Ages 8-12 / Middle-Grade Comic Fantasy / Dial Books for Young Readers

Win a set of THE WITCHY WORRIES OF ABBIE ADAMS by Rhonda Hayter for your book club. 

Enter to win by emailing the author (write "Kidsbookclubbing" in the subject line).


Dear Reader:

May I introduce you to Abbie Adams?  She's a normal fifth grader with problems like a strict teacher (Miss Linegar- rhymes with vinegar.) She's got tons of homework, and a little brother with...um...behavior issues. 

But Abbie comes from a family of witches, so these problems get complicated by things like her little brother melting down, turning into a werewolf and trying to eat his teacher. Still, magic allows Abbie to do cool stuff too, like meeting a famous person from history who's been enchanted by an evil witch and needs to find a way back to his own time.

More magic for everyone!

Rhonda Hayter

Book reviews:

"This frothy debut novel delivers plenty of entertainment to the elementary and middle-grade audience... nice characterizations ground the novel, even as plenty of comedy combines with some suspense. Light as cotton candy and just as tasty."
-Kirkus Reviews

 "Abbie's breezy, personable narrative incorporates droll asides and references... to famous literature... Her colorfully drawn family...adds humor and depth. Whether facing familiar issues (fitting in, sibling challenges) or fantastical ones, such as developing and using her magic responsibly, Abbie is an appealing, peppy protagonist who finds that there are 'all kinds of magic in the world . . . with or without witchcraft.'"
-Booklist


Discussion questions:

1.     What do you think Abbie learns from her experience with the boy who's been enchanted?

2.     Abbie and her family keep the fact that they are witches a secret from the rest of the world. What do you think might happen if people found out about it?

3.     Do you think Abbie's life is easier or harder because she's got magical powers?

4.     If you could travel back in time to witness an event from history, which event would you choose?

5.     How would you describe Abbie's relationship with Munch?

To watch a video trailer and learn more about Rhonda Hayter and her book, see her website.
 
Author call-in information:  Rhonda Hayter is happy to call-in to, or skype with your club.  She can also meet with your group if you live in the Los Angeles area.  Email Rhonda to submit your request. 

Ages 8 - 12 / Illustrated Middle Grade Fiction / Candlewick

Win a set of REMEMBERING MRS. ROSSI by Amy Hest for your book club.

Enter to win by emailing Amy's publisher (write "KidsBookclubbing" in the subject line).

Dear Reader,

My favorite street in New York is the wide, winding one called Riverside Drive. The Rossis live there, in a tall, brick building. I put them there, in my newest novel, Remembering Mrs. Rossi.  It is about mothers and fathers and daughters, and a teacher who dies and her students. It's about love and people who know a lot about love.

There's a picture on my desk of me (age 8) with my mother. Each day I imagined a little girl sitting beside me while I typed. She tells me her name (Annie Rossi), her age (8), and where she lives (440 Riverside Drive, Apt. 10B).

In time, she tells me about her mother. Mrs. Rossi was a teacher. (My mother was a teacher, too). Her mother went to the library often. (My mother went often, too). Annie's mother died. (My mother died, too). Our stories blend.

I love to talk about my books with readers, and with their teachers, librarians and parents. You can email me and I'll write back.

Thanks!

Amy Hest


Book reviews: 

★ "Readers of this fine novel will find the spirited, resilient Annie another character - just like her mother - well worth remembering."
-Publishers Weekly (starred review)
 
"This gentle story that captures one third grader's year reinforces the power of journaling in navigating through life's changes."
-School Library Journal


Discussion and writing suggestions:

1.     REMEMBERING MRS. ROSSI is also a story about the power of writing.  Annie and her father are sustained throughout the year by a book of memories about Mrs. Rossi written by her sixth grade students.  Write or talk about a gesture you've made that had a positive impact on someone else.
 
2.     Traditions:  Annie Rossi has several favorite traditions.  She goes on "night walks" with her father. On snowy days, she is the first one in the park making tracks in new snow, and each summer her family rents the same cottage at the beach.  Write or tell about a favorite tradition in your own family.

3.     Storytelling:  Kids love to hear stories about when they were little.  Annie has a story about the "tiny scar on her chin" that she loves to tell; the story always starts "Once upon a time when I was little."  Tell or write your own "Once upon a time when I was little" story.

4.     School Days:  Write or tell about your WORST DAY (ever!) in school.  Write or tell about your BEST DAY (ever!) in school.

See Amy's website for her "Hints for Writers," a teacher's guide and an article where Amy talks about New York, writing and love.  Plus you can listen to an excerpt of Amy reading the first chapter of REMEMBERING MRS. ROSSI, too.

Author call-in information:  Amy Hest is happy to call-in to your club.  She can also meet with your group if you live in the greater NYC area. E-mail Amy to submit your request.