, and Miss Maggie, their fierce and affectionate neighbor across the sandbar. Crow has always been curious about the world around her, but it isn't until the night a mysterious fire appears across the water that the unspoken question of her own history forms in her heart. Soon, an unstoppable chain of events is triggered, leading Crow down a path of discovery and danger." —Summary

Spindlefish and Stars by Christiane H. Andrews

"Clothilde has lived her whole life in the shadows with her (sometimes) thieving and (always) ailing father. But when he fails to meet her one morning, sending her instead, a mysterious ticket of half-passage, Clo finds herself journeying across the sea to reunite with him. The ticket, however, leaves her on a sunless island inhabited only by creaking fishermen, a rumpled old woman, a piggish cat, and a moon-cheeked boy named Cary.

Clo is quickly locked away and made to spend her days in unnerving chores with the island's extraordinary fish, while the old woman sits nearby weaving an endless gray tapestry. Frustrated and aching with the loss of her father, Clo must unravel the mysteries of the island and all that's hidden in the vast tapestry's threads -- secrets both exquisite and terrible. And she must decide how much of herself to give up in order to save those she thought she'd lost forever." —Summary

Premeditated Myrtle: A Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery by Elizabeth C. Bunce

"Twelve-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle has a passion for justice and a Highly Unconventional obsession with criminal science. Armed with her father's law books and her mum's microscope, Myrtle studies toxicology, keeps abreast of the latest developments in crime scene analysis, and Observes her neighbors in the quiet village of Swinburne, England.

When her next-door neighbor, a wealthy spinster and eccentric breeder of rare flowers, dies under Mysterious Circumstances, Myrtle seizes her chance. With her unflappable governess, Miss Ada Judson, by her side, Myrtle takes it upon herself to prove Miss Wodehouse was murdered and find the killer, even if nobody else believes her—not even her father, the town prosecutor." —Summary

May Grades 5 & 6 Book Club: Guts

For May's Book Club, we read the book Guts by Raina Telgemeier. Nicole, Natalie, and Julianna were present. We used questions from the Scholastic Discussion Guide to begin our conversation. They are as follows:

1. A lot of the story of Guts happens inside Raina’s mind—describing what she’s thinking and what she’s not saying. How do you get a peek inside Raina’s thoughts? How does she learn to say things out loud?

2. Some people hold their breath when they get anxious or angry and don’t notice it until they feel out of breath. Others clench their hands into fists when they are upset, or tap their toes when they’re nervous. How do your feelings affect the ways you move and feel in your own body?

3. In Guts, Raina’s fears tend to build on each other—if something bad happens once, she’s scared it will happen again and does everything she can to avoid

recreating the same sequence of events. Why does she think that avoiding things will stop her anxieties? Does it help? What makes her realize that it isn’t working or worth what she’s giving up?

4. Throughout Guts, Raina tries new foods—some that she likes and others that she finds gross. What are some foods that you love to eat? Are there any that you

dislike? Were you ever surprised to enjoy something you thought you wouldn’t like?

5. Deep breathing and feeling rooted to the ground help Raina when she feels anxious. Do you have any favorite techniques for calming yourself down? Have you ever shared them with your friends to see if your method might help those around you?

6. Sometimes talking about your fears and anxieties can be intimidating and scary, even if it’s to a trusted adult or your best friend. How did Raina overcome her reluctance to tell others about her situation?

7. Mr. Abrams tells Raina to try to be nice to Michelle because “everyone is fighting a hard battle.” What do you think this means? Have you ever found it difficult to get along with someone? How does Raina come to understand Michelle and settle their differences?

8. Raina doesn’t tell her friends about going to therapy until almost the end of Guts, but when she does, she realizes that she’s not alone in seeking help to make her feel better mentally and physically. Why do you think she felt like she had to keep it a secret? How do you handle the fear of what other people will think about you? How have you decided to be brave and honest about something others may think is weird or a weakness?

Rating: on a scale of 1—5 (1 is the lowest; 5 is the highest), what do you rate this book?  

4.5 

4.75

4.75

For June's Book Club, we will be reading:

Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor by Ally Carter

"April didn't mean to start the fire. She wasn't the one who broke the vase. April didn't ask to go live in a big, creepy mansion with a bunch of orphans who just don't understand that April isn't like them. After all, April's mother is coming back for her someday very soon.

All April has to do is find the clues her mother left inside the massive mansion. But Winterborne House is hiding more than one secret, so April and her friends are going to have to work together to unravel the riddle of a missing heir, a creepy legend, and a mysterious key before the only home they've ever known is lost to them forever." —Summary

We will be meeting on Wednesday, June 16 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside on the Swinburne Street side. In the case of inclement weather, Book Club may be moved indoors. Participants will be notified by noon, the day of, if the location changes. 

To register, visit the circulation desk or email Miss Colleen at jamlibyouth@gmail.com 

Be sure to stop by the library to pick up your copy!

June Grades 5 & 6 Book Club Suggestions

Winner of the 2018 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk

"Twelve-year-old Crow has lived her entire life on a tiny, isolated piece of the starkly beautiful Elizabeth Islands in Massachusetts. Abandoned and set adrift in a small boat when she was just hours old, Crow's only companions are Osh, the man who rescued and raised her, and Miss Maggie, their fierce and affectionate neighbor across the sandbar. Crow has always been curious about the world around her, but it isn't until the night a mysterious fire appears across the water that the unspoken question of her own history forms in her heart. Soon, an unstoppable chain of events is triggered, leading Crow down a path of discovery and danger." — summary

The Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor by Ally Carter

"April didn't mean to start the fire. She wasn't the one who broke the vase. April didn't ask to go live in a big, creepy mansion with a bunch of orphans who just don't understand that April isn't like them. After all, April's mother is coming back for her someday very soon.

All April has to do is find the clues her mother left inside the massive mansion. But Winterborne House is hiding more than one secret, so April and her friends are going to have to work together to unravel the riddle of a missing heir, a creepy legend, and a mysterious key before the only home they've ever known is lost to them forever." — summary

Spindlefish and Stars by Christiane H. Andrews

"Clothilde has lived her whole life in the shadows with her (sometimes) thieving and (always) ailing father. But when he fails to meet her one morning, sending her instead a mysterious ticket of half-paffage, Clo finds herself journeying across the sea to reunite with him. The ticket, however, leaves her on a sunless island inhabited only by creaking fishermen, a rumpled old woman, a piggish cat, and a moon-cheeked boy named Cary.

Clo is quickly locked away and made to spend her days in unnerving chores with the island's extraordinary fish, while the old woman sits nearby weaving an endless gray tapestry. Frustrated and aching with the loss of her father, Clo must unravel the mysteries of the island and all that's hidden in the vast tapestry's threads -- secrets both exquisite and terrible. And she must decide how much of herself to give up in order to save those she thought she'd lost forever." — summary

April's Grades 5–6 Book Club: Chains

National Book Award Finalist

For April's Book Club, we read the book Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. Rileigh was present. Here are some of the things we discussed: 

1. Isabel and Ruth Finch are slaves. How are their lives similar to what you have learned about slavery in the United States? How are their lives different? What does freedom mean to you?

2. This is a work of Historical Fiction. What year does this novel take place? What is happening in the US colonies at this time?

3. The book begins with the passing of Miss Mary Finch. How did Miss Mary Finch's view of slavery differ from her nephew, Mr. Robert's? 

4. Why did people like Pastor weeks believe teaching a slave to read would only lead to trouble? Towards the end of the novel, the bookseller gives Isabel a book. What book is it? How does it give Isabel courage?

5. What does Mr. Robert do with Isabel and Ruth? Do you think it is important to know Isabel and Ruth are from Rhode Island, that Rhode Island was her home?

6. Isabel and Ruth's new owners are Loyalists. What does this mean? 

7. Who is Curzon? How would you describe him? What offer does he make to Isabel? How does their relationship evolve throughout the novel? 

8. Who is Lady Seymour? Describe her relationship with Isobel. How does Lady Seymour's treatment of slaves differ from Madam's?

9. Why does Madam have Isabel branded with an I? What word does it represent?

10. On page 182, Isabel says "I was chained between two nations." What does she mean by this? How does this relate to the title of the novel?

11. Isabel has several names throughout the novel. What are they? Why are names important? 

12. What happens to Ruth? How far would you go to protect a family member or a loved one? 

Last Question: Did you learn anything new about the role of slavery during the American Revolution? 

Rating: on a scale of 1—5 (1 is the lowest; 5 is the highest), what do you rate this book? Would you recommend it? Do you want to read the rest of the trilogy? 

4 out of 5 was our average rating. We do recommend this book, but we think it is important for kids to have some understanding of slavery and the American Revolution before reading it. We are going to read the rest of the trilogy on our own. 

For May's Book Club, we will be reading Guts by Raina Telgemeier:

"Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she's dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away... and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What's going on?" — (Source of summary not specified)

We will be meeting on Wednesday, May 19 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside—under the trees on the Swinburne Street side. Masks are required, and social distancing will be practiced. In the case of inclement weather, Book Club may be moved indoors or via Zoom. Participants will be notified by noon, the day of, if the location changes. 

To register, visit the circulation desk or email Miss Colleen at jamlibyouth@gmail.com 

Be sure to stop by the library to pick up your copy!

May's Grades 5–6 Book Club Suggestions

 

Sequel to Chains

Forge (Book #2: Seeds of America) by Laurie Halse Anderson

"Separated from his friend Isabel after their daring escape from slavery, fifteen-year-old Curzon serves as a free man in the Continental Army at Valley Forge until he and Isabel are thrown together again, as slaves once more." — Summary 

Double Eisner-Award Winner

Guts by Raina Telgemeier

"Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she's dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away... and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What's going on?" — Summary

Winner of the 2018 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk

"Twelve-year-old Crow has lived her entire life on a tiny, isolated piece of the starkly beautiful Elizabeth Islands in Massachusetts. Abandoned and set adrift in a small boat when she was just hours old, Crow's only companions are Osh, the man who rescued and raised her, and Miss Maggie, their fierce and affectionate neighbor across the sandbar. Crow has always been curious about the world around her, but it isn't until the night a mysterious fire appears across the water that the unspoken question of her own history forms in her heart. Soon, an unstoppable chain of events is triggered, leading Crow down a path of discovery and danger." — Summary

March Grades 5-6 Book Club: I Can Make This Promise

For March's Book Club, we read the book I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day. Julianna and Natalie were present. This is some of what we discussed, with discussion prompts from the author. However, we to veered off from these questions because we got so into talking about specific parts of the book! 

After finding the box in the attic, Edie asks her parents, “Why am I Edith?” and “Where did my name come from?” (pg. 49) What is the story behind Edie’s name? By the end of the book, how does she feel about her name?

Why are our individual names important? How do our names connect us to the places and people we come from? What is the story behind your own name?

 

“The recognition dawns on me slowly. I do know this landscape. I do know this place.” (pg. 236) What are some significant locations throughout this story? What are the histories behind these places? How do these histories impact Edie’s journey? How do these settings connect Edie to the other characters?

 

Edie and her family live in ancestral Suquamish and Duwamish territories (Seattle, Washington). Who are the Native peoples of the area where you live? Did they sign any treaties? What happened to them in the past? What are they up to now?

 

“There are countless tribal nations throughout this land.” (pg. 187) How many federally recognized tribes currently exist within the United States of America? Does this number accurately represent the diversity of Native peoples? Why or why not?

 

In one of her letters, Edith Graham writes: “I must admit, I’m homesick. It’s lonely being the only Indian woman around.” (p. 143) Do other characters feel lonely throughout this book? Can you identify any patterns or similarities between their moments of loneliness? Christine Day Discussion Guide HarperStacks.com Guide created by the author.

 

In contrast, where are the moments of joy and triumph? When do the characters feel hopeful? Can you identify any patterns or similarities between these moments of happiness?

 

Over the course of this novel, Edie’s friendships change. Take a moment to reflect on her relationships with Amelia, Serenity, Libby, and Roger. What is the nature of Edie’s relationship with each person? How are these characters significant to Edie’s growth?

 

Who is Bruno? How does Bruno’s journey change and evolve alongside Edie’s? Are there any connections between his story and Edith Graham’s? Are there connections between Bruno and Edie’s mom?

 

How does Edie’s identity as an artist change over the course of the book? What are her main sources of inspiration? Do you think her artwork is influenced by her identity as a biracial Native (Duwamish/Suquamish) girl?

 

What is the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978? Why is this piece of legislature so vital to tribal nations, families, and communities?

 

Take a moment to reflect on the prologue and epilogue: “Where are you from?” and “Where are you going?” What is the significance of these chapter titles? How do they relate to Edie’s coming-of-age arc?

 

Why do you think the author chose the title: I Can Make This Promise? What is the main promise Edie makes in this story? How does she fulfill this promise in the book? How might she honor it in the future?

 

Make your own promise. Reflect on the people, places, memories, and experiences that are most important to you. What can you do to fulfill this promise right now? How might you honor your promise in the future?

Please rate this book between a 1 and a 5, with 1 being one of the worst books you've ever read, 3 being average and 5 being one of the best books you've read!

-4

-4 1/2    

For April's Book Club, we will be meeting on Wednesday, April 21 at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. We will be reading Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.

"After being sold to a cruel couple in New York City, a slave named Isabel spies for the rebels during the Revolutionary War."- summary

Please be sure to register for Book Club so Miss Colleen can send you the Zoom link on the day of our session!