There are many good reasons to join a book club. Some reasons are...
- It stretches you to read books you might not otherwise.
- You form some great friendships.
- Great learning happens.
- The discussions after the book are often keys to greater appreciation of the writing as well.
There was plenty to discuss this year with the great books we read in our Adults Reading Children's Literature Book Club. CS Lewis said we use stories to make sense of our world. We had opportunity to do that together as we discussed our reading selections.
Book banning has happened for decades. It moved to the front of many political news stories in 2023. When we read Ban This Book (Alan Gratz) early in the school year, we didn't realize how timely this pick was. The author did a great job of bringing thinking behind book bans to the forefront and the importance of intellectual freedom as well as the right to access different ideas and perspectives. Empathy and understanding were important themes in this book.
We all know that connection, friendship and healthy family relationships are all key to a good life. In Beatrice and Croc Harry (Lawrence Hill), we read the heartwarming story of a young girl who forms an unlikely friendship with a crocodile. There is a lot to be learned in any relationship, but especially in one with a crocodile! This book's foundation was rooted in the author's relationship with his own daughter.
The magic of story captured our attention in A Boy Called Christmas (Matt Haig). We can all change the world for good if we only believe strong enough.
Resilience and determination were lessons taught by a little bear in Ollie's Odyssey (William Joyce). Challenges are meant to be overcome!
Fifty Four Things Wrong With Gwendolyn Rogers (Caela Carter) reminded us of the importance of inclusion in the classroom. The author brought perspectives on this for not only students but teachers and parents as well.
Mascot (Antony John) tackled the challenges of identity when life takes an unexpected turn. The main character ends up in a wheelchair and this forces him to redefine who he is. Family relationships, inclusion and emotional as well as physical healing were themes we discussed.
Children's books hold a remarkable ability to entertain, enlighten and inspire not only young readers, but adults as well. By exploring these themes, children and adults both learn, grow and navigate the world with a greater sense of compassion and curiosity.
Do you have a goal to read more in 2024? If you'd like to join us in this journey this year, you are certainly welcome!
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