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!

March Grades 1-2 Book Club: Star Wars Jedi Academy

 

For March's Grades 1-2 Book Club, we read Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown. Thomas was present. 

1. Why do you think Roan writes in a journal? What do you write about in your journal or what would you write about if you had one? 

2. How do the other students treat Roan when he arrives at the Jedi Academy? How do you treat new students? What do you do to make them feel welcome? 

3. Roan likes to relax by drawing comics. What do you do to relax? 

4. How do you think the letters from Roan’s father and older brother make him feel? 

5. Roan thinks that being young like Ollie is sometimes easier. What is difficult and what is easy about being young? 

6. Are there any characters that you think might be leaning toward the dark side? Use examples from the book to explain. 

7. Roan feels left out when he goes back home to Tatooine. Have you ever felt left out? What made you feel better about the situation? 

8. How does Pasha feel toward Roan after the lightsaber-fencing tournament? Were you surprised by his reaction? Why or why not? 

9. Compare Roan’s feelings toward the Jedi Academy at the beginning of the story and at the end of the story? 

10. Would you rather go to the Jedi, Pilot, or Agriculture Academy? Why?

For April's Book Club, we will be reading Jedi Academy: Return of the Padawan by Jeffrey Brown.

After surviving his first year at Jedi Academy, Roan Novachez thought his second year would be a breeze. This year, Roan will have to face alien poetry tests, menacing robots, food fights, flight simulation class, online bullies, more lightsaber duels, and worst of all ... a girl who is mad at him.-summary

We will be meeting on Wednesday, April 7 at 3:30 p.m.  Please be sure to pick up your copy of the book at the library and register  (so Miss Lisa can send you the Zoom password). 

February Grades 1-2 Book Club: Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye

 

For February's Grades 1-2 Book Club, we read Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye by Geronimo Stilton. Thomas was present. 

What type of animal is Geronimo Stilton?

What is Geronimo's job?

Who is Geronimo's sister? What kind of vehicle does she drive?

What did Thea find and why is she excited about it?

Who is Geronimo and Thea's cousin? Why do they want him involved in their plan?

Who is Ben? Does Geronimo like him?

What was on the list of supplies for Geronimo, Thea, and Trap to take on their trip?

What did Geronimo eat that made him sick?

Who stowed away on the ship?

Who fell overboard? And who saved that mouse?

What happened to the ship? And how did the mice survive?

Did the mice make it onto shore?

Who became the boss once the mice made it onto the island?

When the mice started looking for the treasure, what did Geronimo step in?

What attacked the whole group, forcing them to jump into a river?

Who fell into a trap in the ground?

What did the mice find where the Emerald Eye was supposed to be?

When they were flying away from the island, what did Geronimo, Trap, and Ben see from the air?

Do you think that they'll go back to the island? Do you think the treasure really is there?

Favorite Scene?

Have you read other books like this?

Will you be reading the sequel to this book? There are a lot of books in this series!

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

-3

For March's Book Club, we will be reading Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown.

"My whole life I planned on going to pilot school like the rest of my friends--then I got rejected! Along came a little green guy named Yoda who invited me to Jedi Academy. Now I'm at a school with aliens, robots, and lightsaber-wielding bullies who can lift things with their minds! How am I supposed to compete with that? As if starting middle school wasn't hard enough..." 

The story of Roan Novachez, Jedi Academy student, is told through comics, journal entries, letters, doodles, and newspaper clippings. This incredible, original story from author/illustrator Jeffrey Brown captures all of the humor, awkwardness, fun, and frustrations of middle school ... in a galaxy far, far away."

We will be meeting on Wednesday, March 3 at 3:30 p.m.  Please be sure to pick up your copy of the book at the library and register  (so Miss Lisa can send you the Zoom password). 

December Grades 1-2 Book Club: My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish

 

For December's Grades 1-2 Book Club, we read My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish by Mo O'Hara. Thomas was present. 

Who is Tom's older brother?

Who is Tom's neighbor and friend? What is his sister's name?

What happens to the goldfish at the beginning of the story?

What does Tom name the goldfish? Why does he give him that name?

Who is the first person to get "zombified" by Frankie?

What happened to Mark on the slide after Frankie escaped the bathroom? Did everyone start to believe that Frankie is a zombie goldfish?

What do Tom and Pradeep call Pradeep's brother Sanj?

What is the name of Mark and Sanj's evil plan?

What is BBEDLAM?

Who at school gets zombie hypno-virused?

How did the lunch ladies help thwart Mark and Sanj's plan?

Which lunch lady has watched a lot of zombie movies and so doesn't get zombified?

How did Pradeep and Tom stop Sanj and Mark from releasing the virus onto the internet?

Who got an appreciation assembly, courtesy of Mark and Pradeep?

Favorite Scene?

Have you read other books like this?

Will you be reading the sequel to this book?

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

For January's Book Club, we will be reading

Dragon Masters: Rise of the Earth Dragon by Tracey West 

"DRAGON MASTERS has it all! Dragons, a Dragon Stone, a king, a wizard, and magic! In the first book in this fully-illustrated series, 8-year old Drake is snatched up by King Roland's soldier and taken to the castle. He is to be trained as a Dragon Master. At the castle, he is joined by three other young Dragon Masters-in-training: Ana, Rori, and Bo. The Dragon Masters must learn how to connect with and train their dragons--and they must also uncover their dragons' special powers. Does Drake have what it takes to be a Dragon Master? What is his dragon's special power?"

We will be meeting on Wednesday, January 6 at 3:30 p.m.  Please be sure to pick up your copy of the book at the library and register  (so Miss Lisa can send you the Zoom password). 

January 2020 Grades 1-2 Book Club Suggestions

Dragon Masters: Rise of the Earth Dragon by Tracey West 

DRAGON MASTERS has it all! Dragons, a Dragon Stone, a king, a wizard, and magic! In the first book in this fully-illustrated series, 8-year old Drake is snatched up by King Roland's soldier and taken to the castle. He is to be trained as a Dragon Master. At the castle, he is joined by three other young Dragon Masters-in-training: Ana, Rori, and Bo. The Dragon Masters must learn how to connect with and train their dragons--and they must also uncover their dragons' special powers. Does Drake have what it takes to be a Dragon Master? What is his dragon's special power?

The Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye by Geronimo Stilton

Who Is Geronimo Stilton?
That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! What's that? You've never read one? Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise!

Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye
It all started when my sister, Thea, discovered a mysterious map. It showed a secret treasure on a faraway island. And before I could let out a squeak of protest, Thea dragged me into her treasure hunt! In no time at all, we'd set sail for the island. It was an adventure I'd never forget....

Soupy Saturdays with the Pain & the Great One by Judy Blume

When an eight-year-old girl and her six-year-old brother take turns describing each other, it’s no surprise that “The Pain” and “The Great One” are the nicknames that emerge. As this duo debates whom Mom and Dad love most, their competition becomes increasingly humorous—because when it comes to family affection, there’s no such thing as win or lose.