Family Book Club: "El Deafo" and "Helen's Big World"

Pick up copies of this month's books at the Youth Services desk at the Middendorf-Kredell branch.

A book club for the whole family! Each month, we will provide one copy of a chapter book suitable for grades 4-6 and one copy of a picture book suitable for grades K-3. Read either or both books (we encourage reading them aloud!), then come to the Library to discuss the books with other families, do a related activity and craft, discover new reads similar to each month's books, and pick up copies of the next month's books!

This is a family/group program; children attending must be accompanied by an adult.

We will be discussing the following books at this month's meeting:

El Deafo by Cece Bell: Starting at a new school is scary, especially with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece’s class was deaf. Here, she’s different. She’s sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends. Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom but anywhere her teacher is in the school—in the hallway . . . in the teacher’s lounge . . . in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it’s just another way of feeling different . . . and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most, a true friend?
 

Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller by Doreen Rappaport: This picturebook biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world's most influential luminaries. With her signature style of prose laced with stirring quotes, Doreen Rappaport brings to life Helen Keller's poignant narrative. Acclaimed illustrator Matt Tavares beautifully captures the dynamism and verve of Helen Keller's life and legacy, making "Helen's Big World" an unforgettable portrait of a woman whose vision for innovation and progress changed America--and the world--forever.