KidsBookClubbing: Adventure Stories, a 7th Grade Fidgeter, and more

October 2, 2017

New Releases: Author Notes, Book Giveaways, and More

Dear Readers,

In this issue, you'll meet:

...Ethan Marcus, a seventh-grade fidgeter, who takes a stand for something he believes in in Michele Weber Hurwitz's ETHAN MARCUS STANDS UP and

...two strong protagonists who will keep you at the edge of your seat in Terry Lynn Johnson's exciting adventure stories, FALCON WILD and DOG SLED SCHOOL

Happy Reading!

Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp

bookclubcookbook.com

Ages 8-12 / Middle Grade Fiction / Aladdin

Win a copy of Ethan Marcus Stands Up by Michele Weber Hurwitz for your book club. Enter to win by emailing the author (write"KidsBookClubbing" in the subject line).

Dear Reader,

Eight periods of sitting at a desk gives seventh-grader Ethan Marcus nonstop scomas (school comas) and what his dad calls ESD -- Ethan Squiggle Disease. One day, he's had enough. He stands up to protest, but that doesn't go over well with his rule-oriented teacher. Ethan decides to enter the school Invention Day competition. He's terrible at making things but has an idea that could solve his fidgeting problem.

His sister Erin -- working on her own invention -- thinks he's a joke, but Ethan's determined to prove her wrong.

Ethan Marcus Stands Up, narrated by five seventh-graders, illustrates the importance of taking a stand for something you believe in, even if others doubt your ability. The story portrays

how we all see the world from different lenses but when we look closer, we realize we're not so different.

I was initially inspired by my son, who always studied while moving around. His brain, he said, "works better" that way. I noticed how the workplace was changing, incorporating standing desks, but kids were, for the most part, stuck in their chairs.

I hope you will love this conversational, inspiring book! Cheers!

Michele Weber Hurwitz

Book reviews:

Hurwitz takes a perceptive look at a preteen's new awareness of the role he's been playing and the possibility for changing it...a thoughtful next step for readers of Andrew Clements."

- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Readers with siblings will appreciate this story about rivalry."

-School Library Journal

Discussion questions:

What motivated Ethan to do Invention Day?
In Chapter 24, why do you think Erin told Ethan, "Of course I was right about you." And why did she say it in Spanish? Were you surprised Wesley offered to translate?
Do you agree with Ethan's feeling that Wesley was the one who wrote the secret note Ethan found in his locker? If you were Ethan, would you have asked Wesley about the note?
Have you ever stood up for a cause you believed in, even if no one else was standing up with you?

To read an excerpt and watch the trailer, visit the author's website.

AUTHOR CALL-IN INFORMATION: Michele Weber Hurwitz is available to talk with your group via Skype; visit her website for more information.

Ages 10 and up / Realistic Adventure / Charlesbridge

Ages 7-10 years / Realistic Adventure / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Wi n a copy of of Falcon Wild or Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson. Enter to win by emailing the author (write "KidsBookclubbing" in the subject line and indicate your book choice).

Dear Reader,

Have you ever hooked up a team of huskies and felt their crazed, frothing enthusiasm cling to you? How about watching a raptor soar free and th en come back to your fist, ever done that? You can experience both in the pages of Sled Dog School and Falcon Wild.

From my adventures with my own dogteam in northern Ontario, as well as my life long interest in falconry, I'm fascinated by the special relationships we can develop with animals. Will the bonds between musher and dogs be enough to help Matt's dogsledding school succeed? And will Stark the falcon return to help her girl, Karma, survive?

Happy adventures!

Terry Lynn Johnson

Reviews of Falcon Wild:

"Riveting action and harrowing experiences keep readers on the edge as the kids and falcon race to get back to Karma's father and brother before it's too late. . . . An exhilarating survivalist adventure."

-Booklist

"This book is an adventurous coming-of-age tale with a rich and beautiful natural setting."

-School Library Journal

Reviews of Sled Dog School:

"Themes of friendship and problem-solving are slipped effortlessly into the funny and fresh plot, and authentic off-the-grid details bring the story to life."

-Kirkus Reviews

Discussion questions for Falcon Wild:

1. As Karma, her brother, and dad begin their drive to Canada, they meet a teenage boy at a gas station. What does the teenage boy want from the family and why does Karma feel compelled to grant his request?

2. Karma has an additional challenge in the wilderness due to the injury inflicted by Stark at the beginning of the story. Why is Karma's injury a serious matter in the out-of-doors?

3. As Karma and Cooper work their way through the wilderness, Cooper begins to reveal a bit more about his past and the reasons for his behavior. Describe what situations in his life led to him running away from home.

4. Karma compares Cooper to a bird almost from the beginning of their interactions. Think about how these two characters are similar and different in terms of their behavior. List phrases to describe how Cooper and Stark are alike and different from one another.

To read an excerpt and watch the live-action book trailers, please visit the author's website.

Author call-in information: Terry Lynn Johnson is happy to Skype with your club. She can also meet with your group if you live in northern Ontario, Canada. Email the author to submit your request.

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