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Family Book Club: May Edition
Those April showers have officially brought us May flowers—in the form of books to help your family reading time blossom. With sport options ranging from baseball to ballerinas, a multi-generational tale, the story of an outcast girl, and a real-life account of a little boy lost, there are plenty of options for the entire family. These five books make for great Family Book Club meetings in May. Encourage your middle grade readers to pick up one of these books, read along to younger kids, and prepare to meet up for a discussion—and some good food, too.
Grandpa’s Great Escape, by David Walliams and Tony Ross
Settle in for some high-flying fun with this book. Grandpa is a little off his rocker; the old man believes he is back in World War II as a fighter pilot, and his 12-year old grandson Jack is along for the ride. Even with his failing memory, the two have an unbreakable bond, until Grandpa is sent to live at Twilight Towers. It is there that Jack discovers the employees are drugging the elderly patients and rewriting their wills. Can Jack help Grandpa escape? With drawings sprinkled throughout, some interesting use of typography, and zany characters, this book is sure to be a multi-generational hit.
As your family gathers to discuss this book, consider some WWII food favorites to set the scene for Grandpa’s memories and milestones. Baked macaroni, meatloaf, and carrot and honey cookies were popular during the war and may just be equally popular nowadays.
Questions for discussion:
- Why are Jack and Grandpa the heroes of the story?
- Name some thrilling moments Jack had in the story. How do you think Jack felt?
- Why does the author create an air of mystery around Miss Swine?
- Does the illustrator offer clues about the characters in the drawings?
King of the Bench: No Fear!, by Steve Moore
If you have a Diary of a Wimpy Kid fan in your house, this book may just be the perfect pick for family book club. Steve is a benchwarmer in every sport he plays, a necessary but undesirable position on every team. When he decides to try out for the middle school baseball team, he hopes to get off the bench and out on the field. The only problem is he is afraid of getting hit by a fastball after seeing a fellow player take a hit. The first in a King of the Bench series, this book is sure to appeal to sports enthusiasts as well as kids who appreciate slapstick humor.
Baseball park food is the perfect pairing for this meeting. Hot dogs, popcorn, cheesy nachos, ice cream cones, and giant sodas will be a sure hit. If you really want to knock this meeting out of the park, head to your local baseball team’s stadium for a game night.
Questions for discussion:
- What is a phobia? Do you have any phobias?
- What are the pros and cons of the philosophy that every kid should play on a team and every player should get a trophy?
- How did the “Quick Time-Outs” help the story move along?
- Can you recall some of the school names Steve’s team plays against?
Ships in 1-2 days.
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina Young Readers Edition, by Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland has defied expectations and defined history as the first African-American principal dancer in the American Ballet Theater. She did not start dancing until the age of thirteen—late by most standards—and she came from a difficult home setting. Against all odds, she chased her dreams and has danced into the hearts of many people all over the world. Coming from a mixed-race family, Misty recounts the difficulties she endured growing up, and the prejudice she still faces today. Throughout it all, Misty proves that it’s never too late to pursue your passion.
In her recently released book, Ballerina Body, Misty encourages healthy eating habits without deprivation. Bagels slathered in scallion cream cheese, cashews, grapes, and dried pineapple are some of her favorite foods.
Questions for discussion:
- Would you describe Misty’s personality as introverted or extroverted? How does she overcome her shyness and anxiety to perform onstage?
- How does Cindy Bradley, Misty’s ballet teacher, affect Misty’s life? What does Cindy provide that Misty’s own mother could not?
- How has racism affected Misty’s career?
- Do you think Misty gave up her childhood for a dream? Was it worth it?
Ships in 1-2 days.
Lion: A Long Way Home Young Readers’ Edition, by Saroo Brierley
The true story of Saroo Brierley made headlines around the world, resulted in the bestselling book A Long Way Home, and inspired the movie Lion. Now comes this young readers’ edition suitable for the whole family. Lost at the age of five on a train in India, Saroo eventually wound up in an orphanage and was adopted by an Australian couple. As he got older, his curiosity about his origins led him to Google Earth. It was there, online, that he discovered the place he came from which sent him off to find his birth mother and revisit his long-lost birthplace.
A popular treat found at train stations in India, jalebi would be a fun dessert to make for the family. A sweet and sticky deep-fried Indian treat, it is sure to please your kids.
Questions for discussion:
- How is our home life different than living in the slums of Calcutta?
- What are some of the differences between living in India and living in Australia?
- What defines a family and a home?
- What would you do if you were ever separated from your family?
Ships in 1-2 days.
The Littlest Bigfoot (Littlest Bigfoot Series #1), by Jennifer Weiner
Bestselling author Weiner has ventured into middle grade books with this first installment in a new series. Alice Mayfair is twelve and by her account, invisible to all. She has been shuttled between numerous private and boarding schools, and is generally ignored by her family. Now at her eighth school, she wants nothing more than to find a friend. When she rescues Millie Maximus from the lake, she gets her wish. The only problem is Millie is a Bigfoot and lives in the woods. Millie desperately wants to be a part of the world Alice lives in, but first they must avoid hunters. This modern-day fairy tale will be reassuring to anyone who feels stuck in the middle.
When you gather for this book club meeting, pack up a care package-style box of snacks and venture outside. Think cookies, butterscotch candies, Kit Kat bars, and Hershey’s Kisses.
Questions for discussion:
- Why do you think Alice has such a hard time finding and fitting into the right school?
- How are Alice and Millie similar and how are they different?
- Why are Alice and Millie being hunted?
- What do you think will happen in the second book of this series?
Happy reading, Family Book Clubbers!