Family Book Club: August Edition
The dog days of summer are coming to an end and schools everywhere are going to start opening their doors soon (hooray!). If your child hasn’t picked a book up in a week, or even in a month, now is the perfect time to dust off those reading skills and put them back into use. Your child’s teacher (and the impending nightly homework routine) will thank you. Here are three of our favorite family reading picks for August.
All's Faire in Middle School
Paperback $13.99
All's Faire in Middle School
In Stock Online
Paperback $13.99
All’s Faire in Middle School, by Victoria Jamieson
About the Book: Fans of Roller Girl, and graphic novels in general, will love this vibrant story about a young girl, Imogene, who is entering a new world. For most of us, school seems like a normal place, while a Renaissance Faire might be a bit obscure and outlandish. Consider the opposite for Imogene: She’s been homeschooled amongst a cast of characters at the Florida-based faire since she was a baby and now she’s off to middle school. Hesitant about her place, and her new friends, Imogene must find her way amongst the dragons, ogres, and mystifying creatures of middle school.
All’s Faire in Middle School, by Victoria Jamieson
About the Book: Fans of Roller Girl, and graphic novels in general, will love this vibrant story about a young girl, Imogene, who is entering a new world. For most of us, school seems like a normal place, while a Renaissance Faire might be a bit obscure and outlandish. Consider the opposite for Imogene: She’s been homeschooled amongst a cast of characters at the Florida-based faire since she was a baby and now she’s off to middle school. Hesitant about her place, and her new friends, Imogene must find her way amongst the dragons, ogres, and mystifying creatures of middle school.
About the Author: Much like Imogene, author Jamieson changed schools when she moved to Florida at the age of twelve. And she was also a proud renaissance faire groupie in her youth. She wrote her first book in elementary school and published her first graphic novel in 2015. Her path to becoming an author included some crazy jobs—portrait artist on a cruise ship and illegal tour operator at the Vatican—across several different countries (Italy, Canada, and Australia). In her spare time, she skates with a roller derby league and hangs out with her husband, son, and a cat named Sharon.
For the Meeting: Renaissance food is a must for this meeting. Turkey legs, crepes, fried cheese, soft pretzels, and pies are sure to please most. Squire costumes and floral hairpieces are equally appropriate for this meeting.
Questions for Discussion:
- How did days at the Renaissance Faire differ from days at school for Imogene?
- Why do you think Imogene made so many mistakes? How did she learn from those mistakes?
- Did Imogene’s fair family help her? In what ways?
- Do we all have a dragon or ogre inside of us?
Greetings from Witness Protection!
Hardcover $17.99
Greetings from Witness Protection!
By Jake Burt
Hardcover $17.99
Greetings from Witness Protection!, by Jake Burt
About the Book: A girl with a shady past, a sarcastic attitude, and not much to lose joins a family of three under U.S. Marshal protection. The bad guys are looking for a family of three, and orphan Nicki provides the perfect cover. She wants to help keep the Trevor family safe, but after evading hit men, dealing with cyberbullies, and having to modify her testing performance at school she discovers she may be the target after all. With a lot of changes to navigate, Nicki is in the middle of a coming-of-age meets spy thriller, and your family will be more than happy to tag along on the adventure.
Greetings from Witness Protection!, by Jake Burt
About the Book: A girl with a shady past, a sarcastic attitude, and not much to lose joins a family of three under U.S. Marshal protection. The bad guys are looking for a family of three, and orphan Nicki provides the perfect cover. She wants to help keep the Trevor family safe, but after evading hit men, dealing with cyberbullies, and having to modify her testing performance at school she discovers she may be the target after all. With a lot of changes to navigate, Nicki is in the middle of a coming-of-age meets spy thriller, and your family will be more than happy to tag along on the adventure.
About the Author: Having lived all over the world and with countless classroom hours under his belt, author Jake Burt is an accomplished student and teacher, in addition to an author. As a fifth-grade teacher, he knows his audience. This is his debut middle grade novel, which he wrote in 2014 and saw published in 2017. Yes, publishing takes a long time! His second novel, The Right Hook of Devin Velma, is available this fall and features a middle-schooler looking to pull a viral stunt at an NBA game.
For the Meeting: First, change your names. Obviously. Second, attempt to not disclose the identity of each other. Finally, head out to dinner and see how long this charade—and book conversation—can last.
Questions for Discussion:
- What do you think it would be like to live under U.S. Marshal protection? What would you have to give up? How would life be different?
- How are Nicki and Charlotte similar? How are they different?
- What is kleptomania? Why do you think Nicki did what she did?
- Do you think Nicki preferred bouncing around foster care homes or living with the Trevors?
My Family Divided: One Girl's Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope
Hardcover $18.99
My Family Divided: One Girl's Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope
By Diane Guerrero , Erica Moroz
In Stock Online
Hardcover $18.99
My Family Divided: One Girl’s Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope, by Diane Guerrero and Erica Moroz
About the Book: Now a famous actress, Diane Guerrero was once a child living in Boston with her parents. One day while at school, her undocumented parents were taken from their home and her life was forever changed. Diane’s parents were deported back to Colombia, and she struggled between wanting to pursue the American dream and wanting to be with her family. She now advocates for those affected by immigration status and this biography is a testament to her personal experience. Timely, thorough, and tame enough for a younger audience to discuss.
My Family Divided: One Girl’s Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope, by Diane Guerrero and Erica Moroz
About the Book: Now a famous actress, Diane Guerrero was once a child living in Boston with her parents. One day while at school, her undocumented parents were taken from their home and her life was forever changed. Diane’s parents were deported back to Colombia, and she struggled between wanting to pursue the American dream and wanting to be with her family. She now advocates for those affected by immigration status and this biography is a testament to her personal experience. Timely, thorough, and tame enough for a younger audience to discuss.
About the Author: Author Guerrero penned much of her personal history in this biography, but there are a few more interesting facts about her. This middle grade book is derived from her first book, In the Country We Love: My Family Divided, a memoir about her parents being detained and deported when she was fourteen. A drama based on her memoir is slated to potentially come to television. When not working on hit shows such as Orange is the New Black, or Jane the Virgin, she spends her time volunteering with organizations such as the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
For the Meeting: Gather your family for a feast. Celebrate Guerrero’s family roots with a traditional dish, such as bandeja paisa (rice, beans, beef, chorizo, plantain, avocado, egg, and more). For the more sensitive (or picky) eaters, head straight to dessert with flan, rice pudding, or black cake. Finally, pull out a world map so you can discuss immigration and borders with your kids.
Questions for Discussion:
- Why were Diane’s parents taken from their home? How did that make you feel?
- Have you heard about immigration? How does it work?
- Trace your family history. Where did your ancestors immigrate from?
- How does the author use her experience to help others?
What books are you excited for your kids to read once school is back in session?