Family Book Club: May Edition

Hello, readers! For this month’s family book club, there are four different titles that offer up a wide range of options. Books range from reading about homelessness in youth, to Nazi-occupied Europe, to a 1978 comic classic, and a modern-day Latina punk rocker. Pick a day in May to gather up the family for a meeting to discuss one (or more) of these books in detail. Every title is suitable for middle grade readers and up—including parents! The best part is, when you read these books you not only learn something from the book, but you’ll learn about your kids as well.

About the Author: Kate Messner was a middle school teacher for fifteen years, so it should come as no surprise that she wrote one of her books while riding on a school bus during a field trip. She lives on Lake Champlain with her family, where she has a writing desk with a view of the water. The people in her life often shape the characters she writes. For instance, Zig shares some of the same characteristics as her own son—such as his intelligence and fascination with electricity. If you ask her what her favorite book is that she’s ever written, she’ll tell you it’s the one she is currently working on!

For the Meeting: Considering the prevalent themes in this book, there is a great opportunity to talk about homelessness or the environment. Take your family out for this one. Volunteer at a shelter, gather supplies for a food drive, or spend the day working with a local green or eco-friendly organization.

Questions for Discussion:

• What do you think it would be like to live in a shelter?
• How would not having a home affect your school life?
• What do you think your friends would say or how do you think they would react if you were homeless?
• How does local development affect our environment? The wildlife?

About the Author: At Schindler’s factory, Leon Leyson was one of the youngest and had to stand on a wooden box to reach the machinery, providing inspiration for the title of the book. After the war he moved to California, where he was a schoolteacher and had his own family. He kept his experience of WWII private, until the 1994 movie Schindler’s List came out and he was encouraged to tell his own story. As a result, this book was written. Together with his public speaking and classroom teachings, they are all an important part of the legacy of ensuring that children and families continue to learn about the Holocaust. Mr. Leyson passed away in 2013 at the age of 83.

For the Meeting: Consider Oskar Schindler’s acts of kindness to Leon’s family, given the expectations of Germans during WWII. Recognize these kind acts of Holocaust rescuers and honor the importance of bestowing acts of kindness on others. Have each family member create a list of deliberate acts of kindness to complete after the book discussion.

Questions for Discussion:

• How did Leon’s life change as he moved to the ghetto and then Plaszów?
• When did Leon resist the Nazis? Why did he do so?
• What do you understand about the Holocaust?
• Do you think Oskar Schindler is a hero?

About the Author: After working to earn college credits at an elementary school, Sachar wrote this book and based the characters on students from the school. It took him nine months to write the book, drafting it at night while working at a sweater factory by day. This title may have been the start of Louis Sachar’s career, but it was slow to gain traction among readers. It’s safe to say the book eventually became popular! Now the author of twenty-five books, including the award-winning Holes, Sachar writes every morning. And he never talks about a book he’s currently working on, not even with his wife, daughter, or editor.

For the Meeting: Make a meal of Joy’s lunchtime tableau, serving everyone a turkey sandwich, an apple, a piece of chocolate cake, and a Tootsie Roll pop. Sharpen your pencils, plan a recess, and prepare yourself to be both the teacher and the student.

Questions for Discussion:

• If you could create the school of your dreams, what would it look like?
• What do you think makes a good teacher and what makes a bad teacher?
• If you taught the class and the teacher was the student, what do you think would happen?
• How does school make you happy?

About the Author: Originally from Miami, Celia C. Perez is the daughter of a Mexican mother and a Cuban father. Now living in Chicago with her own family, she works as a librarian. We wonder if she gets excited when she shelves her own book! This is her debut novel and she has received numerous awards and accolades. She listens to punk music (not surprisingly) and like her character, she picks cilantro out of her food. Interesting fact: she owns not just one, but two sets of worry dolls! She also loves zines.

For the Meeting: Encourage your family to express themselves. This is the perfect opportunity for them to wear that t-shirt you’ve been trying to hide at the back of their closet. Put on some punk music, serve up Soyrizo (no cilantro, obviously) and set the stage (no pun intended) for a Malu-inspired meeting.

Questions for discussion:

• Why do you think it’s important to express yourself? How does Malu do that? What are your creative outlets?
• What did you think about the Spanish language terminology? Did you have to look up any words to help you understand better?
• Does your family or school have any expectations of you that makes you upset or frustrated?
• What are some of your family or cultural traditions? How would you change them?

What titles did you read with your family in April? Any books you are looking to read together as a family this summer?