I discovered verse novels quite recently. I began by reading a few for young adults and then I slowly went down the age ladder. I love them. I love how much they say with such few words.
Would I have enjoyed verse novels as a child? I have no way of telling, for I was such a mix. I liked things that were familiar, so it is possible that I would have rejected them out of hand as weird. On the other hand, I was never a fan of long paragraphs, so I don’t know.
I do know, though, that I want to introduce young readers to this form, and Book Uncle and Me is ideal.
Yasmin has a mission. She wants to read a book a day for the rest of her life, and she has accomplished this for over a year thanks to Book Uncle, who not only runs a free lending library but also recommends the best books. One day, however, Yasmin discovers that Book Uncle is packing up. He’s been told he needs a permit to run his little enterprise. What can Yasmin do? Will all the books she’s read help her find a solution?
Through Yasmin, we live the life of a young reader, determined to devour one story after another. And through her, we learn about the power of the individual as well as the power of a group. Yet, like any good story, Book Uncle and Me is not about what we learn from the book. Rather, it is about what the book makes us feel and how it makes us think. What better book could one read at a book club?
Here’s what I plan to do with the book at my reading programme.
Book Lists
Book Uncle shares wonderful book recommendations with Yasmin, which help her discover stories she loves. A book club is the best place for children to create book lists for one another. What books would be on your “must read” list? What books make you want to read more and more and more? At the end of the programme, I hope to have at least seven (I have seven registrations so far) brand-new lists of books to read!
Neighbours
I love the descriptions of all those who live in Yasmin’s building! From the newly-weds to the gentleman who plays the ghatam, we meet a host of interesting characters.
So, it’s time to get creative. Who do you think would be an interesting neighbour to have? Do you think you are an interesting neighbour? Do you have neighbours who make you curious or annoyed?
What would you save?
Children today grow up with the idea of needing to save the world. They know they must close taps, switch off lights and reduce plastic. What else is important to them? The question will lead to all kinds of discussions, I’m sure. What is in danger? Are libraries in danger? What about bookstores? Do these need saving? How?
I hope to start this conversation by asking children to draw a map of their neighbourhood to build an understanding of the environment that makes us who we are and helps us grow. Which parts of their locality go unnoticed? Which ones are important?
Join a programme
Book Uncle and Me is the fourth book we will be reading at my reading programme for ages seven and eight.
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