Book Club - MAY - i am the messenger by Markus Zusak

Discussion questions can be found at Hennepin County Library's BookSpace!

What do you think made Ed pick up the gun and go after the bank robber?
What would you do if you suddenly started receiving cryptic messages like Ed did? Would you tell anyone? Would you try to figure them out and do what they said?
How does Ed’s life change after becoming the Messenger?
Who did you think was sending Ed the cards?
Why were the messages written on playing cards instead of regular paper? Why the aces and joker?
Why didn’t Ed go to the police?
Do you think Ed would have ever felt inspired to change his life if he had never received the cards? If not, would his life still have been as purposeful?
What does Ed do to help Father O'Reilly?
Do you think that each of Ed's tasks are equally important, or are some more important than others?
What was the point of Ed's second mission for the Ace of Spades?
Do you think that the sender was right to put Ed in dangerous situations?
What does Ed's mother mean when she says "It takes a lot of love to hate you like this"? Do you think she did the right thing to treat him the way she did?
Imagine you were in Ed's position. Which of these would have been the hardest to do? Which would have been your favorite?
Who is the Messenger? Why did he do all of this?

Leave your comments for discussion! What kind of food or activities would you pair with this story?

Book Club - APR -- Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Check out some great discussion questions from the Multnomah County Library about Coraline by Neil Gaiman. Neil Gaiman is the 2010 Honorary Chair of National Library Week and we'll be hosting a special book/movie discussion on Wednesday, April 14, 3:00 p.m. Check out a copy of the book in regular print or graphic novel, and then join us for a relaxing afternoon at the library!

Coraline's parents are too busy to play with her. She's on her own, and when she goes exploring in her new apartment she unlocks a door that leads to a different world. At first it looks familiar, even intriguing, but Coraline quickly learns that evil lurks there. Soon, Coraline is caught in a life or death challenge - to save herself, her family, and three lost children. It is an experience that will forever change her. [http://www.multcolib.org/talk/guides-coraline.html]

Book Club - MAR - Nation by Terry Pratchett

From Harper Collins: Only two survivors remain after a giant wave crashes upon an island. Mau's village is destroyed and the voices of his Grandfathers demand that he rebuild everything just as it was. Daphne's ship has run aground and the voice of her grandmother reminds her that she is just 138 people away from being an English princess -- she should NOT be mucking around on an island.
Nation is a Printz Honor Book.

Here are some questions to start you thinking about different ideas from Nation. Join us for a discussion of the book on Wednesday, March 31!
From Harper Teen Reading Guides:

• How does myth influence Mau's living situation and outlook on life?
  
• What do the English and the islanders have in common regarding religion and lifestyle? What role does religion play in their lives? Do their gods cause them to have different values?
  
• What are the functions of religion and science in the book? Are religion and science similar? How do they help people?
  
• What does Mau learn about belief in the course of the story? What do readers learn about belief and stereotypes?
  
• What is the purpose of manners? How do they help or hinder Daphne's interactions with Mau and the other characters? Are there manners that transcend culture?
  
• What does it mean to be ethical? Is Daphne's killing of Foxlip ethical? Does the ruling of the court affect your opinion of Daphne's ethics?
  
• When does a child become an adult? How do you define the difference between children and adults?
  

Possible activities and food??

Book Club - FEB - Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Summary from the publisher: As the Revolutionary War begins, 13-year-old Isabel wages her own fight... for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.

1 -- What was New York City like in 1776?
2 -- What did you know about slavery during the time of the Revolutionary War? What did you learn from this story?
3 -- How does the title Chains connect to this book? Can you think of any alternative titles that could have been used?
4 -- Have you ever dealt with an older sibling leaving for college or moving out of the house? How do you think this compares to how Ruth and Isabel felt when they were separated?
5 -- Many children have chores to do around the house, but could you imagine doing the things Isabel did!What are your responsibilities around the house? Are they close to the same things Isabel was forced to do?
6 -- What do you think the adults did all day in 1776? Did they work, fight or sit around the house? Is this what your parents do?
7 -- It can be hard to watch your younger (or older!) siblings have it easier than you. What does this feel like to you, and to Isabel?
8 -- Do you think it is fair to ask a twelve-year-old to work as hard as Isabel?
9 -- Living in New York City right at the birth of our country must have been wonderful! How do you think other children reacted when they heard news of the Declaration of Independence? Were they happy to be free, nervous for their family to have to fight or something else? How do you think the slaves felt hearing this news?
10 -- Mattie, from Fever 1793, felt many of the same things as Isabel but almost 20 years later. How do you think these girls were similar? Could they have been friends?
11 -- Did you know that the northern states had slaves? What did it feel like to learn that Isabel was a slave from Rhode Island?
12 -- How did it feel to hear the Locktons lie and pretend to be a Patriots so that they could get past the docks?
13 -- What would you have done when you learned that Elihu Lockton was working for the Loyalists? Do you think Isabel did the right thing?
14 -- Isabel frequently goes to the water pump to get water for cooking and bathing. On one trip, a group of enslaved African Americans are discussing their options for freedom (page 161). Which option would you have taken?
15 -- What did the Grandfather mean at the water pump when he told Isabel to find her River Jordan? Have you heard that phrase anywhere else before?

These questions and further thoughts for discussion are available from the author's website as well as http://www.adlit.org/.

Book Club - JAN - Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Book Discussion on January 27.

From that author’s blog: Graceling is the story of Katsa, who has been able to kill people with her bare hands since she was eight. Katsa lives in the seven kingdoms, where very occasionally, a person is born with an extreme skill called a Grace. Gracelings are feared and exploited in the seven kingdoms, and none moreso than Katsa, who's expected to do the dirty work of torture and punishment for her uncle, King Randa. But then she meets a mysterious stranger named Po, who is also a Graced fighter and the first person ever to challenge her in a fight. The two form a bond, and each discovers truths they never imagined about themselves, each other, and a terrible danger that is spreading slowly through the seven kingdoms.

View the Graceling book trailer!

Discussion questions can be found at: www.hmhpr.com/releases/discuss/graceling-by-kristin-cashore/

How does Katsa describe her “nature” at the start of the novel? Does she believe she can alter this “nature”? Do you think her “nature” changes by the end of the novel?

The concept of a Grace plays an important role in the development of characters in Graceling. What is your definition of a Grace? If you could have a special Grace, what would it be? How would you use it in your current life?

Which type of Grace do you think is more powerful—one that is an enhancement of physical strengths or one that is an enhancement of mental strenghts?

What are the things Katsa fears the most? How do these fears affect her thoughts, actions, and behavior?

Gracelings are described as “outsiders” and “not normal.” If the skills of a Graceling are not helpful to the king then they are ostracized from their community. Why do the townspeople treat the Gracelings in this way?

How does Katsa’s understanding of friendship change throughout the story?

The Council is very important to Katsa. Why? What is the purpose and mission of the Council?

Prince Po’s grandfather, Prince Tealiff, tells Katsa that Po “sees the strength in beautiful things.” He explains that this is what makes Po different from his six brothers. How does Po’s appreciation of beauty influence his connection to people, animals, and nature? Is his perception of beauty changed in any way by the end of the novel?

Katsa is fiercely independent yet she is able to care deeply and love Po. Po is equally self-sufficient yet falls deeply in love with Katsa. How does the tension between being independent and being in love affect their relationship?

Katsa ponders the traditions of marriage and begins to imagine a more unconventional, yet long-lasting, relationship for herself and Po. Do you have any thoughts about the institution of marriage? Do you think alternatives to marriage exist for people in love?

In what ways do the contours of the landscape both help and hinder Katsa and Po in their attempt to save Bitterblue from King Leck?

Katsa learns that power throughout the Seven Kingdoms can be gained from a variety of sources. What are some of these sources? What opinions does Katsa have about people in positions of authority? Is she interested in having power or authority over others?

Katsa spends much of her daily life involved in combat and fighting. Describe how she feels about combat at the start of the novel. Do her opinions about being a skilled fighter change by the end of the story? How and why?

& at: http://glma-inc.org/peachaward/2010%20discussion%20questions.pdf
Describe Katsa’s Grace over the course of her life, when it is first discovered, how Randa uses it, how she is able to use it for Council, and how her perception of it changes when she travels with Po and later Bitterblue.

How does Po’s true Grace differ from what others believe it to be? Who knows of his true Grace? How does Katsa react to the truth of Po’s Grace, and ultimately how does his Grace compensate for his loss of sight?

What is King Leck’s Grace, and how is he able to use it to gain & keep a throne?

Explain the nature of Katsa’s relationship with each of these important characters: Raffin, Oll, Giddon, and Helda.

When Katsa and Bitterblue come across Leck at Po’s castle, how does he affect the two; and what ultimately allows Katsa to kill him?

What is the most useful Grace? What is the most dangerous Grace?

Snack ideas: berries, nuts/trail mix, beef jerky!

BOOK CLUB - OCT - Sold by Patricia McCormick

Thirteen-year-old Lakshmi lives in a small mountain village in Nepal with her mother and stepfather, struggling daily with a small farm just to feed their family. When the opportunity comes along for Lakshmi's family to sell her as a servant to a wealthy family, they feel they have no other choice. Lakshmi is scared to go into the city, but is proud to do what she has to do to support her family and provide for her baby brother. After much travel and being handed over to different "aunts" and "uncles," Lakshmi ends up at "Happiness House" with Auntie Mumtaz. It is here that she eventually learns that she has been sold into the sex trade industry and is forced to grow up long before she is ready. Based on truth, the author traveled from Nepal to Calcutta and saw firsthand the impact of sexual slavery on young girls and their families. Lakshmi's story is sad, but powerful and inspirational.

Recommended for high school readers and mature younger readers, especially those interested in humanitarian and cultural issues.
Call number: YA MCCORMICK (Teen Room)

Reviewed by kate the librarian

BOOK CLUB - AUG - A Swift Pure Cry by Siobhan Dowd

From Random House publishers:

Setting: Ireland,1984. After Shell’s mother dies, her father gives up on work and his children and escapes reality by drinking. The unexpected challenge of caring for a home and her two siblings leaves Shell little opportunity to enjoy her youth. She frequently skips school just to spend time with her only friends, Birdie and Declan. But when Birdie leaves town to live with her aunt, Declan and Shell’s friendship evolves into intimacy until he flees to America, leaving Shell pregnant. Months later, scandal erupts in the community; a baby boy is found dead in a cave, and Shell admits to giving birth to a stillborn daughter. Two babies dead, and no one knows the father of both is Declan, and no one knows the baby boy’s mother is Birdie—no one, that is, except Shell.

• When Birdie sees Shell and Declan kissing, why does she only blame Shell? What role does Shell play in Declan’s betrayal of Birdie? Why does Birdie refuse to speak to Shell? How does Birdie’s betrayal of Shell affect each of them?
• As Shell’s father grows more distant and turns increasingly to alcohol, Shell begins to assume more responsibility for Trix and Jimmy. From what is her father trying to escape?
• Young Shell must cope with a secret pregnancy, the care of her two siblings, her father’s neglect, and her mother’s death. What character traits does Shell possess that enable her to handle all that life has thrown at her?
• Shell does not think she has anyone to support her when she discovers she is pregnant. Why is she so fearful of asking anyone for help? Who could have helped her?
• When Rose is born, Shell either does not realize or is unwilling to accept the fact that Rose is dead. How does Jimmy help Shell understand that Rose is dead? Why does Shell assume the responsibility for Rose’s death? Could Rose have been saved?
• Why does Shell’s father confess to a crime he did not commit? Why does he think he is guilty? How does his admission of a crime he didn’t commit help Shell communicate with him? How does it alter their relationship?
• What impact does Father Rose have on Shell? How does he help her through a difficult time? How does he fail her? What factors influence Father Rose to leave the priesthood?
• The people in the community are devastated to learn that two babies in their community have been found dead. How could the police have better handled the cases? What role do the gossips play in Shell’s arrest? Besides Shell, who knew the identity of the parents of the baby boy? Was his death intentional?
• Shell receives a letter from Declan telling of his adventures and life in America, but Shell burns the letter and does not respond to it. Why?
• Do you think this is an apt title for the story told? Why or why not?

Book Club - JULY 22 - The Gospel According To Larry

Josh Swensen is not your average 17-year-old. At the age of two, he was figuring out algebraic equations with colored magnetic numbers. He is a prodigy who only wants to make the world a better place. Josh's wish comes true when his virtual alter ego, Larry, becomes a huge media sensation. Larry has his own Web site where he posts sermons on anti-consumerism and has a large following of adults and teens. Meanwhile, Larry's identity is a mystery to everyone. While it seems as if the whole world is trying to figure out Larry's true identity, Josh feels trapped inside his own creation. What will happen to the world, and to Larry, if he is exposed?

Ø In his quest to be antimaterialistic, Josh has just seventy-five possessions, including shirts, shoes, keys, books, CDs, and underwear. If you had to limit the things you own to seventy-five items, what would they be?

Ø Josh states, "I've only wanted one thing in my life–to contribute, to help make the world a better place . . . not with technology, but with ideas." Is Josh true to his vision?

Ø Is the way Josh/Larry manipulates his followers any different from the way the media, big business, or politicians manipulate the public?

Ø Josh steals confidential documents from Peter's briefcase in order to attack the companies his stepfather represents. Is he right to do this? Does the end justify the means?

Ø Paint a picture of Josh's character. Why is it that he has only one friend? Discuss his relationship with Beth. Do you think he would have created the Larry Web site if he had told Beth how he felt about her?

Ø Discuss the ethics of spouting views on the Internet, or in any medium, under a false identity. Betagold claims that Larry is a coward for keeping his identity a secret. Do you agree? Or is Larry right to think that revealing who he is would detract from his message?

Ø Discuss Josh's motivation for creating the Larry Web site. Is he being honest or is he just playing a game? He is disturbed by the magnitude of the response to his Web site and by the hero he becomes, but he does not close down the web site. Why?
Josh is disillusioned by the reaction of the public once his identity is known. No one seems to be interested in his message–people are interested only in him as a celebrity. The producer of 20/20 tells him, "They want to know about you. You're the story, just you. People want gossip; people want sizzle." Ø What does this tell you about how the media views the public? What happens when the sizzle fizzles?

Ø Josh says that we feast on celebrities, caring for people who have no idea who we are. How do you feel about this? Should we care about the private lives of our favorite rock stars? If you were a celebrity, how would you handle fame?

Ø "No offense, Josh, but this idealism thing is a phase, like so many other things you've been through. . . . You don't have enough life experience. You don't know how the real world works yet." How much of what Peter says to Josh is true, or is it as Josh responds, "Adults always say that to keep kids quiet?"

Ø Some of Josh's actions might be considered unethical. Do you think anything Josh does is immoral? Is the writing of his story the solution for Josh, or is it just another way to avoid taking responsibility? How will Josh find peace? Is he on the right path?

Ø Josh's/Larry's sermons rail against exploitation of third-world countries, celebrity worship, and the way big business manipulates our lives, to name a few issues. What are the things about society that you and your friends hope to change?

**Summary and discussion questions were obtained from Random House and the Teen Reads blog (as prepared by Clifford Wohl, educational consultant).

And to eat? Mmm... apples with peanut butter...

Book Club - JULY 15 - Get Well Soon by Julie Halpern

Anna Bloom is depressed—so depressed that her parents have committed her to a mental hospital with a bunch of other messed-up teens. Here she meets a roommate with a secret (and a plastic baby), a doctor who focuses way too much on her weight, and a cute, shy boy who just might like her. But wait! Being trapped in a loony bin isn’t supposed to be about making friends, losing weight, and having a crush, is it? In her fiction debut, Julie Halpern finds humor in the unlikeliest of places, and presents a character whose voice—and heart—will resonate with all of us who have ever felt just a little bit crazy.


Ø Why is Anna in a mental hospital?

Ø What “issues” does Anna think she has? Is she suicidal? Is she overly-obsessed with her weight? Is she a danger to others?

Ø What factors do you think really contributed to her parents’ decision to place Anna in the hospital?

Ø How does Anna treat the other patients? How do they treat her?

Ø Describe some of the other characters. How do their perceptions of themselves allow you to get to know them?

Ø What gets Anna through each day while she’s in the hospital?

Ø Can you put yourself in Anna’s shoes? Do you think she’s crazy?

Ø If it was you, what would you NEED to bring? Why does Anna crave her own clothes, her favorite shoes?

Ø What do you think will happen between Anna and Justin?

Ø What is life like for the “patients” on the “outside”? How do you think Anna is going to adjust back in her real life? How do you think she might be treated – by her family, Tracy, kids at school?


Snack ideas: Cap’n Crunch cereal

Activity ideas: Draw portraits of each other!

Book Club - JULY 8 - The Saga of the Bloody Benders by Rick Geary

This addition to the Treasury of Victorian Murder series delves into the minds of the family notoriously known as the Bloody Benders, and with black-and-white graphics explores just a piece of their murderous journey through the wild west in the late 19th Century.

This great graphic novel invites fantastic discussion based simply on:

Ø Speculate on who the Bloody Benders are, where they are from, where they went, and what they did!
Ø Describe how the town reacts to the drama going on in town.
Ø Describe how the time period and geographical nature of the Kansas Frontier affect the events of the story.
Ø How might the story of the Bloody Benders have been exaggerated over time? How much of these events do you believe are true?

Snack ideas: Mmm… something bloody??

Book Club - JULY 1 - Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman

Stuck in Neutral is the heartbreaking tale of a young boy, Shawn, who has cerebral palsy and who is profoundly developmentally disabled. However, inside his broken body, Shawn believes himself to be a genius due to his ability to remember everything he has ever seen or heard. Shawn is unable to prove this power to anyone around him as he is unable to communicate, and is unable to even focus his eyes where he wants them to go. Shawn also cannot protect himself when his father decides the best thing he can do for him is kill him. Stuck in Neutral is a journey into a world where no one can truly go but the actual participants, both in Shawn's role and the role of his father.

To the world, Shawn's senses seem dead. Within these pages, however, we meet a side of him that no one else has seen: a spirit that is rich beyond imagining, breathing life.

Ø Characterize Shawn. Does he seem real? Why?

Ø Discuss cerebral palsy. What causes this condition? Do all children with this affliction become like Shawn? Do you know anyone who has this condition? How would you feel if your brother or sister had this condition? Did reading this book give you any insight into living with a disability? Why? Has this book changed your perceptions of people who are disabled?

Ø How is Shawn just like a “normal” teenager? What did he have in common with you? How is Shawn misunderstood in the same and different ways than other people?

Ø What is your definition of quality of life? Do you think that Shawn has a good life? What do you think his life is like? Would you be happy living without the ability to communicate? Why or why not? How do you think Shawn defines quality of life? Why does Shawn want to live?

Ø What is parental responsibility? What do you see has your parents' responsibility toward you? How would you describe Shawn’s family? What are the similarities and differences among the men and the women of Shawn’s family? How did the parents’ divorce affect the family as individuals and as a group?

Ø What are Shawn's father's responsibilities toward him? Why do you think Shawn's father thinks it is his responsibility to end Shawn's pain? Do you think he has that right?

Ø What do you think Shawn’s father believed about Shawn as a person and his life? Do you think his father was using him for fame? Would you describe him as selfish or selfless? Is he suffering more for Shawn or himself? Why do you think so?

Ø How do you think this story would have worked if Shawn’s parents were not divorced? How might that have changed the family relationships and Shawn? How did the divorce bring another dynamic to the story?

Ø What roles did Cindy and Paul play in this story? How do you think they were affected by being raised in a family with a sibling like Shawn? Were these effects positive or negative? Do you think these characters were realistic? Do you think they were important characters?

Ø Do you think Shawn's father killed him or not? Why?

Ø Has this book changed your views of euthanasia or abortion?

Ø Why do you think the book was written in the first person? Retell the story from the mother's point of view; from his sister Cindy's; and from his brother Paul's.

Ø Do you think the title fits the book? Why or why not?

Ø Terry Trueman includes a note at the end, saying that his son, Sheehan, has a condition similar to Shawn’s. Does knowing this about the author take away or add to the story? Would you have preferred to know this before you read the book instead of after? Why do you think Mr. Trueman wrote this story?

Book Club - JUNE - Tamar by Mal Peet

Ø Is all fair in love and war? How do you feel about William Hyde at the end of the book?
Ø Discuss how war affects people - in Tamar, it says that people would have killed each other for a chicken because they were starving - but also the main characters are brought together through love during the war. How does war affect the behavior of the older characters in the story?
Ø Can war ever be justified?
Ø At some point Tamar realizes that as well as being an individual, she is part of a human continuum. What does this mean to you?
Ø The author very clearly and directly connects that past to the present. Why do you think he does this? Do you think he’s trying to share a message with the reader?
Ø How do you think you would have felt having to live through the war? Either in Nazi occupied Holland or in Liverpool during the Blitz?
Ø What did you like best about this story? The adventure? The mystery? The romance?
Ø How do you think the story would have been different if it had been told from a single perspective? How do you think it would have impacted how you read it?
Ø Why did Tamar’s grandfather commit suicide? How do you think the book would have been different if he hadn’t? Why didn’t he choose to tell Tamar the story himself?
Ø Why did Tamar’s dad leave? Do you think he would have reached out to Tamar if she hadn’t gotten to him first? Why was he the first to approach her once she was on her journey?
Ø “I still call him ‘Grandad’.” How do you think you would have reacted in Tamar’s place?

Food? They had Christmas pudding at one point in the story during the war, but I've eaten Christmas pudding; trust me, you don't want it. Other suggestions?

Book Club - MAY - Generation Dead by Daniel Waters

All over the country, a strange phenomenon is occurring. Some teenagers who die aren't staying dead. Termed "living impaired" or "differently biotic," they are doing their best to fit into a society that doesn't want them. Fitting in is hard enough when you don't have the look or attitude, but when almost everyone else is alive and you're not, it's close to impossible. With her pale skin and goth wardrobe, Phoebe has never run with the popular crowd. But on one can believe it when she falls for Tommy Williams, the leader of the dead kids. Not her best friend, Margi, whose fear of the differently biotic is deeply rooted in guilt over the past. And especially not her neighbor, Adam, the star of the football team. Recently, Adam has realized that his feelings for Phoebe run much deeper than just friendship. He would do anything for her; but what if protecting Tommy is the one thing that would make her happy? (http://www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com/)

Ø Were there things you wanted to know that the author didn’t tell you?

Ø What makes a zombie different from a living person?

Ø Do zombies have souls? In the same way as living beings?

Ø What kind of groups of people might these zombies represent? (Minorities in a white school, the special ed students who get teased at lunch time, teens involved in mixed relationships, or just the strange kid in the seat next to you, the one who wears all black and hates going to football games.)

Ø Why do zombies have different rights than others, or no rights at all? What do you think about this? What kind of rights do you think they should have, if any?

Ø What do you think are the medical reasons that some teens are coming back to “life.”

Ø What kinds of things do you think might be going on behind the doors of the laboratories at the Hunter Foundation for the Advancement of Differently Biotic Persons?

Ø What are some ways to get involved in society reform or political activism? How can one reach out to a group that doesn’t seem to be listening? Is there any point in “preaching to the choir”?

Ø Tommy’s blog is still active (www.mysocalledundeath.com). What do you think about using modern technology and resources to extend a story beyond its “natural” life within a book’s pages.

Ø What do you think would happen in a sequel? Would you read it?


For food, I'm thinking gummy worms... maybe some fruit from Karen's lunch... or some after school snacks in honor of Phoebe & Margi (maybe something coffee-flavored?)...

Book Club - APR - The Boy In the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

(Be warned of spoilers! This book is best read when you know as little about it in advance as possible!)
Check out this massive discussion and information guide:

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas depicts a fictional friendship set during World War II. Bruno, the eight-year-old son of a newly-promoted Nazi officer, moves with his family from a comfortable life in Berlin to a lonely existence in the countryside. An adventurous boy with nothing to do, Bruno ignores his mother's instructions not to explore the back garden and takes off for a "farm" he has seen from his bedroom window. As he approaches a barbed wire fence, Bruno sees Shmuel, the boy in the striped pajamas, on the other side, and an unlikely and life-changing friendship develops.

Some great thought-provoking questions are included in this packet.

A group of eighth and ninth grades got together at the library to watch the movie a few days before we met to discuss the book, and there were mixed reviews about the visual representation of the story. It seems that my readers either loved it or hated it. Me, I read an advanced review copy of the book almost three years ago, so the movie didn't conflict with my feelings about the story. I still cried at the end from sheer horror and sadness.

The official discussion of the book was fabulous. The group really "got" what was going on, and how history impacts the world we live in now. Any thoughts?

Jon suggested that we eat some chocolate cake as we discussed the book, in honor of Bruno's edible gifts to Shmuel during their short-lived friendship.

BOOK CLUB - MAR - Ana's Story by Jenna Bush

She is Ana, and this is her story. It begins the day she is born infected with HIV transmitted from her young mother. Now she barely remembers her mamá, who died when Ana was three. From then on, Ana’s childhood becomes a blur of faint memories and secrets—secrets about her illness and about the abuse she endures. For more information, go to http://www.harperteen-ana.com/.

Taken from the book:

Ana’s prized possession is the photocopy of her mother’s photograph. Why is this so important to her?

Ana’s neighborhood and country are described in various parts of this story. How is Ana’s community similar to or different from yours?

What do you think race, social class, and economic class have to do with some of the issues raised in this story?

Ana’s grandmother warns her not to talk about her illness to anyone, ever. Do you feel that this was for Ana’s own good or for another reason? What might her grandmother’s motives have been?

In what ways do the teachers at Ana’s school violate the rights of those infected with HIV?

What kinds of roles do the adults in Ana’s life play? Why are the adults in her life important?

Ana is afraid of the way she will be treated if anyone knows she has HIV. How does this kind of discrimination make you feel? In what ways do you see exclusion in your school? How as it affected you and how can you help others?

In what ways does Ana use her imagination to distract herself? How do you think her dreams help her?

How do you feel about Abuela’s response when Ana tells her about Ernesto? How do you think Abuela should have responded? Why do you think she reacted the way she did?

How did Papa’s death affect Ana?

What happened after Ana’s wrote about her abuse in a letter to her priest? Do you think that writing the letter was a wise decision? Why or why not?

In what ways does Ana’s relationship with religion and spirituality change throughout her story?

How did Ana’s life change when she was brought to live at the hogar?

What was the hogar like? Do you think it benefited those with HIV/AIDS, or was it just another form of exclusion?

Ana is shocked to find out that her grandmother saved her life when she was a baby. What do you think caused the change in Ana’s relationship with her grandmother throughout her story? Do you think Ana has forgiven or can forgive Abuela? Is forgiveness important?

What are some struggles that Isabel might have that Ana may not have had? What struggles does Ana have that Isabel did not?

Where does Ana feel most at home? Considering her relationships with her family, why do you think that is?

What role does education play in Ana’s life? Have you learned anything from reading her story? What did you learn? Do you think there is enough education and awareness about HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, child abuse, and other childhood hardships?

Why do you think Ana kept her three big secrets? What else could she have done? What do you think you could do?

How did this book affect you? How can teens like you help teens like Ana?

Activity ideas? Snack ideas? Leave a comment!

www.unicef.org/voy/

BOOK CLUB - FEB - the dead & the gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Susan Beth Pfeffer’s the dead and the gone is the companion book to Life as We Knew It, the 2009 Teen Selection for One Book New Jersey (www.onebooknewjersey.org).

Susan Beth Pfeffer’s Life as We Knew It enthralled and devastated readers with its brutal but hopeful look at an apocalyptic event--an asteroid hitting the moon, setting off a tailspin of horrific climate changes. Now this harrowing companion novel examines the same events as they unfold in New York City, revealed through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Puerto Rican Alex Morales. When Alex's parents disappear in the aftermath of tidal waves, he must care for his two younger sisters, even as Manhattan becomes a deadly wasteland, and food and aid dwindle. With haunting themes of family, faith, personal change, and courage, this powerful new novel explores how a young man takes on unimaginable responsibilities. (www.harcourtbooks.com)


Ø Have you thought about what you would do given some cataclysmic event? Have you a plan? How can your family stay safe and together in the event of an emergency? Where would you go? What emergency supplies do we have, and where are they kept? Do you have a basement full of canned goods?

Ø What is the likelihood of these types of events taking place? What are more likely scenarios that might cause this type of disruption to normal life?

Ø How far would you go to survive? Would you share? Steal? Hoard? What happens to our humanity in the face of imminent extinction?

Ø How is the dead and the gone different from Life as We Knew It? How was the situation different in a rural v. urban setting?

Ø How is religion portrayed in the dead and the gone and what is its effect on the characters’ actions? How does race and social class affect the situation? What is the impact of geographical location?

Ø What was your reaction to the scene at the stadium? Could you put yourself in Alex’s shoes?

Ø How do characters evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes? What is Alex’s relationship with his friends and family like before and after the catastrophe, and how do they change over the course of the story?

Ø How do you think you would have been like or unlike Miranda in this situation?

Ø Were there things you wanted to know that the author didn’t tell you?

Ø Do you have any predictions or hopes for the third book that Susan Beth Pfeffer is writing?


Some discussion questions for Life as We Knew It:

Ø What was the first major catastrophe that happened when the moon was knocked out of its orbit?

Ø What happened to Rhode Island? If you managed to escape, where would you go? Why?

Ø What were some of the effects of the catastrophe? Why is electricity such an essential utility?

Ø What happened to the climate during the summer? How did the family cope?

Ø Miranda’s family was isolated from the community during the winter. In what ways was this both good and bad? What was the decision that Miranda faced at the end of Life as We Knew It?

Ø What were some of the kids’ first reactions in school the next day? How do you think you might have felt? What do you think shaped Miranda’s reaction (family, friends, religion)?

Ø Miranda’s mom exhibited foresight in dealing with the seriousness of the situation. What are some of the things she did to increase her family’s chances of survival? Do you think that Miranda’s mother should have donated materials to a less fortunate family?

Ø Who do you credit with Miranda’s family’s ability to survive overall?

Ø This book champions the family unit. Do you think there were other ways to handle the catastrophe, besides relying only on family? Would a cooperative approach stand a chance?

Ø Is Miranda’s mom really prioritizing Jonny? What else could be going on? What are her motives?

Ø What was your reaction to the scene were Miranda finds the chocolate chips in the pantry?

Ø Do you think Miranda really skated with Brian Erlach that one time?

Ø Do you think Dad and Lisa made it to Colorado? Why or why not?


Please feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts! Also, let us know if you have an activity or snack ideas. :)

BOOK CLUB - JAN - Unwind by Neal Shusterman

In a society where unwanted teens are salvaged for their body parts, three runaways fight the system that would "unwind" them Connor's parents want to be rid of him because he's a troublemaker. Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanage costs. Lev's unwinding has been planned since his birth, as part of his family's strict religion. Brought together by chance, and kept together by desperation, these three unlikely companions make a harrowing cross-country journey, knowing their lives hang in the balance. If they can survive until their eighteenth birthday, they can't be harmed -- but when every piece of them, from their hands to their hearts, are wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away.

Ø Could this situation happen? Do you understand how policies are made in government?

Ø What character do you relate to the most? What are the roles that Connor, Risa, and Lev played in this story?

Ø What kind of parent would choose to have their child unwound? Why?

Ø Where does life begin? Where does it end? What does being “alive” mean? Should Unwinds be considered “dead” or “alive,” or something else?

Ø Explain CyFi’s situation. What happens to him, and what do you think happened after he confronted Tyler’s parents?

Ø Describe what takes place during Roland’s last scene with Connor. What is it meant to show about Roland? Is it meant to imply anything about being an Unwind? (Can unwinding take kids that are somewhat deviant and make them far worse? Had the circumstances been different, would Roland have been the same kind of person? “He was a decent kid, protecting his mother like he did, and then his whole situation turned him into a self-centered, power-hungry bully, still with that core of decency that prevented him from committing murder.”)

Ø How did you react to Roland’s final scene? How did you react to Mai’s last scene?

Ø What are your thoughts on the Admiral? Does he redeem himself in the end?

Ø What do you think the ending of the story brings to the story as a whole?

Ø Where there parts of the story that you feel like you missed? Why do you think the author chose to tell the story from three separate points-of-view? How did some of the stories overlap?