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Family Book Club: July Edition
Now that we are in the dog days of summer, it should come as no surprise that one of this month’s family book club picks is about a dog. Selections also include super heroes of all types, a Utopian island for children only, the importance of memories, and a story about taking risks. Pick up one of these books with your kids, get your family reading together, and meet up for some discussion time. Question prompts are included with each choice and some simple, fun ideas for your get together are offered up with each title. Turn up the A/C, turn off the TV, get into the hammock, and get reading with these five options.
Ships in 1-2 days.
Hurricane Rescue (Hero Series #2), by Jennifer Li Shotz
Hero the dog and his human handler, Ben, set off into the woods to rescue a boy and a pup gone missing during a hurricane. Hero is a tracking dog, but while he does find his way to the missing party, he has trouble finding a way out for the group. They encounter alligators, torrential weather, mudslides, and raging waters along the way. You can easily start with the series here, or pick up the first book, aptly titled Hero.
When you gather for the meeting, consider a setting reminiscent of a summer storm. While you don’t want to create hurricane conditions per se, flashlights and candles paired with some basic camping style snacks (think water in canteens and gorp) will go a long way in setting the scene.
Questions for discussion:
• What should you do in case a major storm comes to your town? How should you prepare?
• Where do hurricanes typically occur and during what time of year?
• What did Jack and Scout do wrong during the storm? What did they do right?
• Once Hero and Ben find Jack and Scout, how does the group survive with what they have?
Ships in 1-2 days.
Wonder Woman: The Junior Novel, by Steve Korte
She may be 75 years old to some people, but her story is a fresh re-introduction for young minds and a blast to the past for parents. This junior novel is based on the recent movie about Diana Prince and her remarkable story. An Amazon princess from the island of Themyscira, she is anything but ordinary. Given the right opportunity, she will prove to the world that she is a superhero.
For this book club meeting, cook up some wonderful food and deck out your space in red, white, and blue. Star shaped sandwiches, wonder dogs, and lassoes (red licorice) for dessert will fuel your discussion. This book makes a perfect pairing for a 4th of July meeting.
Questions for discussion:
• Why is Wonder Woman such an important character?
• How does Diana/Wonder Woman overcome gender stereotypes?
• If you were a superhero, what would your super power be?
• Which Justice League character is your favorite?
Ships in 1-2 days.
Orphan Island, by Laurel Snyder
This dystopian island is full of happy children, peaceful days, full bellies, a beautiful setting, and joy. There are nine children living here and once a year, the Changing occurs. A boat comes to the island and delivers a new child, while taking away the oldest. This year, Jinny watches as her best friend disappears with the boat and she becomes the eldest. As the Elder, she must teach the new child everything about the island while also preparing for her own departure at the next Changing.
Dish up for your family what the island offers the kids. Fish, nuts, berries, and honey are plentiful. If you really want to channel the spirit of the book, let your kids lead this book club get together from start to finish.
Questions for discussion:
• Where do you think the children of the island come from? And where do you think they go?
• Should you be able to choose if you want to grow up? What happens if you keep behaving childishly?
• What is your responsibility to younger children? How do you teach them?
• How did you feel about the ending? Would you like to see a sequel to this book?
Ships in 1-2 days.
Shadow of a Doubt, by Skylar James
With a jockey for a father and Churchill Downs out her back door, Fyfe takes comfort in a friendship with a motherless foal. Naming the horse Shadow of a Doubt, Fyfe dreams that Shadow will one day be a winning horse at the Kentucky Derby. Neighbor Colonel Epsom puts his faith and money behind the pair. But ultimately, it is Fyfe and Shadow working hard to pursue their dreams. This book offers the opportunity for a valuable discussion about family, friends, taking risks, and pursuing your passion.
This book club meeting should include traditional Southern fare, such as chicken salad sandwiches, pimiento cheese, and cobbler for dessert. Cool off with a glass of lemonade for the kids and a mint julep for the adults.
Questions for discussion:
• Why do you think Fyfe and Shadow become so connected to one another?
• What does racing and winning mean to Fyfe?
• How do people help Fyfe and Shadow? How do they hurt them or hold them back from their dream?
• What dream do you have that you think might be a risky pursuit?
Ships in 1-2 days.
The Memory Thief, by Bryce Moore
The Memory Emporium is at the local county fair, and twins Benji and Kelly escape into the tent after witnessing an argument between their parents. A strange old man inside the tent, Louis, shows Benji the memory of an old fighter pilot and Benji becomes intrigued. He asks Louis to teach him the art of stealing memories, in part to keep his parents from fighting, and he soon learns how to use his newfound power. The only problem is there is another memory thief in town, Genevieve, with much darker intentions, and Benji must use his powers to stop her.
Set the stage for this book with some county fair favorites. Corn dogs, popcorn, fresh squeezed lemonade, and anything fried for dessert should fit the bill.
Questions for discussion:
• Why is it so important for Benji to “fix” his parents?
• What are the pros and cons of having memories taken away from you?
• Do you think Benji did the right thing by stealing his parents’ memories?
• Do you think all the memories change Benji? For the worse or for the better?
Read on! What book titles would you like to see in next month’s edition?