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More Than a Middle Grade Book Club

By on December 28, 2018   /   Articles, For Librarians  
For Narnia!

Jonathan Robbins Leon, Osceola Library Youth Specialist, gets into the spirit for book club meetings. Photo by: Osceola Library. Used with permission.

I sat down this week to chat with Jonathan Robbins Leon, a youth specialist at the Osceola Library, about how he incorporates STEM and history into his book club for middle graders, and he passed along some great ideas for parents, teachers, and librarians who want to add a little something extra to their middle-grade book discussions.

MP: Tell us a little bit about how you started the book club?

JRL: We started this last August. The sessions run from August to May. It started out as a home-school book club to tie books into home-school lesson plans. Last session, I chose 8 random books, but this year, I decided to do a series.

MP: Why did you decide to do a series, and which series are you focusing on this year?

JRL: This year, I did the Chronicles of Narnia. It has worked out well. It gives the kids a goal to work toward, finishing the series, and we’ve had a lot more regular participation than just choosing different books for each session.

MP: So, the kids read along with each session. What if they haven’t finished a book yet?

JRL: The activities that I chose go along chronologically with the events of the books, but the kids don’t necessarily have to have read the book in order to enjoy the activity or participate.

MP: That sounds interesting. Can you give us an example?

JRL: In The Magician’s Nephew, there’s discussion about the dying sun on Charn. So, we talked about the life cycle of a star and built solar K’nex machines. Also, we talked about World War II, which is the setting for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. We talked about what it was like during World War II. The kids planted mini victory gardens and learned how to sew a button. We also handed out recipes for war cakes that would have been made with what was given on a ration card.

MP: Have any interesting observations come out of these sessions?

JRL: During our World War II session, we talked about the roles of women during war time and how some women fought during the war, and one girl raised her hand and asked “Then, why does Lucy get told that she needs to wait during the battle?” It led to an interesting discussion about gender roles.

MP: Any tips for teachers, parents or librarians thinking about coming up with their own extension activities?

JRL: This first one is obvious but read the books. The first session of the book club, I’d read the books, but a long time ago. So, the meetings weren’t as detailed as they were for this session because I read the Narnia series knowing that I was going to be planning the book club around them. I made pages of notes as I was reading. Also, break it down into how many meetings you’re planning to hold. Make sure the final meeting of the book club has all the fun stuff so that it’s a reward for finishing the whole session.

MP: Were there any other lessons that you learned from planning this session that you’d like to pass on?

3-D Printed Narnia Charms

3-D Printed Charms that correspond with each Narnia book were incentives given to kids who finished a book. Photo by: Osceola Library. Used with permission.

JRL: This session we added an incentive, a little 3-D printed charm, for each book read. This has helped to keep the kids reading along with the activities.

MP: Are there any resources that you can recommend to help planning a program like this?

JRL: Think outside just what goes on in the book, and find ways to connect the time period of the book, the culture, and the author’s background. Teacher’s guides are incredibly helpful for this because they’ll often have extension ideas. Also, consider inviting guest presenters to add depth to the meetings. We’ve Skyped with Big Cat Rescue about lions, and had a magician come in and teach some beginning magic tricks.

MP: Any other suggestions?

JRL: Make sure that you have enough copies of the books for everyone to read. Also, if you can, find young reader copies for younger siblings that may want to participate. Finally, at least in a library, if you are having guest presenters, advertise them separately from the book club as well to get more interest. For example, our meeting with the magician was bigger because some people only came to see the magician, but we had several people join the book club afterward and stick with it.

MP: This sounds awesome! Do you plan on repeating the program with other series?

JRL: We’re definitely going to continue this next year. I’m thinking about doing either A Series of Unfortunate Events or Harry Potter.

For more information about Osceola Library’s home-school book club, visit their page here. Or for more ideas to pump up your own middle grade book club, check out our list of Author Websites with Discussion/Activity Guides as well as our reference page For Teachers and Librarians.

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MG Authors Share Their Secret Holiday Wishes

By on December 24, 2018   /   Articles, Author Interviews, Fiction, MUF Contributor Books  

In celebration of the holiday season, and in eager anticipation of 2019, we asked a merry band of MG authors to share their holiday wishes, big and small. Here’s what they had to say:

Beth McMullen, author of the MRS. SMITH’S SPY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS series.

“I wish for the world full stomachs, sturdy roofs, good books, good friends, joy, laughter and possibly some chocolate. For my author friends, I wish for words that flow like a river, a fully charged laptop, a great answer to the question ‘what happens next?’ and a sense of humor for when it all goes sideways. Happy Holidays and best wishes for a spectacular 2019!

 

Jonathan Rosen, author of NIGHT OF THE LIVING CUDDLE BUNNIES and FROM SUNSET TILL SUNRISE.
“For everyone who has persevered and worked hard toward a goal to accomplish it this year.”
Wendy McLeod MacKnight, author of  IT’S A MYSTERY, PIG FACE! and THE FRAME-UP.
“That every child finds the book that lifts them up, inspires them, and brings them peace.”
Hayley Chewins, author of THE TURNAWAY GIRLS.
“For every young girl in the world to find her true voice–and to have the courage to use it.”
Kim Ventrella, author of SKELETON TREE and BONE HOLLOW.
“That ghost stories return as a popular winter pastime. After all, there’s no better time to get spooky than the deep, dark of winter.”
Darcey Rosenblatt, author of LOST BOYS.
“That everyone finds time next to a fireplace with a good book. “
Kristin L. Gray, author of VILLONIA TAKES CHARGE and the upcoming picture book,
KOALA IS NOT A BEAR.
“I’d love a magical snow day where the world pauses, and everyone in it sips hot cocoa with marshmallows, reads their pile of wondrous books, and watches  movies by the fire with loved ones.
Amanda Hosch, author of MABEL OPAL PEAR AND THE RULES FOR SPYING.
“To give everyone that lovely moment when they feel safe and cared for. And then have that moment last! (Of course, if they’re characters in a book—it won’t.)”
Susan Tan, author of CILLA LEE-JENKINS: FUTURE AUTHOR EXTRAORDINAIRE and CILLA LEE-JENKINS: THIS BOOK IS A CLASSIC and CILLA LEE-JENKINS: THE EPIC STORY.
“Peace on earth, a good book for all.”
Melissa Sarno, author of JUST UNDER THE CLOUDS and the upcoming A SWIRL OF OCEAN.
“For all women to have confidence in their voices, and for their words to be lifted and heard.”

Jarret Lerner, author of ENGINERDS and REVENGE OF THE ENGINERDS.

“That everyone have a nice, long, uninterrupted chunk of time to a read a book that they’ve been wanting to read all year long.”

 

Jake Burt, author of  GREETINGS FROM WITNESS PROTECTION and THE RIGHT HOOK OF DEVIN VELMA.
“For every kid to find a book that, while reading, they can experience with as much joy, wonder, and excitement as I did when I first discovered the magic of stories (thank you, James and the Giant Peach!).”
Sally J. Pla, author of THE SOMEDAY BIRDS and STANLEY WILL PROBABLY BE FINE, and picture book BENJI, THE BAD DAY, AND ME.
“That this impossible world gets way better at cherishing life in all its forms, but especially the lives of children. And that our own special kidlit community continues its excellent work caring about both kids and each other.”
Alyson Gerber, author of BRACED and FOCUSED.
“That every kid can find at least one book that makes them feel heard and understood and accepted.”
Rob Vlock, author of SVEN CARTER & THE TRASHMOUTH EFFECT and SVEN CARTER & THE ANDROID ARMY.
“I actually have two wishes. First, I wish everyone on earth could learn to love each other and live in peace and harmony forever. Second, I wish for a large cheese pizza. Actually, I’m starving. Let’s go with the pizza first and that whole love, peace and harmony thing second. Have a wonderful New Year everyone!”

Bridget Hodder, author of THE RAT PRINCE.

“This year, I wish you all the courageous persistence represented by the light of the Hanukkah candles, which kept burning even when common sense said there was no hope left. And I wish you the loving unity represented by the angels of Christmas, who proclaimed at Jesus’s birth: ‘Joy to the World’– the entire world, without boundary or limit. Happy Holidays, everyone!”

Katie Slivensky, author of THE COUNTDOWN CONSPIRACY and THE SEISMIC SEVEN.
“My greatest wish for the new year is for everyone to have something to look forward to in 2019. Never underestimate the power of an ambition, dream, or hope!”
Allison K. Hymas, author of UNDER LOCKER AND KEY and ARTS AND THEFTS.
“My greatest wish for the holidays is that I’ll be able to spend some good, quality time with my family and that no one will ‘retrieve’ something (i.e., my Christmas candy) that does not belong to them.”
Natalie Rompella, author of COOKIE CUTTERS & SLED RUNNERS and the picture book,
THE WORLD NEVER SLEEPS.
“I am very excited about a book I have out on submission. I would love for this book to come into the world!”

And finally, my wish…? For anyone facing rejection to say, “Today, I will NOT give up.”

Melissa Roske, author of KAT GREENE COMES CLEAN.

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Do’s and (one) Don’t for Emotionally Deeper MG Writing

By on December 21, 2018   /   Articles, Book Lists, Fiction, For Writers  

How do master storytellers develop empathy, resilience, and emotional maturity in their middle grade readers? Sometimes it’s by being tough. These authors aren’t afraid to go emotionally deep in their writing.  They tell stories outside what’s considered age-appropriate, write against type, or make readers laugh in the darkest of times. The five Do’s and one Don’t below represent the wisdom of writers who have touched the hearts of young readers. Each is paired with a book that is a both a great story and a master class in how to go deeper into your writing. Dare to be profound!

  1. Don’t Limit Subject Matter Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt

A thirteen-year-old boy becomes a father, showing us that subject matter, if handled with honesty and sensitivity, shouldn’t have borders. This gorgeously written story of love and loss leaves readers wiser and more compassionate.

 

  1. Do Break Hearts! Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo            

Part angel, part grifter-in-training, twelve-year-old Louisiana is forced by her inscrutable ‘granny’ to move away from the town she’s come to love and the only friends she’s ever had. They quickly run out of gas, food, and shelter. Readers share Louisiana’s heartbreak, but they also share her resilience, goodness, and ability to love and forgive.  We could all learn something from Louisiana.

 

 

  1. Do Let Humor Lighten Up the Dark One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams Garcia                           

Three girls, ages eleven, nine, and seven, who’ve never been out of Brooklyn, fly to Oakland, California to meet the mother who abandoned them. It’s 1968 and instead of seeing Disneyland, they end up in a day camp run by the Blank Panthers. The novel is moving, eye-opening—and funny. Williams’s masterful use of humor makes the sadness bearable while showing readers the girls’ growing awareness of injustice.

 

  1. Do Create an Unexpected Hero The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor

Mason Buttle is an oversized boy who has difficulty reading or writing. In other words, he’s a perfect target for bullying. Yet he’s the kind of guy who’d make a perfect friend, if only kids could look past his disabilities and see his kind heart and brave spirit. As author Leslie Connor says, “I aim to present academic underdogs as multifaceted humans,” and in this book, she lights the way for us all.

 

       5.   Do Dare to Face the Worst! Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson; See You at Harry’s by Jo Knowles; Mrs. Bixby’s Last Day by John David Anderson; The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin; The Land of Forgotten Girls by Erin Entrada Kelly; Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Sometimes the ones we love die.  These books handle death with love, sensitivity, and great respect for young readers. Enough said.

If you’d like to add a Do or Don’t to this list, I’d love to read it! Please write it in the comment section below, along with the title and author of a book that illustrates how it’s done.

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