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Family Book Club: June Edition
Hellooooo summer! Say goodbye to homework, after school sports, alarm clocks, and frantic morning runs to the bus stop. It’s time to kick back and enjoy the lazy days of summer. Long afternoons are begging for a cozy spot and a good book. Keep your kids’ reading logs going all summer long and prevent the summer slide with these five great Family Book Club picks. From classic books to new favorites, there are sure to be some good book club meetings all month long.
The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo Series #1), by Rick Riordan
Adventure meets mythology in this witty and smart book from beloved author Riordan. The god Apollo angers his father, Zeus, and ends up being cast down from Olympus. He lands in a New York City dumpster and becomes Lester, a regular teenage boy. Without his powers or his familiar surroundings to guide him, Lester must navigate the mortal world and regain the favor of Zeus. The first in a series of five books, your family will find this pick full of action, humor, bravery, and demigods.
When you meet to discuss this book, consider some Sun God themed snacks—Sun Chips, Sunny Delight, and sunflower seeds. You can also serve up a seven-layer dip, just like Sally Jackson served up for Lester. Dress up as a Greek or Roman god or goddess as a bonus.
Questions for Discussion:
• What are some of Apollo’s important godly domains?
• Who does Apollo find to help him? How does Apollo help others?
• How does living an immortal life differ from living in a mortal world for Apollo?
• What kind of god or goddess would you be if you could become one? What kind of powers would you want to possess?
Ships in 1-2 days.
Invisible Emmie, by Terrie Libenson
If your tweenager is missing school or already anticipating the new year in the fall, this is a perfect pick to keep the school spirit going all summer long. It’s all about one secret note, two girls, and the boy they both have a crush on. What could possibly go wrong? Everything! Two entirely different girls – shy Emmie and outgoing Kate – have their lives intersect for one memorable, embarrassing, and surprising day. This debut graphic novel is a fun read and a great way to talk about relationships with your kids.
Send out secret notes to your family members to invite them to the book club meeting. Serve up seventh grade snack food favorites—think junk food like candy, chips, and soda.
Questions for discussion:
• Why are some people labeled as introverts and some as extroverts?
• Do you think middle school is difficult?
• Did you like the format of the book with the use of notebook and comic strip entries?
• What did you think when you read the surprise ending?
Ships in 1-2 days.
The Indian in the Cupboard, by Lynne Reid Banks
This classic bestseller has aged surprisingly well, handling themes of stereotyping with deftness and insight. In The Indian in the Cupboard, A young boy brings a plastic toy Indian to life with a simple metal cupboard and a key. Omri is surprised when his birthday gift is more than a junky novelty and is instead a real Iroquois Indian, named Little Bear, who lived more than 200 years ago. But Omri can’t keep Little Bear a secret, a cowboy named Boone soon shows up, and when they all head to school trouble ensues. A great adventure and proof that unlikely friendships are often the best kind.
Serve up beef jerky, longhouses (chocolate wafer cookies), and sweet corn (kettle corn) at your book club meeting.
Questions for discussion:
• Why does Omri fight with his friend Patrick? Why do Boone and Little Bear fight?
• Why have you had disagreements with friends? How did you solve them?
• What do Little Bear and Boone think is happening to them when they first come out of the cupboard?
• What do you think it would be like to discover that one of your toys has come to life?
Ships in 1-2 days.
A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park
If you’re looking to expand your child’s horizons this summer to another country as well as a different time, this story, told in the voices of a girl Nya, and a boy, Salva, living in Africa, is a great pick. Nya, who is living in the present day, must walk two hours, each way, to gather water twice a day. Salva, who is surviving the Sudanese conflict in 1985, is one of the “lost boys” of Sudan, searching on foot for shelter and safety. Based on a true story, this book is spare and engrossing, delivering a harrowing and hopeful narrative that teaches mature middle grade readers about worlds and cultures far beyond their own.
Food is scarce and mealtime is simple during war for refugees, and for some Sudanese families. Serve up a bowl of rice, potatoes, or a simple stew. For dessert, mango and honeycomb can be a sweet treat. Consider concluding the book club by packing up some non-perishable goods together to donate to a local shelter for families in need.
Questions for discussion:
• Why are rebels fighting against their government? How can someone peacefully disagree with their government?
• How does Nya spend her time throughout the book? How does Salva spend his time?
• How do tribes tell themselves apart? Do we have tribes in our country?
• This book was inspired by a true story. What events are happening in our lives now now that would make a good book?
Ships in 1-2 days.
When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead
A puzzle of a book with clever and unforgettable characters, this pick is perfect for the budding spy or secret agent in your life. Set in New York City in the late 1970’s, Miranda starts receiving notes that claim to want to help save her life. Sworn to secrecy, she embarks on a journey to decipher the letters and solve the mystery. With references to author Madeleine L’Engle and a bit of time travel, this one will have parents skipping down memory lane. A great mystery for the entire family.
Sandwiches are the archetypal meal for latchkey kids. Serve up some turkey on rye, peanut butter on white, and ham on wheat for a lunchtime book club meeting. Turn off all Wi-Fi, cell phones, and devices to truly channel that 1970’s vibe.
Questions for discussion:
• How does Miranda feel about the note writer?
• Discuss the different friendships in the story. How did they change?
• Where is the first hint that Marcus is connected to the mystery?
• How is the 1970’s setting different from today?
Older elementary students can read these books to participate in the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Download the Summer Reading Journal and start reading!