Thursday, June 17, 2021

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!

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

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






"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




Wednesday, May 19, 2021

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:



"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!

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

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

Thursday, April 22, 2021

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!

Monday, April 19, 2021

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


Tuesday, March 23, 2021

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!

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

February Grades 5-6 Book Club: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise


For February's Book Club, we read the book The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart. Cooper, Julianna, Natalie, Nicole, and Rileigh were present. This is what we discussed, with discussion prompts from the publisher!


Coyote says that this story begins when she meets Ivan—even though her adoption of Ivan is long before she ever thinks about going home. Why do you think this is where Coyote decides to start her story? What does Ivan mean to her?


Coyote spends a lot of time telling us about her memories. Why are memories important? How do memories play a part in your life, which memories hold strong significance for you? 


Each of the characters that join Coyote and Rodeo on their journey have a problem or situation that they are trying to overcome. How do their journeys affect each other, and what lessons do you think they learn from meeting and traveling with one another? 


Salvador is Coyote’s first friend since she lost her sisters. Why is Coyote able to get close to Salvador in a way that she was never able to get close to anyone else? How are Coyote and Salvador similar? How are they different? Why are friendships so important? 


Rodeo and Coyote have a close father-daughter bond, but there is still a lot they have trouble talking about. Why do you think some things are hard to talk about even with loved ones? 


One of the things that Coyote and Rodeo like to do is ask each other for a “once upon a time.” Why do you think they do this? Why are stories so powerful? 


Goodbyes are hard for everyone; Coyote just avoids them altogether. How do you deal with goodbyes? Have you ever had to say a hard goodbye? How did you deal with it? 


Many promises are made throughout the novel by the characters. What are some of the promises made and why? Why is it important to keep promises and when is it right to break a promise? 


What are the no-go’s in Rodeo and Coyote’s life? Why do you think they’re off-limits? What changes by the end of the book? 


Rodeo calls Coyote his compass because she guides all his decisions. What guides your decisions, and why? 


If you lived on Yager, what three questions would you ask someone before letting them on? Who would you bring along on a road trip?


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!

-One 3

-Two 5s


For March's Book Club, we will be meeting on Wednesday, March 17 at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. We will be reading I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day.

"When twelve-year-old Edie finds letters and photographs in her attic that change everything she thought she knew about her Native American mother's adoption, she realizes she has a lot to learn about her family's history and her own identity." - summary

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

March Grades 5-6 Book Club Suggestions

 Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight...for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.



Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

A meteor is going to hit the moon, and 16-year-old Miranda, like the rest of her family and neighbors in rural Pennsylvania, intends to watch it from the comfort of a lawn chair in her yard. But the event is not the benign impact predicted. The moon is knocked closer to Earth, setting off a chain of horrific occurrences: tsunamis, earthquakes, and, later, volcanic eruptions that disrupt life across the planet. Written in the form of Miranda's diary, this disquieting and involving story depicts one family's struggle to survive in a world where food, warmth, and well-being disappear in the blink of an eye.


Rules by Cynthia Lord

Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public" -- in order to head off David's embarrassing behaviors.

But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a surprising, new sort-of friend, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

January Grades 5-6 Book Club: The Thing About Jellyfish


For January's Book Club, we read the book The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin. Cooper, Julianna, Natalie, Nicole, and Rileigh were present. This is what we discussed, with discussion prompts from the publisher!


Suzy acknowledges that before the Worst Thing, she used to chatter, what Suzy calls constant-talking. Why do you think she does this? Have you ever been in a situation where you chattered? If so, why do you think you did? 


Do you think Suzy’s reason for not-talking is exactly what she says it is? Are there other reasons she might have stopped talking? Has there ever been a time when you felt you couldn’t speak, or when you refused to talk? What was the result of not-talking? 


Do you think Suzy is a good friend to Franny? Is Franny a good friend to Suzy? What makes someone a good friend? What makes someone a bad one? 


Is there a difference between teasing and bullying? Where do you think people should draw the line? Do you think Suzy was bullied? Was Franny? 


Why does Suzy do the Worst Thing? Do you think her actions are justified? Why or why not? 


Mrs. Turton says that sometimes we learn more from our failures than our successes. What were Suzy’s failures? What did she learn from them? Have you ever learned from a failure? If so, when? Even though Suzy didn’t make it to Australia, do you think she experienced other successes by the end of the novel? 


Franny’s mother tells Suzy that one of the things Franny always admired about Suzy was that she “never cared what anyone else thought.” Is this observation true? Why or why not? Do you find this quality admirable in others? Do you think you have this quality? 


Suzy’s mother tells her that “sometimes things just happen,” and that they don’t always make sense to us. Do you believe things in your life happen by chance, or by fate? 


What do you think jellyfish represent in this book? Why do you think the author found jellyfish to be such a strongly symbolic creature that connects to Suzy’s story? 


Rank this book from 1-5.

-One 3
-Two 3 1/2
-One 4


Our next Book Club will be held on Wednesday, February 17 at 3:30 p.m. We will be meeting via Zoom. We will be reading The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart. 

"Five years. That's how long Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have lived on the road in an old school bus, criss-crossing the nation. It's also how long ago Coyote lost her mom and two sisters in a car crash. Coyote hasn't been home in all that time, but when she learns that the park in her old neighborhood is being demolished---the very same park where she, her mom, and her sisters buried a treasured memory box---she devises an elaborate plan to get her dad to drive 3,600 miles back to Washington state in four days...without him realizing it. Along the way, they'll pick up a strange crew of misfit travelers. Lester has a lady love to meet. Salvador and his mom are looking to start over. Val needs a safe place to be herself. And then there's Gladys... Over the course of thousands of miles, Coyote will learn that going home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all...but that with friends by her side, she just might be able to turn her "once upon a time" into a "happily ever after.""

Please be sure to register for book club via email (jamlibkids@gmail.com) or call 423-7280. Miss Lisa will get a copy of the book to you. You also need to register so that Miss Lisa can send you the Zoom link and password the day of Book Club!


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...