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!
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