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Family Book Club: June Edition
School’s out for summer! The reading logs may be gone, but that doesn’t mean book time has to go away. Here are three great picks for Family Book Club to get your summer off to a somewhat educational start. These favorite books feature dogs, lemons, and lightning. What screams summer more than that?! Okay, maybe the pool. Which is also a great place to read!
Good Dog, by Dan Gemeinhart
About the Book: Brodie was a good dog and when he dies, the afterlife is full of joyful running, plenty of ponds, and lots of dogs. While life is good in this new place, Brodie desperately needs to get back to the land of the living to save his owner, a boy named Aiden. By doing so, he risks losing his soul forever. Animal lovers will enjoy reading about the connection between a boy and his dog, as well as the dedication Brodie holds in his heroic heart. This pick offers proof that there is love after life when a beloved pet passes away.
About the Author: Born in Germany, Gemeinhart moved around a lot as a child, providing a wealth of experiences (and stories). Eventually settling in Washington, he met and married his high school sweetheart. He taught abroad, where he rode camels and climbed pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Moving back to Washington, he settled down as a librarian and a dad before becoming a published author. He notes it took him ten years to publish his first book, The Honest Truth.
For the Meeting: Gather your pets or consider volunteering to walk the dogs at your local animal shelter. The theme of this book, and this book club meeting, is all about making connections with pets. Don’t forget some extra tennis balls!
Questions for Discussion:
- Describe what it is like for Brodie to be a spirit as he looks for Aiden in the land of the living?
- What do you think about the difference between the in-between-place and the Forever place?
- Do you think the author is referencing something with the words “Away” and “Back” at the very end of the book?
Ships in 1-2 days.
Lemons, by Melissa Savage
About the Book: Lem, short for Lemonade, must move from San Francisco to tiny Willow Creek, California after her mom dies. Leaving behind her school and friends his hard enough, not to mention living with a grandfather she has never met in a small and weird town. But soon enough she meets Tobin, an eleven-year-old Bigfoot investigator. Lem signs on as Tobin’s assistant for the summer and they have one BIG adventure! This book addresses losing loved ones, moving to an unfamiliar place, and navigating new friendships in a lively way.
About the Author: Savage wrote her first book in second grade, titled The Lost Pony. Now a child and family therapist, Lemons is her debut novel. She combined her desire to write purposeful books with her interest in cryptozoology (the practice of proving the existence of entities from folklore) when writing this book. Savage believes that you cannot shield children from what happens in the world around us, but you can provide the service of helping giving them developmentally appropriate responses to help them cope with these realities. She currently lives in Minnesota (home to the Iceman) with her family.
For the Meeting: In honor of Lem, serve up Lemonade and any lemon-flavored sweets and treats. Egg sandwiches (sans tomatoes) and ham and cheese sandwiches can round it out for a whole meal. Just skip the bran cereal.
Questions for Discussion:
- This book is considered historical fiction. During what period does it take place? Describe how summer break in this book compares to your summer break?
- What similarities do Lem and Tobin share? How are they different?
- How does Lem’s relationship with her grandfather Charlie change over the course of the story?
- Do you believe Bigfoot exists?
Lucky Strike, by Bobbie Pyron
About the Book: Nate Harlow is just about the unluckiest person ever. He has never won a coin toss, certainly lost at most games, and even had his dog snatched up by a tornado. All that changes on his 11th birthday when he is struck by lightning. Suddenly, the popular kids are drawn to him like a magnet and he can hit a baseball better than ever. With luck comes loss, as Nate’s friend Gen is on the outskirts of Nate’s newfound fame and must work to save the turtles of Paradise Beach without her best friend. This stormy and summery book tests the boundaries of friendship, with a little magic thrown in.
About the Author: Pyron grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida’s panhandle, much like her character Nate. When her father was killed in an auto accident, she says it was like an unlucky bolt and everything changed. Books became an important part of her life and by the age of nine she knew she wanted to be an author. Her experiences inspired this book about loss, love, and magic. Interesting fact: she has always wanted to be a mermaid!
For the Meeting: A meeting at the miniature golf course is just right for this discussion. Unless you live by the ocean, then a picnic on the beach would be equally perfect. Regardless of the location, serve up some hushpuppies as a tasty snack.
Questions for Discussion:
- Do you think some people are luckier than others? Why or why not?
- What does the expression “once-in-a-blue-moon” mean?
- Why is Gen trying to save the turtles? Have you ever tried to rescue or save an animal?
- What are the odds of being struck by lightning twice in a lifetime? (Answer: 1 in 9 million!)