Family Book Club: November Edition

During this month of thanks and giving, consider stuffing your time with books as you settle in for a traditional turkey meal with all the fixings. Three important books offer up excellent opportunities for the family to read, learn, and grow together. Every title in this month’s round-up is offered in the spirit of being thankful and giving (time, love, and kindness) to others. Pick one, or all three, to read together this month.

About the Book: When twelve-year-old Jilly’s sister is born deaf, Jilly starts to realize that not everyone has the same opportunities in life. Jilly befriends a boy online, Derek, through a book chat group. She learns that not only is Derek Deaf, but he is also Black. He teaches Jilly about the realities of prejudice, discrimination, and race. Through their friendship, she starts to broaden her view of the world, her understanding of others, and how to best support the ones she loves. An excellent family read that tackles social awareness on many levels.

About the Author: Mx. Gino loves glitter, ice cream, and gardening. Not necessarily in that order, but perhaps all at the same time. A proud activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ communities since 1997, Gino was born and raised in New York and recently took an 18-month road trip through 44 states. Gino works with We Need Diverse Books to bring powerful, thoughtful panels to book and publishing conferences. George, a progressive middle grade fiction book, is their first award-winning title.

For the Meeting: Print off an American Sign Language (ASL) cheat sheet and work together to learn your names and short phrases. This will create an opportunity for your children to appreciate what it means to be deaf and how communicating with others can be difficult. Finish up your meeting with a discussion about the book. There are sure to be a lot of questions.

Questions for Discussion:

• How did Jilly’s family adjust to life with a deaf child?
• What mistakes did Jilly make? What did she learn from those mistakes?
• What do you think it means to be open to differences in others?
• Do you think that how the world sees you changes how you see the world?

About the Book: This fantasy adventure follows the journey of Bronte Mettlestone. Ten-years-old and living with an aunt and butler, her afternoons of horse riding and tea come to a halt when she learns her parents have been killed by pirates. When the will is read, Bronte discovers that she must visit all her other aunts and deliver them gifts—alone. If she doesn’t, her hometown is at risk of being destroyed. With detailed instructions and bound by magic, Bronte sets out on her adventure. With imagination, interesting occupations her aunts hold (such as a dragon vet), and a clever story line, this book is a fun and zippy family read. Short chapters make for a great read-aloud to younger family members.

About the Author: Raised in Sydney, Australia, Jaclyn Moriarty always wanted to be an author. She toyed with the idea of being a flight attendant, working in astronomy, and becoming a journalist before getting her PhD in Law. It was during her time as a lawyer she published her first book. Now a full-time writer, she lives in her hometown with her son. If her last name sounds familiar, it is for good reason, as she is the sister of two other authors: Liane Moriarty and Nicola Moriarty. Perhaps her father’s urging for them to write as children has paid off.

For the Meeting: With so many stops along her adventure, Bronte indulges in some truly epic food. Before the meeting starts, ask your kids which tasty morsels sound tempting to them and whip up your version of culinary feast adventure Bronte (or more fittingly, her parents) would be proud of.

Questions for Discussion:

• What was the importance of the chest of gifts?
• Which aunts were the most memorable to you and why?
• How do you think Bronte handled her travels as a ten-year old? Could you muster up the courage to do something like this?
• As the clues come together towards the latter of the book, what did you think would happen in the end?

The Mayflower and the Pilgrims' New World

Paperback $8.99

The Mayflower and the Pilgrims' New World

By Nathaniel Philbrick

Paperback $8.99

The Mayflower and the Pilgrims’ New World, by Nathaniel Philbrick

The Mayflower and the Pilgrims’ New World, by Nathaniel Philbrick

About the Book: For older kids that are history buffs, this young adult adaptation from Philbrick’s bestselling adult version will feed their need to learn about the Pilgrims of the Mayflower at the dawn of America. With in-depth examination of the early years, this book explores the relationships between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans and looks at the wars that followed. Whatever preconceived notions your child may have about the first Thanksgiving will quickly disappear, as the truth is far grittier and less glamorous then idealized in popular media.

About the Author: Born in Boston and raised in Pittsburgh, this American author has written several award-winning historical books. Now residing in Nantucket, his surroundings have inspired many of his titles. An award-winning sailor at Brown University in 1978, Philbrick’s writing career began as a writer for a popular sailing magazine and as the author of several sailing books, ultimately leading to his award winning In the Heart of the Sea.

For the Meeting: Consider serving up a Pilgrim-era meal that more closely resembles the first Thanksgiving. Duck, goose, clams, lobster, and mussels would have likely been the main course, with a side of chestnuts, walnuts, and carrots. Don’t worry: corn, squash, and pumpkin still make this menu, but add in a side of peas for authenticity.

Questions for Discussion:

• Why did the Pilgrims come to America?
• What do you think life would be like if you were a Pilgrim?
• What were the struggles of the Native Americans at the time the Pilgrims arrived?
• How did the two groups get along? What drove them against one another?
• How does the spirit of the Pilgrims relate to the spirit of America today?