Meeting Wrap-Up

The Book Buddies Book Club met yesterday afternoon to discuss our February book, The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng.  We had a terrific discussion followed by a sewing craft!

We spent a lot of time discussing the themes of the book, friendship and what makes someone a good friend.  We also analyzed Anna's relationships in the book: with her parents, Laura, Allison, Mr. Shepherd, Ray, Camille and her most precious relationship: with reading.  Although Anna loves to read more than anything and her life is so enriched by the stories she reads, she does come to realize that it is important to have a balance in your life and that people are as important as books.

We talked about books that have been meaningful to us including Geronimo Stilton, the City of Ember series, the Diary of  Wimpy Kid books, the I Funny books by James Patterson and The Phantom Tollbooth.

For our activity, we decided to be very ambitious and make drawstring bags like Anna does in the book!  Using the instructions on the back of the hardcover book and following this excellent Scholastic video, we sewed our very own bags!  Everyone worked very hard and they really came out great!

Here are two that I made:

It was a wonderful meeting and I look forward to seeing everyone again next month!

Meeting Reminder

Just a reminder that the Book Buddies Book Club will meet on Monday, February 24th at 3:45pm to discuss our February book, The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng.  Come for book discussion, snacks and a related activity.  Sign up by visiting the Children's Desk, calling 847-8720 ext. 204 or emailing me at cgould@newportlibraryri.org.  It's important to sign up so that I know who's coming and I make sure to have enough supplies on hand!

Hope to see you Monday!

Anna's Story Continues!

Anna Wang's story continues after her fourth grade year in The Year of the Book.  Read on as Anna tackles fifth and sixth grades!

The Year of the Baby (2013)

Fifth-grader Anna is concerned that her baby sister Kaylee, adopted from China three months ago, is not thriving so she and her best friends, Laura and Camille, create a science project that may save the day.

The Year of the Fortune Cookie (coming May 2014)

Eleven-year-old Anna heads off to sixth grade, leaving the comfort and familiarity of elementary school behind and entering the larger, more complex world of middle school. Surrounded by classmates who have their roots all in America, Anna begins to feel out of place and wonders where she really belongs.  When Anna takes a trip to China, she not only explores a new country and culture, but finds answers to her questions about whether she is more Chinese or more American.

Books by Andrea Cheng

Our February author, Andrea Cheng has written many books for children of all ages.  Here are a few of her other chapter books you might like to read:

Honeysuckle House

An all-American girl with Chinese ancestors and a new immigrant from China find little in common when they meet in their fourth grade classroom, but they are both missing their best friends and soon discover other connections.

Only One Year

Nine-year-old Sharon has conflicted feelings towards her copycat little sister and rambunctious toddler brother, who is sent to China for a year to live with relatives.

Where Do You Stay?

Now that Jerome's mother has died from cancer, he is staying with his aunt Geneva. But Jerome misses his own home and piano. When he meets Mr. Willie who lives in the carriage house of a mansion down the street, the two talk of music. Jerome dreams of someday moving into the mansion with Mr. Willie and fixing it up. But the building is for sale. What will happen if someone buys the mansion and tears the carriage house down? How will Jerome cope when things get to be too much?

February Author: Andrea Cheng

Andrea Cheng is the wonderful author of our February book, The Year of the Book.  She has a terrific website including a section of frequently asked questions which will give you a lot of insight into her life. 

She has written many books for children of all ages and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her family and her cat, Irvy.

February Book

The Book Buddies Book Club will meet on Monday, February 24th @ 3:45pm to discuss The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng.  Copies of the book are available for check-out at the Children's Desk.

New members are always welcome!  To sign up for Book Buddies, visit the Children's Desk, call 401-847-8720 ext. 204 or email me at cgould@newportlibraryri.org.

The Year of the Book follows a young Chinese American girl as she navigates relationships with family, friends, and her fourth-grade classroom, and finds a true best friend.