March Book Bunch

March 19th @ 4:30PM
Click here to register

Join Caroline and Erika for a book discussion and a game for 4th-8th graders! We will be reading Fast Pitch by Nic Stone.

Softball player Shenice aims to lead her U12 team to the championships, but fast balls come her way with proving herself as the sole Black player on her team, a possible setup against her family, and ability to juggle it all while on the field. Can Shenice solve her family’s mysterious past and prove herself as a team captain?

The Trove will provide a free copy of the book for the first eight individuals to register for the discussion. When the books are available, we will email to arrange pickup; please list an email address and phone number when registering. You can also place a hold on the book using our catalog.

A recommended read if you like Fast Pitch:

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
All available formats

“It’s the summer before seventh grade, and aspiring pastry chef Zoe sets her sights on perfecting her baking skills to audition as a contestant on Food Network’s Kids Bake Challenge. One day, she receives a letter from her father, Marcus, who was sent to prison for murder right before Zoe was born. She’s never met Marcus, and her mother wants her to have nothing to do with him. So Zoe keeps the letter a secret and begins corresponding with Marcus on a regular basis. He shares his favorite songs and encourages Zoe’s baking-competition dreams. When Marcus proclaims his innocence, Zoe is shocked: How could someone innocent end up in prison? With the help of her grandmother and her friend Trevor, Zoe begins to learn about systemic racism and how Black people like her and Marcus are more likely to be wrongfully convicted of murder than White people. Zoe’s relationship with Marcus is at the center of the novel, but her relationships with her mother, stepfather, grandmother, and Trevor are also richly conveyed. This powerful debut packs both depth and sweetness, tackling a tough topic in a sensitive, compelling way. An extraordinary, timely, must-read debut about love, family, friendship, and justice.”-Kirkus Reviews.

March Graphic Novel Book Club

March 18th @ 5PM
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Join Caroline and Erika for a book discussion and activity for 3rd-6th graders! We will be reading My Aunt is a Monster by Reimena Yee

Safia thought her extent of adventures would always be through her audiobooks, but dreams of experiencing a journey of her own. She is sent off to live with her mysterious aunt known as Lady Whimsy. Previously known as a renown explorer, Lady Whimsy takes Safia with her as she sets out to reclaim her title as the World’s Greatest Adventurer.

The Trove will provide a free copy of the book for the first eight individuals to register for the discussion. When the books are available, we will email to arrange pickup; please list an email address and phone number when registering. You can also place a hold on the book using our catalog.

Recommended reads if you like My Aunt is a Monster:

The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag
All available formats

“Aunt Vervain teaches witchery to the girls, and Aster hides, taking careful notes—but he’s caught. His mother tells him a family secret: his grandmother’s male twin was attracted to witchery. After dabbling in forbidden magic, he morphed into something terrible, caused a disaster in their village, and was cast out. Though Aster’s horrified, he can’t resist practicing magic alone in the woods. To his delight, it works, but he’s seen by Charlie, a black girl from outside his community, and eventually she becomes the confidante and adviser he’s needed. On the night of the Finding, a boy is taken by a mysterious creature. Aster knows he can help with witchery, but he’d have to admit how much he’s learned. With charming artwork, interesting supporting characters, natural-feeling diversity, and peeks of a richly developed world, this book leaves readers wishing for more.”- Kirkus Reviews

Beetle and the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne
All available formats

“Though bustling with goblins, witches, ghosts, and skeletons, this beautifully drawn graphic novel addresses important questions facing even mortal kids. It tells the story of Beetle, a young goblin and aspiring witch who is torn between hanging out at the mall with pal Blob Ghost and serious study. When childhood friend Kat Hollowbone returns to Beetle’s town to apprentice with her sorceress aunt, it disrupts Beetle’s friendship with Blob Ghost as well as Beetle’s ideas about identity and relationships.This inclusive fantasy adventure passes the Bechdel test with flying colors.”- Kirkus Reviews.