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Family Book Club Year in Review: "Prairie Lotus" by Linda Sue Park
by Tess

Join Family Book Club on Monday, Dec. 28 at 5 p.m. as we meet to discuss our favorite book(s) from this year! Each Monday of December I will be posting a short book recommendation for four of my favorite novels that I read in 2020.

"Prairie Lotus" by Linda Sue Park

Prairie Lotus

 
"Prairie Lotus" by Linda Sue Park is one of my favorite reads in 2020. This is a historical fiction novel about Hanna, who experiences tremendous racism due to being half-Chinese. Her mother has passed away and her father decides to move them east, away from Los Angeles, where is there is a large Asian community. The year is 1880 and Caucasian people considered themselves superior to all other races. Hanna's father, a white man, does his best to protect her but ultimately it is up to her to fulfill her dreams of getting an education and becoming a dressmaker in her father's shop. 
 
I enjoyed this story because of it's authenticity. I am not very familiar with America in the 1880s and I love to  learn about different time periods and other peoples' experiences. I loved Hanna. She is brave in the face of hatred and proves her worth to the town, even though she shouldn't have to. 
 
"Prairie Lotus" is available in print and online as an digital audiobook via Overdrive with your library card.
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 14, 2020 at 3:15 PM
  
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Family Book Club Year in Review: "Mimus" by Lilli Thal
by Tess

On Monday, Dec. 28 at 5p.m., Family Book Club will be meeting to discuss our favorite book(s) from this year! Each Monday of December I will be posting a short book recommendation for four of my favorite novels that I read in 2020.
 
"Mimus" by Lilli Thal

Mimus


Originally written in German and translated to English by John Brownjohn, this a fantasy novel set in a fictional country with a medieval time period setting. King Philip and King Theodo have been at war for years yet peace looks within reach. King Philip agrees to a meeting with King Theodo to sign a peace treaty. King Philip's son, Prince Florin, follows a few days behind his father. Yet, they are betrayed. Upon reaching King Theodo's court, Prince Florin sees his father in chains and he himself is forced to become the jester's apprentice.

Mimus, the jester, must entertain King Theodo with witty jokes, songs, and acrobatics. Reluctantly he takes Prince Florin in and, just as reluctantly, Florin learns the jester's tricks. Throughout the story, Prince Florin, who is now reduced to a slave, must try to find a way to escape with his father and seek revenge on the evil King Theodo. He also forms an interesting relationship with Mimus, his jester master.

This is one of my favorite children's books of all time and I re-read it this year. I know I will read it again in the future! It is well-written, dark, humorous, and readers will eagerly read to find out what happens to Prince Florin, his father, and Mimus. 

Parts of the story are unpleasant as Prince Florin and King Philip are not treated well. It is also suspenseful in places. I recommend for ages 9+.

Order a copy of "Mimus" by Lilli Thal through Prospector with your Aurora Public Library card.
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 07, 2020 at 1:17 PM
  
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Family Book Club


Out of My Shell

"Out of My Shell" by Jenny Goebel is our Family Book Club pick for November!

Out of My Shell: Chapters 12-23
1. Olivia helped the sea turtle by smashing the pool's emergency light. Was this the right thing to do?
2. Now the turtle has made a nest, Olivia realizes the eggs are not safe. What does she try to do to protect them?
3. Since her barrier didn't work, what do you think she'll try next?
4. If you were in Olivia's shoes, what would YOU do?
5. She left the nest alone and the eggs hatched but some of the babies went the wrong way! Do you think calling the aquarium was a good idea?
6. Everything resolves itself well in the end and Lanie teaches Olivia to see a bit of hope in their situation. How did you like the book?

Copies of "Out of My Shell" are available at Tallyn's Reach Library and Jefferson County Public Libraries and unlimited eAudiobooks are available via hoopla digital - free with your library card!

Join Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library for a live Q&A with author Jenny Goebel on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. via Zoom! Register here.

Virtual Visit with Author
Posted by [email protected]  On Nov 23, 2020 at 2:11 PM
  
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Family Book Club


Out of My Shell

"Out of My Shell" by Jenny Goebel is our Family Book Club pick for November!

Out of My Shell: Chapters 6-11   
- If you could get a personalized donut, what would you put on it?
- After meeting Mr. Shaw, do you think Olivia will have much luck when she gets to speak to him about the turtle?
- Lanie and Olivia have fun creating "cross animals" like the squidopus. Come up with your own combination animal!
- Did you think Olivia's dad would visit for her birthday?
- Have you ever had such a disappointing birthday? Do you think things will turn around for Olivia?

Copies of "Out of My Shell" are available at Tallyn's Reach Library and Jefferson County Public Libraries and unlimited eAudiobooks are available via hoopla digital - free with your library card!

Join Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library for a live Q&A with author Jenny Goebel on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. via Zoom! Register here.

Virtual Visit with Author
Posted by [email protected]  On Nov 16, 2020 at 2:33 PM
  
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Family Book Club


Out of My Shell

"Out of My Shell" by Jenny Goebel is our Family Book Club pick for November!

Chapters 1 - 5 Discussion Questions
- Olivia feels sad about her parent's divorce but doesn't want to bring the rest of her family down. Have you ever felt something that you wanted to hide?
- Have you ever been on a vacation to the beach? What is your favorite activity to do at the beach?
- What is your favorite sea animal? 
- I love aquariums! Do you? Kayaking, not so much. Have you been kayaking?
- Talking with Aiden's grandpa did not work. What do you think Olivia will do next to help the sea turtle?

Copies of "Out of My Shell" are available at Tallyn's Reach Library and Jefferson County Public Libraries and unlimited eAudiobooks are available via hoopla digital - free with your library card!

Join Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library for a live Q&A with author Jenny Goebel on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. via Zoom! Register here.

Virtual Visit with Author

Posted by [email protected]  On Nov 09, 2020 at 3:11 PM
  
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Family Book Club


Out of My Shell

"Out of My Shell" by Jenny Goebel is our Family Book Club pick for November!

"Out of My Shell" Suggested Reading Schedule:
- Monday, Nov. 2 - Sunday, Nov. 8: Chapters 1 - 5
- Monday, Nov. 9 - Sunday, Nov. 15: Chapters 6 - 11
- Monday, Nov. 16 - Sunday, Nov. 22: Chapters 12 - 17
- Monday, Nov. 23 - Monday, Nov. 30: Chapters 18 - 23
Check our blog every Monday for discussion questions as you read!

Copies of "Out of My Shell" are available at Tallyn's Reach Library and Jefferson County Public Libraries and unlimited eAudiobooks are available via hoopla digital - free with your library card!

Join Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library for a live Q&A with author Jenny Goebel on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. via Zoom! Register here.

Virtual Visit with Author
Posted by [email protected]  On Nov 02, 2020 at 1:28 PM
  
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Family Book Club

Song for a Whale

"Song For a Whale" by Lynne Kelly is our Family Book Club pick for October! 
Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library will be hosting a LIVE Book Talk with the author via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.! Register here and get your hands on a copy (available in hardback and as an audiobook).
Call the Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to put a copy on hold today! 
(Jefferson County Public Library patrons,  find copies of "Song for a Whale" in print, as a book on CD and as an eAudiobook and eBook via Axis360.)

Chapters 26-38 Questions
· Do you think Iris and her grandma should lie to Iris's mother in order to go to Alaska?
· Have you ever been on a cruise? Where did you go?
· Would you have told Andi that you were coming or surprise her?
· Have you ever seen a whale swimming in the ocean, jumping into the air?
· Do you think the waterproof speak Iris made will work?

Register here to meet the author of "Song for a Whale", Lynne Kelly, on Monday, Oct. 26 @ 5pm!
Posted by [email protected]  On Oct 19, 2020 at 2:45 PM
  
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Family Book Club

Song for a Whale

"Song For a Whale" by Lynne Kelly is our Family Book Club pick for October!
Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library will be hosting a LIVE Book Talk with the author via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.! Register here and get your hands on a copy (available in hardback and as an audiobook).
Call the Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to put a copy on hold today! 
(Jefferson County Public Library patrons,  find copies of "Song for a Whale" in print, as a book on CD and as an eAudiobook and eBook via Axis360.)
 
Chapters 13 - 25 Questions:
- How do you think Blue 55 feels?
- What did you think of Iris working with the band to create a song for Blue 55? I was really impressed that she added even more to it using the app!
- Do you think Iris wants to help the whale because she relates with him or because she wants to fix him?
- How did you feel when Iris's parents and Andi said she couldn't go to Alaska?
- Would you be brave enough to fly somewhere alone? I'm so glad Iris's grandmother agreed to go along!

Leave your thoughts on the book so far in the comments.
Posted by [email protected]  On Oct 12, 2020 at 1:03 PM
  
Read It!

Family Book Club

Song for a Whale

"Song For a Whale" by Lynne Kelly is our Family Book Club pick for October! Aurora Public Library and Jefferson County Public Library will be hosting a LIVE Book Talk with the author! Register here and get your hands on a copy (available in hardback and as an audiobook).
Call the Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to put a copy on hold today!
(Jefferson County Public Library patrons,  find copies of "Song for a Whale" in print, as a book on CD, and as an e-audiobook and eBook via Axis360.)
 
Song For a Whale Suggested Reading Schedule
Monday, Sept. 28 - Sunday, Oct. 4: Chapters 1-12
Monday, Oct. 5 - Sunday, Oct. 11: Chapters 13-25
Monday, Oct. 12 - Sunday, Oct. 18: Chapters 26-38
Monday, Oct. 19 - Sunday, Oct. 25: Chapters 39-48
Monday, Oct. 26 - Book Talk With Award-Winning Author Lynne Kelly!

Chapters 1-12 (Leave your thoughts in the comments below)
-  Have you ever had a teacher that was prejudiced toward you or someone in your class for being different?
-  Why do you think Iris reacted so strongly when she learned about Blue 55?
-  Has anything ever meant so much to you that you thought about it all the time?
-  Do you like to build or fix things? What do you like to build or fix?
-  Iris is passionate about fixing radios. She worked hard to become good at it. What is something you are passionate about?
Posted by [email protected]  On Oct 05, 2020 at 12:29 PM 1 Comment
  
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Family Book Club


Winterhouse

"Winterhouse" by Ben Guterson will be reviewed TONIGHT via Zoom LIVE with the author at 5 p.m.! Join us for a special one-hour Book Talk. If you haven't finished reading the book, that's okay! Mr. Guterson will be accepting questions and also will talk about puzzles, codes and more! It is not too late to register! Register here.


October Family Book Club
"Song For a Whale" by Lynne Kelly is our Family Book Club pick for October and we will have another LIVE Book Talk with the author! Register here and get your hands on a copy (available in hardback and as an audiobook). Call the Tallyn's Reach Library at 303.627.3050 to put a copy on hold today!
 
Song For a Whale Suggested Reading Schedule
Monday, Sept. 28 - Sunday, Oct. 4: Chapters 1-12
Monday, Oct. 5 - Sunday, Oct. 11: Chapters 13-25
Monday, Oct. 12 - Sunday, Oct. 18: Chapters 26-38
Monday, Oct. 19 - Sunday, Oct. 25: Chapters 39-48
Monday, Oct. 26 - Book Talk With Award-Winning Author Lynne Kelly!

Song for a Whale
Posted by [email protected]  On Sep 28, 2020 at 12:01 PM
  
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