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Family Book Club: December Edition
If you feel as though the year has gone by in a flash, you are not alone. With the holidays, and school break, fast approaching, now is a good time to schedule in some much-needed family time. With these great book club picks for December, you can keep everyone reading all month long and have some fun in the process. Or if you prefer, wrap copies of these up for everyone in the family as a holiday gift and spend winter break catching up on reading, and together, time. From historical fiction to a modern day out of this world tale, here are five great family book club options this month.
Flying Lessons and Other Stories
Kwame Alexander, Kelly J. Baptist, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Tim Tingle, Jacqueline Woodson
Hardcover
$17.99
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Flying Lessons & Other Stories, by Ellen Oh (Editor)
A wonderfully diverse collection of authors is represented in this short story collection geared towards middle grade readers. With themes of perseverance and wonder, creativity and courage, editor Oh brings together stories showcasing a cast of characters from all walks of life. Bit city street-smarts, small-town diversity, and cultural difference abound in the stories. Thought-provoking and accessible, readers will enjoy getting a taste of many different authors in one book. Parents will enjoy reading this one, as well.
When you gather for this book club meeting, consider showcasing a variety of holiday traditions as a way of celebrating diversity. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza all happen during December, but they have traditions that are quite different. A sampling of all three—think hot chocolate with peppermint sticks, latkes, and gumbo—will provide your children with an interesting feast of flavors and cultures.
Questions for discussion:
- What does the word “diverse” mean to you?
- How are the lives in these stories different from your life? How are they similar?
- Did any of the stories make you uncomfortable? How can that be a good thing?
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See You in the Cosmos, by Jack Cheng
Space-obsessed readers will connect with 11-year-old Alex in this moving book. With his sidekick dog Carl Sagan (named after his favorite astronomer), Alex wants to launch his iPod into outer space much like Sagan launched an item into space in 1977. He wants to record audio clips on the iPod and then send it into the cosmos via rocket, so other lifeforms can get a taste of what life is like on Earth. His life, in particular. With a deceased dad, absent brother, and troubled mom, Alex is looking to connect with more than outer space. As he travels along, Alex will discover where he truly comes from in the process.
This book club meeting is perfect for a rocket-building activity. Homemade rockets crafted from cardboard tubes and card stock, or small-scale rocket kits you build and launch outside, will keep everyone busy and make a great connection to the text. You can then launch into a discussion about the errors Alex made with his rocket as you build your own.
Questions for discussion:
- What do you love most about your family?
- How did Alex have to be brave? Can you describe a time when you had to be brave?
- What questions do you have about outer space? Would you travel there if given the option?
The Goldfish Boy, by Lisa Thompson
A book full of mystery and maladies, this middle grade pick will have readers bursting with questions. Why is Matthew the way he is? And what happened to the missing toddler? 12-year-old Matthew lives in fear of what lurks beyond his house. He lives in his bedroom and an upstairs office, peeking out at the neighborhood from behind the safety of his window. His OCD keeps him from stepping outside, but he certainly sees what happens in his cul-de-sac. Including the disappearance of a toddler from his neighborhood. Matthew begins an investigation with the help of a couple friends, creating a suspenseful and fast-moving story.
When you get the family together for this meeting, gather in a bedroom with a view of the neighborhood. Imagine life as Matthew, taking note of what you can see (and cannot) from behind a window. Serve up some snacks and discuss the book with a few questions to get you started.
Questions for discussion:
- Matthew suffers from OCD. What do you know about what OCD is and how it affects people?
- Do you think a ‘normal’ person exists, or do we all have quirks?
- Where do you feel safe, relaxed, and happy?
- This book has two mysteries, what are they?
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Beyond the Bright Sea, by Lauren Wolk
This piece of historical fiction will draw in readers of all ages. Crow washes ashore as a baby, just hours old, when a man names Osh takes her in. Crow lives a simple life, with neighbor Miss Maggie supplementing her learning, but she never stops wondering where she came from. The islanders believe she washed up from a leper colony, and as a result give her a wide berth. A campfire spotted on another island is too much temptation for Crow and she sets off to discover the world beyond her and try to find where she truly comes from.
Imagine life in the 1920’s when you meet to discuss this book. Considering how Osh is a painter and a fisherman, spend some time creating artwork to depict what you each envision life to be like on the island Crow grew up on. Serve up some ocean-based treats, such as shrimp or grilled bass, if you dare. (Goldfish crackers will work, too.)
Questions for discussion:
- Why do you think Osh moved to the island? How hard was it to create a new home/life on the island?
- How is the island a character in this story?
- Why do you think Osh doesn’t answer all of Crow’s questions about her past? Why is Crow so determined to know where she came from?
- How do Osh and Crow change each other’s lives? How do you think the story would have unfolded if Osh hadn’t found Crow as a baby?
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Amina’s Voice, by Hena Khan
Challenges with friendship, family, and faith abound in this story. Amina is a 12-year-old Pakistani American and she is experiencing the universal changes of life as a student in middle school. Shy and slightly adverse to change, Amina is struggling with speaking and singing in public. Her worries are her biggest enemy. Coupled with vandalism at the local mosque, this story touches on social and cultural differences while addressing common emotions that many of us experience. Young readers, Muslim or not, will appreciate the strong sense of culture throughout the story, coupled with the triumph of Amina finding her true self.
For this book club meeting, offer up some traditional Pakistani food, such as naan, curry, kebabs, samosas and gulab jamun. Have a singing (or reciting) competition during your meal and then discuss the book in more detail.
Questions for discussion:
- How many different cultural backgrounds do we see in this story? What is your cultural background? How do you react to people of different cultural backgrounds?
- Have you ever wanted to do something your parents said “no” to? Have you ever not wanted to do something your parents asked you to do? How did you resolve these conflicts?
- Discuss the examples of jealousy and forgiveness in this book. Is jealousy ok or not? Why is forgiveness important?
- How would you feel if a place you loved was vandalized? How does the act of vandalism in this book bring the community together?