November Grades 1 & 2 Book Club Suggestions

Dragons and Marshmallows (Zoey and Sassafras #1) by Asia Citro

"In the first book of this series, Zoey discovers a glowing photo and learns an amazing secret. Injured magical animals come to their backyard barn for help! When a sick baby dragon appears, it’s up to Zoey and Sassafras to figure out what’s wrong. Will they be able to help little Marshmallow before it’s too late?"—Summary

The Haunted Library by Dori Hillestad Butler

When ghost boy Kaz’s haunt is torn down and he is separated from his ghost family, he meets a real girl named Claire, who lives above the town library with her parents and her grandmother. Claire has a special ability to see ghosts when other humans cannot and she and Kaz quickly form a friendship. The two join forces to solve the mystery of the ghost that’s haunting the library. Could it be one of Kaz’s lost family members?

Willa the Wisp (The Fabled Stables #1) by Jonathan Auxier

"Welcome to the Fabled Stables, a magical building filled with one-of-a-kind creatures. Creatures including the Gargantula, the Yawning Abyss, the Hippopotamouse . . . and Auggie. Auggie is the only human boy at the Stables, and he takes care of all the other animals. The Fabled Stables have a mind of their own, and every so often, the building SHAKES and SHUDDERS, TWITCHES and SPUTTERS--it's making room for a new arrival! It's Auggie's job to venture out and rescue a new creature from mortal danger. But will he be able to complete his mission before it's too late? With some help from Fen (a literal stick-in-the-mud) and his animal companions, Auggie saves the day and makes a new friend in the process." —Summary    

October Grades 1 & 2 Book Suggestions

The Coldfire Curse (Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly #1) by Jordan Quinn

"As the pampered pet dragon of the Prince of Wrenly, Ruskin has never known life beyond the walls of the palace. Until the day a young dragon from Crestwood comes to the palace to plead for help. An evil curse has been unleashed in Crestwood and threatens to destroy all of Wrenly. Ruskin has a choice to make: stay safe at home in the palace, or try to help save his kingdom. For Ruskin, there is no choice. He knows he has to try and help if he can.

What Ruskin and his new dragon friends don't yet realize is that the curse was awoken for one reason only—to put Ruskin in harm's way. The mission to reverse the curse is far more dangerous than anyone realizes...in fact, it's seemingly impossible. Why is Ruskin the target of these shadowy forces? And how far is Ruskin willing to go to save his kingdom?"—Summary 

Willa the Wisp (The Fabled Stables #1) by Jonathan Auxier

"Welcome to the Fabled Stables, a magical building filled with one-of-a-kind creatures. Creatures including the Gargantula, the Yawning Abyss, the Hippopotamouse . . . and Auggie. Auggie is the only human boy at the Stables, and he takes care of all the other animals. The Fabled Stables have a mind of their own, and every so often, the building SHAKES and SHUDDERS, TWITCHES and SPUTTERS--it's making room for a new arrival! It's Auggie's job to venture out and rescue a new creature from mortal danger. But will he be able to complete his mission before it's too late? With some help from Fen (a literal stick-in-the-mud) and his animal companions, Auggie saves the day and makes a new friend in the process." —Summary    

Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters (The Questioneers #1) by Andrea Beaty

"Rosie Revere is no stranger to flops and fails, kerfuffles and catastrophes. After all, engineering is all about perseverance! But this time, Rosie has a really important project to tackle--one that feels much bigger than herself.

Rosie's beloved Aunt Rose and her friends, the Raucous Riveters--a group of fun-loving gals who built airplanes during World War II--need help inventing something new. And Rosie is just the engineer for the job!

After one flop . . . then another . . . and another . . . Rosie starts to lose hope. But thanks to some help from her fellow Questioneers Iggy Peck and Ada Twist, Rosie gets the job done. And, along with the Riveters, she rediscovers the meaning of home." —Summary 

August Grades 1 & 2 Book Club

 

For August's Grades 1-2 Book Club, we read CatStronauts: Mission Moon by Drew Brockington. Joshua, Katelyn, Rosalie, and Thomas were present. Here are some of the things we discussed: 

1. In chapter 1, what does the President realize? How does he reach this conclusion? What are the visual clues? What about the textual clues? 

2. Who does the President call for help?

3. Who are the CatStronauts? What are their names? How would you describe each one? What have they been called upon to do?

4. What happens when the engineers are assembling the rocket kit? How does this impact the CatStronauts mission? What does Blanket bring on the ship that helps save the mission?

5. Why is the cat wearing the "Neil" shirt significant? Who does he represent?

6. At the end of the CatStronauts mission, the Solar NRG Plant does not work. What does Waffles do to finish the mission?

7. Are the CatStronauts successful?

8. What is your favorite part of the story? What is your favorite illustration? Do you have a favorite CatStronaut? 

9. What did you learn from this story?

10. Does this story inspire you to read more books in this series? Would you recommend this series to a friend?

Please rate this book from 1–5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.

— 5

— 5

— 5

— 2

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

 

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale

"Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess Wigtower when ... Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats! Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily Princess Magnolia has a secret -- she's also the Princess in Black, and stopping monsters is the perfect job for her! Can the princess sneak away, transform into her alter ego, and defeat the monster before the nosy duchess discovers her secret?" —Summary

We will be meeting on Wednesday, September 1 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside. In the case of inclement weather, Book Club will move into the Sydney Wright Room. 

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!

September Grades 1 & 2 Book Club Suggestions

Gooney Bird Greene by Lowis Lowry

"There’s never been anyone like Gooney Bird Greene at Watertower Elementary School. What other new kid comes to school wearing pajamas and cowboy boots one day and a polka-dot t-shirt and tutu on another? Gooney Bird has to sit right smack in the middle of the class because she likes to be in the middle of everything. She is the star of storytime and keeps her teacher and classmates on the edge of their seats with her 'absolutely true' stories. But what about her classmates? Do they have stories good enough to share?" —Summary

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale

"Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess Wigtower when ... Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats! Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily Princess Magnolia has a secret -- she's also the Princess in Black, and stopping monsters is the perfect job for her! Can the princess sneak away, transform into her alter ego, and defeat the monster before the nosy duchess discovers her secret?" —Summary

Monster and Boy by Hannah Barnaby

"When Monster (who lives under the bed) meets Boy (who sleeps in the bed), Boy starts to scream, and Monster promptly swallows him. It's the beginning of a beautiful friendship!" —Summary

July Grades 1&2 Book Club

For July's Grades 1-2 Book Club, we read Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald. Piper, Archer, Cora, Kian, Rosalie, and Min were present for our discussion. In addition to discussing the following questions, we designed our own State Quarters!

1. What is Stink's real name?

2. Who is Stink's sister? Have you read any of the books about her?

3. How tall is Stink?

4. Stink gives his Dad 3 reasons why being short is bad. What are they?

5. How much does Stink shrink?

6. Who is Stink's friend?

7. What does the nurse tell Stink about shrinking?

8. What do you think of the comics?

9. Who is Newton?

10. What does Judy do with Newton what happens? 

11. How does Mrs. D react to Newton's garbage disposal incident?

12. Who is Stink's favorite president? Why?

13. What does Stink suggest in his letter to the Governor?

14. What did you learn about James Madison in Stink's report? What did you learn about James Madison in the Governor's response?

15. Does this story inspire you to read more books in this series? Would you recommend this series to a friend?

Please rate this book from 1–5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.

— 4

— 3

— 5

— 5

— ONE MILLION!

— No rating

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

 

CatStronauts: Mission Moon by Drew Brockington

"When the world is thrust into darkness due to a global energy shortage, the World's Best Scientist comes up with a bold plan to set up a solar power plant on the moon. But someone has to go up there to set it up, and that adventure falls to the CatStronauts, the best space cats on the planet! Meet the fearless commander Major Meowser, brave-but-hungry pilot Waffles, genius technician and inventor Blanket, and quick thinking science officer Pom Pom on their most important mission yet!" —Summary

We will be meeting on Wednesday, August 4 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside. In the 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 1 & 2 Book Suggestions

 

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale

"Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess Wigtower when ... Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats! Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily Princess Magnolia has a secret -- she's also the Princess in Black, and stopping monsters is the perfect job for her! Can the princess sneak away, transform into her alter ego, and defeat the monster before the nosy duchess discovers her secret?" —Summary

Monster and Boy by Hannah Barnaby

"When Monster (who lives under the bed) meets Boy (who sleeps in the bed), Boy starts to scream, and Monster promptly swallows him. It's the beginning of a beautiful friendship!" —Summary

CatStronauts by Drew Brockington

"When the world is thrust into darkness due to a global energy shortage, the World's Best Scientist comes up with a bold plan to set up a solar power plant on the moon. But someone has to go up there to set it up, and that adventure falls to the CatStronauts, the best space cats on the planet! Meet the fearless commander Major Meowser, brave-but-hungry pilot Waffles, genius technician and inventor Blanket, and quick thinking science officer Pom Pom on their most important mission yet!" —Summary

June Grades 1 & 2 Book Club

  

For June's Grades 1-2 Book Club, we read My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. Ben, Thomas, and Ravi were present for the discussion. Also, we wrote our own short stories by imagining what other animals Elmer Elevator could have encountered on his adventure and how the interactions may go. 

1. Who is the narrator? 

2. Who is the main character? 

3. How would you describe Elmer?

4. What does Elmer Elevator want to do?

5. How does Elmer learn about the dragon? 

6. What things does Elmer pack for his trip to Wild Island?

7. What would you pack in your backpack for a trip to Wild Island?

8. What animals does Elmer meet on his trip? How does he distract them?

9. How does the story end?

10. What was your favorite part of the story?

Please rate this book from 1–5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.

3!

3!

4!

Average rating = 3.333333333... 

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

 

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald

The shortest kid in the second grade, James Moody, also known as Stink, learns all about the shortest president of the United States, James Madison, when they celebrate Presidents' Day at school.

We will be meeting on Wednesday, July 7 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside under the trees on the Swinburne Street side. In the 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!

July Grades 1 & 2 Book Suggestions

 

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look

"Alvin, an Asian American second grader, is afraid of everything—elevators, tunnels, girls, and, most of all, school. He's so afraid of school that, while he's there, he never, ever, says a word. But at home, Alvin is a very loud superhero named Firecracker Man, a brother to Calvin and Anibelly, and a gentleman-in-training, just like his dad. With the help of his family, can Alvin take on the outside world without letting his fears get the best of him?" —Summary

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald

The shortest kid in the second grade, James Moody, also known as Stink, learns all about the shortest president of the United States, James Madison, when they celebrate Presidents' Day at school.—Summary

Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon

"As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But she's too much of a baby for them, so she's left to her own devices—including her wild imagination and untiring energy. Her siblings may roll their eyes at her childish games, but Dory has lots of things to do: outsmarting the monsters all over the house, moving into the closet, and exacting revenge on her sister's favorite doll. And when they really need her, daring Dory will prove her bravery, and finally get exactly what she has been looking for." —Summary

May Grades 1 & 2 Book Club: Bird & Squirrel on the Run!

 

For May's Grades 1-2 Book Club, we read Bird & Squirrel on the Run by James Burks. This was our first in-person meeting since last summer! We settled in with a word search based on vocabulary from the book. Ravi, Jake, Ben, and Thomas met in the Library. Lulu joined in through Zoom. We discussed the following:   

1. How do Squirrel and Bird meet?

2. What does "migrate" mean? Why does Squirrel decide to migrate south with Bird? Who are they running from? Would you like to travel with Bird and Squirrel?

3. How would you describe Squirrel's personality? What is on Squirrel's head? How does Squirrel change by the end of the story?

4. What about Bird's personality? How does Bird change?

5. Who is your favorite character? 

6. Which scene is your favorite?

7. What does Squirrel forget to pack?

8. What characters do Bird and Squirrel meet on their adventure? 

9. What is Bird and Squirrel's theme song? Do you have a theme song?

10. Bird and Squirrel are chased into a dark hole. Who do they meet?

11. How do Bird and Squirrel finally get away from Cat? 

12. How does the story end?

Please rate this book from 1–5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.

5

5

4

3.5

3 

Average rating 4.1!

For June's Book Club, we will be reading My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. 

Newbery Honor Medal

An ALA Notable Book

"When Elmer Elevator hears about the baby dragon being held captive on Wild Island, he knows just what to do. First, he packs his knapsack with important supplies, like chewing gum, lollipops, and lots of rubber bands. Then he stows away on a ship headed for the island. Along the way, Elmer meets many exotic animals. Each tries to sidetrack him, but Elmer has some tricks up his sleeve, or more precisely, in his knapsack. One way or another, he will rescue the dragon!" — summary

We will be meeting on Wednesday, June 2 at 3:30 PM. Book Club will be held outside under the trees on the Swinburne Street side. 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!

June 2021 Grades 1 & 2 Book Club Suggestions

 

Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon

"As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But she's too much of a baby for them, so she's left to her own devices—including her wild imagination and untiring energy. Her siblings may roll their eyes at her childish games, but Dory has lots of things to do: outsmarting the monsters all over the house, moving into the closet, and exacting revenge on her sister's favorite doll. And when they really need her, daring Dory will prove her bravery, and finally get exactly what she has been looking for." — summary

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

"When Elmer Elevator hears about the baby dragon being held captive on Wild Island, he knows just what to do. First, he packs his knapsack with important supplies, like chewing gum, lollipops, and lots of rubber bands. Then he stows away on a ship headed for the island. Along the way, Elmer meets many exotic animals. Each tries to sidetrack him, but Elmer has some tricks up his sleeve...or more precisely, in his knapsack. One way or another, he will rescue the dragon!" — summary

Pug Blasts Off (Diary of a Pug #1) by Kyla May

"Baron von Bubbles, or Bub, likes fashion, peanut butter, and his human—Bella. When Bella enters the inventor challenge at school, Bub wants to help her make the best project ever! But, then, Bub ruins Bella's project by mistake. Oh, no! Can he ever make it up to her?" — summary

April Grades 1-2 Book Club: Return of the Padawan (Jedi Academy #2)

 

For April's Grades 1-2 Book Club, we read Return of the Padawan (Jedi Academy #2) by Jeffrey Brown. Thomas was present.  

1. It is Roan's second year of Jedi Academy. What are some things he is excited about?

2. Who is the newest staff member at Jedi Academy? What is his job?

3. Gammy serves some interesting meals. How does Roan feel about the cafeteria food? What are some of your favorite foods?

4. Roan finds himself grouped together with Cronah and Cyrus. How does Roan change when he spends time with them?

5. What planet do the students visit? Have you taken any trips? Where is your favorite place to visit? 

6. There's is a misunderstanding between Roan, Pasha, and Gaiana. What is it? 

7. What is a voorpak? What happens with the voorpak? 

8. What does Roan do to stand up to Cronah and Cyrus?

9. How does Roan fix his friendships with Pasha and Gaiana? 

10. At the end of the story, Roan discovers who his Jedi Master is. Who is it? How does Roan feel about being paired up with him? 

Please rate this book from 1–5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.

3!

For May's Book Club, we will be reading Bird & Squirrel on the Run by James Burks.

We will be meeting on Wednesday, May 5 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!