September Selections for the Scholastic Mother-Daughter Book Club

Remember when I introduced you to the Scholastic Mother-Daughter Book Club for middle readers? I'm committed to featuring or reviewing all the books selected for this club because I think Scholastic has picked winning titles that have broad appeal.

Don't forget that the Scholastic book club site includes more information about the books, recipes, reading guides, and contests. The resources are perfect for book clubs, teachers, homeschoolers, and any one who wants to get more out of reading books with middle grade readers.

This month, book clubs can pick either a memoir about sisters or a story of how friends and family can be found in unlikely places.

The first selection, Raina Telgemeier's Sisters, is based on the author's memories of her early childhood. The summer before high school, Raina is about to face one of the most dreaded events in any young teen's life: a family road trip. Yes, a full week locked in an un-air-conditioned van with her little sister, Amara. What could be worse?

Both funny and thoughtful, this graphic novel paints a realistic picture of sibling relationships and the way it feels to be on the verge of young adulthood. Readers of all ages will recognize Raina's experiences at her family reunion and her love-hate moments with Amara.

Telgemeier's artwork perfectly complements her storytelling, augmenting the humor as easily as the more touching scenes. The drawings clearly show just how different (and yet the same) Raina and Amara are. The colorful panels make Sister a joy to read.

Book club members will likely have their own stories to share of a family trip or their feelings about their sisters and brothers. Other topics of discussion include family dynamics, life with pets, and the consequences of not paying attention to the people around you. More great questions can be found on the Scholastic mother-daughter book club site. The suggested recipe is for a homemade chocolate bar, which you might want to share with your family the next time you're trapped in a car with them.

In Dianna Doristi Winget's A Million Ways Home, 12-year-old Poppy Parker's life is turned upside down when her only relative and guardian, Grandma Beth, has a stroke and is hospitalized. With nowhere else to go, Poppy is put into a children's shelter while the doctors determine the chances of Beth's recovery. After sneaking out of the home to visit her grandmother, Poppy is horrified to witness to a robbery-murder.

Taken under police protection by a kindly detective, Poppy is worried about her grandmother and afraid that the criminal will track her down. To help the girl cope, the detective suggests that Poppy get involved with retraining an aggressive K-9 German shepherd. Although she makes friends and loves working with the dog, all Poppy really wants is to be reunited with her grandmother. What will happen if Beth never recovers?

Despite some sad and scary scenes, this realistic contemporary novel remains age appropriate. Young readers will find it easy to relate to Poppy's ups and downs, as the girl struggles to accept and understand everything that happens to her.

Book club discussions will revolve around the importance of listening to rules that pertain to personal safety and the many forms of families. In addition,  animal lovers might want to talk about Poppy's work with the police dog. Don't forget to see the great questions on the Scholastic mother-daughter book club site. The suggested recipe is for Twinkie shortcake, which would appeal to one of Poppy's new friends.

Sisters: Scholastic / Graphix, 2014; ISBN-13: 9780545540599
A Million Ways Home: Scholoastic Press, 2014; ISBN-13: 9780545667067
Source: Review (see review policy)
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