Before I jump into a description of the great time we had at the meeting, I need to I've had some people ask me if the Mother-Daughter Book Clubs were just a summer thing or if they are going to continue after school starts. I'm thrilled to say it will be continuing! I love the book clubs and wouldn't dream of stopping them now, we're having too much fun.
Now, about the meeting, it was fabulous! We had a few more people come than I was expecting because of the holiday weekend, but that always makes me happy. More people makes for a better discussion with more ideas floating around. I love it.
Because we were trying to tie in the summer reading program this month, we had a flag matching game to keep us busy until everyone arrived. The refreshments were an assortment of cookies from different countries. There were cookies from Mexico, Germany, the Carribean, Holland, Thailand, and fortune cookies "from" China. We also had some Japanese candy and a drink called Guarana from Brazil.
We started the book discussion by asking if everyone liked the book. As far as I could tell it was a unanimous yes. We talked about whether we were more like Abby or Sadeed. A couple of the girls were more like Abby. They like the outdoors but like Sadeed, they like to read. I think all of us have a little in common with each of them. We talked about the differences in the cultures. Why are only some girls in Sadeed's village allowed to go to school and why are the books the children can read regulated by the government. We talked about why it is important to do your school work and why an education is beneficial. Every month I'm amazed more and more at the insight the girls have. I'm learning so much from them.
We drew for the monthly prize next and I'd like to send a big Thank You to the Washington City Recreation Center for providing the prize. They donated two free passes to the rock climbing wall for the girls. The two girls that won were very excited to go.
The contenders for next month books had been waiting patiently all meeting and now it was time to let them shine. They are as follows:
The Black Stallion: First published in 1941, Walter Farley's best-selling novel for young readers is the triumphant tale of a boy and a wild horse. From Alec Ramsay and the Black's first meeting on an ill-fated ship to their adventures on a desert island and their eventual rescue, this beloved story will hold the rapt attention of readers new and old.
The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis: Shasta is a young boy living in Calormene with a cruel man who claims to be his father. One night he overhears his "father" offering to sell him as a slave, so Shasta makes a break and sets out for the North. He meets Bree, a talking horse who becomes his companion. On their way they encounter Aravis, a high-born girl escaping an arranged marriage, and her talking horse. Despite their differences the children and horses learn to work together to reach the freedom they long for.
Wild Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff: Twelve-year-old Lidie must leave her beloved home in Brazil for a new life in New York. She reunites with Pai and her older brother, who left shortly after Mamãe died five years earlier. Lidie's father and Rafael train racehorses for a wealthy benefactor. When she meets the filly Pai has dubbed Wild Girl, Lidie remembers her mother calling her by that name. The horse's story parallels hers, as they are both plunked down into an unfamiliar, sometimes harsh environment. But when at last Lidie rides Wild Girl, it is as if their spunky, spirited souls gloriously merge.
It was decided that we will be reading Wild Girl next. I'm really excited about this one. It's a beehive nominee for this year, so it might be a little hard to get a hold of.
The next meeting will be on August 26, 2011 at 3:00 pm at the St. George Library. I hope to see you there!
Gloria
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