I read dozens of chapter books each year thanks to my book clubs. Here's a round-up of my favourites from last year. Interestingly, in 2022, there were only three chapter books I really loved. This year, there are ten! Most of these are book club reads, so they're books children have enjoyed reading too! Gobi Goes ViralI love Vibha Batra's sense of humour, and that's why Gobi Goes Viral is one of the first books we'll be reading at the February 2024 edition of my book club! A story about friendship, music, and determination, it's about embracing and understanding difference in the most matter-of-fact way. It is both silly and profound, funny and serious. If you haven't read it yet, pick it up!Book activitiesBook reviewStrangus Derangus and Other Adventures of Little Shambu I'm always skeptical of books that draw on beloved characters from my childhood. For instance, I … [Read more...]
The Canary Caper
It's been 25 years since The Canary Caper was published, and it's still such a joy to read! We read the first of the A to Z Mysteries, The Absent Author, in April 2021. When I met the some of the same children again in June, several of them were devouring the rest of the series. I'm now looking forward to introducing the series to a new set of enthusiastic 7- and 8-year-olds!As I read The Canary Caper, I was struck by many little details. On the one hand, I was upset about the animals in the circus. Of course, this is something we will discuss at my book club--animal rights. On the other hand, I was delighted that Ruth Rose pooh-poohs the idea of becoming a car salesman because she wants to be President! And then, she rubs it in by adding that it's saleswoman, not salesman. Reading the book with my book club is going to be such a … [Read more...]