November Grades 3 & 4 Book Club Suggestions

 For November, we will be reading:

2022 RICBA Nominee

Midnight at the Barclay Hotel by Fleur Bradley

"When JJ Jacobson convinced his mom to accept a surprise invitation to an all-expenses-paid weekend getaway at the illustrious Barclay Hotel, he never imagined that he'd find himself in the midst of a murder mystery. He thought he was in for a run-of-the-mill weekend ghost hunting at the most haunted spot in town, but when he arrives at the Barclay Hotel and his mother is blamed for the hotel owner's death, he realizes his weekend is going to be anything but ordinary.

Now, with the help of his new friends, Penny and Emma, JJ has to track down a killer, clear his mother's name, and maybe even meet a ghost or two along the way."—Summary

We will meet on Wednesday, November 10, at 3:30 p.m. in the Sydney Wright Room. To register, visit the circulation desk, email Miss Colleen at jamlibyouth@gmail.com, or give us a call at (401) 423-7280.

For New Book Club Members

At each session, the kids vote on a book to read for the next month. Then, Miss Colleen orders enough copies of that book through the Ocean State Libraries consortium. You pick up the book at the library (usually a week after the last book club). Books are never due before Book Club. Children should finish the book before coming to Book Club. Please reach out with any questions.

Other suggestions:

The Leak: For the Love of Truth by Kate Reed Petty, illustrated by Andrea Bell

"Ruth Keller is brash and precocious; she argues with her dentist, her parents, and her teachers. So, when she discovers a strange black slime in the man-made lake of her suburban neighborhood, she decides to investigate. Fortified by the encouragement of those around her, Ruth seeks the truth at all costs, even if it means taking on the rich local country club owner, who she believes is responsible for the pollution. Between the teasing of former friends and a sudden viral spotlight, Ruth discovers how difficult it is for a journalist to take a stand for what's right in the face of critique and controversy."—Summary

Dear Justice League by Michael Northrop, illustrated by Gustavo Duarte

"Does Superman ever make mistakes? What was Wonder Woman's eleventh birthday like? Does Aquaman smell like fish? In this new middle-grade graphic novel, iconic heroes are asked questions both big and small, and when they are not busy saving the world, the Justice League even finds time to respond. Their honest and humorous answers will surprise and delight readers of any age, as it turns out that being a superhero is not too different from being a kid."—Summary

August Grades 3 & 4 Book Club: Klawde, Evil Alien Warlord Cat

For July's Grades 3 & 4 Book Club, we read the book Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth.

1. The book is written from two points of view. Whose?

2. Who is our protagonist? Is there more than one? 

3. What planet is Klawde from? How does he arrive on Earth? How does he become Raj's pet? 

4. What is Klawde's real name? Who names him Klawde?

5. Where does Raj's mom send Raj? 

6. Who does Raj meet at Camp Eclipse?

7. How does Raj's relationship with Klawde change Raj?

8. What does Klawde use his litterbox for?

9. What happens at Survival Night?

10. How does Klawde return to his planet? What happens when he gets there? 

11. What was your favorite part of the book? Your least favorite?

12. How would you describe this book to a friend?

For August's Book Club, we will be reading:

Aster and the Accidental Magic by Thom Pico

We will be meeting on Wednesday, August 11 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside on the lawn—Swinburne Street side. In case of inclement weather, Book Club will move indoors. Participants will be notified by noon, the day of, if the location changes. 

To register, visit the circulation desk or email Miss Colleen at jamlibyouth@gmail.com 

Be sure to stop by the library to pick up your copy!

August Grades 3 & 4 Book Club Suggestions

Aster and the Accidental Magic by Thom Pico

"Quiet . . . birds . . . nature. . . .

That's what Aster expects when her parents move their whole family to the middle of nowhere. It's just her (status- super-bored), her mom and dad (status- busy with science), her brother (status- has other plans), and . . .

. . . magic?

In her new home, Aster meets a mysterious old woman with a herd of dogs who gives her a canine companion of her own. But when she and her dog Buzz are adventuring in the forest, they run into a trickster spirit who gives Aster three wishes. After wishing for the ability to understand and talk to her dog, she becomes only able to talk in dog language . . . and the trouble she gets into is just starting.

Maybe the middle of nowhere will be more interesting than Aster thought." — Summary

Midnight at the Barclay Hotel by Fleur Bradley

"When JJ Jacobson convinced his mom to accept a surprise invitation to an all-expenses-paid weekend getaway at the illustrious Barclay Hotel, he never imagined that he'd find himself in the midst of a murder mystery. He thought he was in for a run-of-the-mill weekend ghost hunting at the most haunted spot in town, but when he arrives at the Barclay Hotel and his mother is blamed for the hotel owner's death, he realizes his weekend is going to be anything but ordinary.

Now, with the help of his new friends, Penny and Emma, JJ has to track down a killer, clear his mother's name, and maybe even meet a ghost or two along the way." — Summary

Fortunately, The Milk by Neil Gaiman

"While picking up milk for his children's cereal, a father is abducted by aliens and finds himself on a wild adventure through time and space." — Summary

June Grades 3 & 4 Book Club: From the Desk of Zoe Washington

 

For June's Grades 3 & 4 Book Club, we read the book From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Jenae Marks. This title is Rhode Island Children's Book Award nominee for 2022. The below questions are from Middle Grade at Heart. 

1. Zoe wants to become the first Black girl to win the Kids Bake Challenge! and points out that she’s never seen many Black pastry chefs in cookbooks or on TV. Have you noticed a lack of diversity in certain careers? Why do you think that is, and what do you think can be done to change that?

2. In one scene, Zoe feels judged by a white woman who sees Zoe, who is black, with her white stepfather. Have you ever felt the need to defend something that wasn’t actually wrong because someone judged you? What did you do? How did that make you feel?

3. At first, Zoe refuses to tell Trevor why she’s upset with him. Do you think that was fair? When she did explain, whose side of the story did you connect with most? Have you ever said something you didn’t mean because you felt pressured to fit in, like Trevor? Or had someone hurt you in their attempt to fit in, like Zoe? What did you do? 

4. Zoe’s experience at the bakery internship doesn’t start the way she expects it to. Have you ever been excited about something, only to be disappointed? How did it turn out in the end?

5. Were you surprised when Zoe’s grandma agreed to keep Zoe’s letter writing a secret? Do you think it was the right thing for her grandmother to do? Why or why not?

6. Zoe is shocked when she reads stories of people who were wrongfully convicted and sent to prison for crimes they didn’t commit. How did you feel reading that? 

7. Zoe and Trevor talk about how they’ve each had discussions with their parents: “...because I’m black, I have to be extra careful around the police. Stuff like that.” If you’re a person of color, have you ever had that discussion? How did it make you feel? If you’re white, how did you feel reading that? What do you think it’s like to feel that, because of the color of your skin, you can’t trust the very people who are supposed to be helping and protecting you? 

8. As you read, how did you feel about Marcus? Did you believe he was guilty or innocent? Did your thoughts about Marcus change at all as you learned more about his story and the facts of what happened?

For July's Book Club, we will be reading:

Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat (Book #1) by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth

"Klawde, the exiled ruler of the planet Lyttyrboks, and Raj, who just moved from Brooklyn to tiny Elba, Oregon, forge an unlikely friendship as they find their footing in a strange new world." — Source of summary not specified

We will be meeting on Wednesday, July 14 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside on the lawn—Swinburne Street side. In case of inclement weather, Book Club will move indoors. Participants will be notified by noon, the day of, if the location changes. 

To register, visit the circulation desk or email Miss Colleen at jamlibyouth@gmail.com 

Be sure to stop by the library to pick up your copy!

May Grades 3–4 Book Club: El Deafo

 

Rhode Island Children's Book Award Winner 2016

Newberry Medal Honor

For May's Grades 3-4 Book Club, we read the book El Deafo by Cece Bell. Alex and Emme were present. Here are some of the questions we answered during our discussion:

1. El Deafo is a memoir. What is a memoir? Are there benefits to writing a memoir as a graphic novel? What about drawbacks?

2. How does Cece lose her hearing? 

3. We learn about Cece's friendships. Could you relate to any of Cece's friendships? How do Cece's friendships comfort her? How do they challenge her? 

4. How does Cece use her El Deafo identity to cope with tough situations? 

5. People react to Cece's Phonic Ear in a variety of ways. What are they, and why are their reactions important to Cece's story?

6. Cece grapples with her own feelings towards the Phonic Ear. Overall, do you think the Phonic Ear is something positive or negative for Cece? Why?

7. Cece describes feeling like she is in a bubble of loneliness. What does this mean? Have you felt this way? 

8. How does Cece change throughout the book? 

Rating: on a scale of 1—5 (1 is the lowest; 5 is the highest), what do you rate this book? Would you recommend it?

4! 

4! 

And yes, we would recommend it!

For June's Book Club, we will be reading:

Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee 2022

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marky

"Zoe Washington isn't sure what to write. What does a girl say to the father she's never met, hadn't heard from until his letter arrived on her twelfth birthday, and who's been in prison for a terrible crime?

A crime he says he never committed.

Could Marcus really be innocent? Zoe is determined to uncover the truth. Even if it means hiding his letters and her investigation from the rest of her family. Everyone else thinks Zoe's worrying about doing a good job at her bakery internship and proving to her parents that she's worthy of auditioning for Food Network's Kids Bake Challenge.

But with bakery confections on one part of her mind, and Marcus's conviction weighing heavily on the other, this is one recipe Zoe doesn't know how to balance. The only thing she knows to be true: Everyone lies." — summary

We will be meeting on Wednesday, June 9 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside on the lawn—Swinburne Street side. In case of inclement weather, Book Club may be moved indoors or via Zoom. Participants will be notified by noon, the day of, if the location changes. 

To register, visit the circulation desk or email Miss Colleen at jamlibyouth@gmail.com 

Be sure to stop by the library to pick up your copy!

June Grades 3–4 Book Club Suggestions

 

National Book Award Longlist

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

"After being forced to give up his pet fox Pax, a young boy named Peter decides to leave home and get his best friend back" — provided by the publisher

Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee 2022

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

"Zoe Washington isn't sure what to write. What does a girl say to the father she's never met, hadn't heard from until his letter arrived on her twelfth birthday, and who's been in prison for a terrible crime?

A crime he says he never committed.

Could Marcus really be innocent? Zoe is determined to uncover the truth. Even if it means hiding his letters and her investigation from the rest of her family. Everyone else thinks Zoe's worrying about doing a good job at her bakery internship and proving to her parents that she's worthy of auditioning for Food Network's Kids Bake Challenge.

But with bakery confections on one part of her mind, and Marcus's conviction weighing heavily on the other, this is one recipe Zoe doesn't know how to balance. The only thing she knows to be true: Everyone lies." — summary 

Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat (Book #1) by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth

"Klawde had everything. Sharp claws. Fine fur. And, being the High Commander of the planet Lyttyrboks, an entire world of warlike cats at his command. But when he is stripped of his feline throne, he is sentenced to the worst possible punishment- exile to a small planet in a quiet corner of the universe...named Earth.

Raj had everything. A cool apartment in Brooklyn. Three friends who lived in his building. And pizza and comics within walking distance. But when his mom gets a job in Elba, Oregon, and he is forced to move, all of that changes. It's now the beginning of summer, he has no friends, and because of his mother's urgings, he has joined a nature camp. It's only when his doorbell rings and he meets a furball of a cat that Raj begins to think maybe his luck is turning around..." — summary

April Grades 3-4 Book Club: The 13-Story Treehouse

 

For April's Grades 3-4 Book Club, we read the book The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton. Alex, Emily, and Emme were present. Here's what we discussed! 

1. There are lots of rooms in the 13-Story Treehouse. Which one is your favorite? What type of rooms would you include in your own treehouse?

2. In Chapter 2, Andy wakes up to find Terry painting an animal. What type of animal is Terry painting? Why? 

3. In Chapter 3, we meet Jill. Who is Jill? Who is she looking for?  

4. On page 30, Andy points out, "...although the first part of my sentence (no) was technically a lie, the second part (she's not here) was definitely the truth, which cancels out the lie." Do you agree with Andy? 

5. Who is Mr. Big Nose? What is he angry about? What happens when he gets angry?

6. Terry has a super long to-do and to-don't list. Do you make lists? What type of lists?

7. In Chapter 5, Andy and Terry have a disagreement. What is the disagreement? 

8. Who is Bill? What does he bring Terry?

9. Who is Mermaidia? How does she trick Terry? How does Andy prove to Terry what Mermaidia truly is? What happens to Mermaidia?

10. Terry gets trapped in a bubble of burp gas. How does Andy free him?

11. What happens the second time Bill comes?

12. Who saves Andy and Terry from the gorilla?

13. How does Andy and Terry's book get delivered to Mr. Big Nose?

Last question: In your opinion, what was the funniest (or best) part of the book? Why?

Rating: on a scale of 1—5 (1 is the lowest; 5 is the highest), what do you rate this book? Would you recommend it?

4! 4! 5! 

For an average of 4.333333... 

and yes, they would recommend it!

For May's Book Club, we will be reading:

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Rhode Island Children's Book Award Winner 2016

Newberry Medal Honor

"Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful—and very awkward—hearing aid. The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear—sometimes things she shouldn't—but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All." And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for." — from the publisher's website

We will be meeting on Wednesday, May 12 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside on the Library lawn, under the trees on the Swinburne Street side. Masks are required, and social distancing will be practiced. In the case of inclement weather, Book Club may be moved indoors or via Zoom. Participants will be notified by noon, the day of, if the location changes. 

To register, visit the circulation desk or email Miss Colleen at jamlibyouth@gmail.com 

Be sure to stop by the library to pick up your copy!