Book Club Hello, and welcome to the Girls on the Run of the Triangle’s (GOTR) first ever summer book club! This casual reading program is a great way for us to stay in touch with you if you have recently completed GOTR, or - if you are new to GOTR - it’s a great introduction to what we are all about! We have put together a diverse list of books for the girls to read, along with some fun and motivating rewards for reaching various milestones or completing certain activities! We also are looking forward to hosting two get-togethers over the summer where we can all meet, share our favorite books, and engage in fun games and activities. The following book list contains twenty-one books that we believe portray girls and women as active agents in their stories and leading value-driven, inspired lives. Each book listing includes an associated GOTR value, two reading questions to prompt you to further explore the meaning of the book and its implications, and - lastly - an activity that hopefully will engage not just you but also your family, friends, and community. We hope that these books inspire the girls to read, and to also stay connected to the values and lessons they learned during their time as a Girl on the Run. The rewards for participating in the book club are as follows: * * * * * * * * *
Get your own library card – earn a pack of GOTR temporary tattoos! Read 1 book – earn a GOTR bookmark! Read 3 books – earn a GOTR water bottle! Read 8 books – earn a GOTR headband! Read 15 books – earn a GOTR slap bracelet! Read all the books (21) on the list – earn a GOTR t-shirt! Create a movie poster for your favorite book – earn a GOTR cap! Read a book that’s over 100 pages long – earn a GOTR glitter cup! Choreograph an interpretive dance of your favorite character or scene from a book you read – earn a GOTR accessory case!
Joining us for the book club is quick and easy! Please send an email to
[email protected] with your email address, phone number, and the names of the girl(s) you are signing up for the club. You will receive a confirmation email letting you know that we received your registration. We will be hosting one event in mid-July, and the other at the end of August; stay tuned for communication concerning the specific dates! The books on this list can be found at your local library, at local bookstores, or online. GOTR is particularly fond of www.AMightyGirl.com, where many of these books were found and are available for purchase. If, at any point, you have questions about the book club, rewards, or get-togethers, please feel free to email us at
[email protected], or call us at 919-401-6307. Happy reading! The GOTR team
Book List * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chester’s Way, by Kevin Henkes The Adventures of Isabel, by Odgen Nash Eloise, by Kay Thompson Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the Worlds’ Fastest Woman, by Kathleen Krull A Ride on the Red Mare’s Back, by Usula LeGuin Sable, by Karen Hesse Sarah, Plan and Tall, by Patricia MacLachlan Yolonda’s Genius, by Carol Fenner Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell Lost Star: The Story of Amelia Earhart, by Patricia Lauber Dealing with Dragons, by Patricia Wrede The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, by Avi Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery, by Russel Freedman Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind, by Suzanne Staples Fisher Angels in Pink: Kathleen’s Story, by Lurlene McDaniel Gracie’s Girl, by Ellen Wittlinger Straydog, by Kathe Koja 11 Birthdays, by Wendy Mass A Tangle of Knots, by Lisa Graff When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead Mockingbird, by Kathryn Erskine
GOTR Triangle Book Club Reading and Activity Guide
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Henkes, Kevin. Chester’s Way. 1988. Greenwillow. Ages 3-7. a. The mouse Lilly is one of the bravest, most flamboyant young females around. She rescues her friends from bullies, teaches them how to do wheelies, and always carries a loaded squirt gun. Everyone should meet her! b. Associated GOTR value: Joy c. Reading questions: i. What does Lilly teach Chester and Wilson? ii. Can manners mean different things to different people? d. Action item: i. Do one nice thing for a friend today and write about it so you can share it with us at our gathering
GOTR Triangle Book Club Reading and Activity Guide
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Nash, Ogden. The Adventures of Isabel Illustrated by James Marshall. 1991. Little, Brown. Ages 3-8.* a. In this funny poem, Isabel conquers a bear, a witch, a giant, a doctor, and a nightmare. The pictures will make children laugh while they learn to banish their own nightmares. Not to be missed. b. Associated GOTR value: Optimism c. Reading questions: i. Do you think Isabel sets a good example for being courageous? ii. How would the story be different if Isabel wasn’t so calm? d. Action item: i. Write a poem about an adventure you had!
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Thompson, Kay. Eloise Illustrated by Hilary Knight. 1955. Simon & Schuster. Ages 4-8. a. Eloise is one of a kind. She tears around the Plaza Hotel in New York, driving adults crazy and having a terrific time. It is no surprise that this incorrigible girl has been popular for more than forty years. b. Associated GOTR value: Open-heartedness c. Reading questions: i. What would you do if you lived at the Plaza Hotel? ii. Do you ever help the grown-ups you know? d. Action item: i. Spend some time with a woman you look up to or write her a letter telling her why you admire her and what she means to you.
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Krull, Kathleen. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman. Illustrated by David Diaz. 1996. Harcourt Brace. a. Striking illustrations portray the life of Wilma Rudolph, who overcame childhood polio to become a great runner and win three Olympic gold medals. A powerful, inspiring story. b. Associated GOTR value: Health c. Reading questions: i. What were some of the difficulties that Wilma had to overcome? ii. What are some things we do as a society to end racism? d. Action item: i. Go for a run with your family. Tell us where you ran and how it felt? Did you feel powerful? Healthy? What is difficult or challenging for you?
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LeGuin, Ursula K. A Ride on the Red Mare’s Back Illustrated by Julie Downing. 1992. Orchard. Ages 5-9. a. With the help of a magical horse, a brave girl sets off to rescue her brother who has been stolen by trolls. A beautifully illustrated tale of courage and love. b. Associated GOTR value: Intentionality 3
GOTR Triangle Book Club Reading and Activity Guide c. Reading questions: i. How does the girl figure out what she needed to do in order to save her brother? Do you think you could go on a journey like the one she took? ii. Was there ever a time where you felt scared but you knew you had to do something anyway (like giving a speech or walking across a high bridge)? What was that like? Did you feel better afterwards? d. Action Item: i. In Girls on the Run we use a problem solving strategy called SBLR which stands for Stop, Breathe, Listen and Respond. How would SBLR be useful for characters in this book?
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Hesse, Karen. Sable. Illustrated by Marcia Sewall. 1994. Henry Holt. Ages 6-10. a. More than anything, Tate wants to keep the stray dog that shows up at her mountain home. With persistence and hard work, the girl succeeds. A heartwarming novel for younger readers. b. Associated GOTR value: Compassion c. Reading questions: i. Why doesn’t Tate’s mother like dogs? Can you think of another situation where someone moved their fear of one thing to another one? Have you ever done that? ii. How does Tate react after Sable leaves? Do you think she sets a good example for other young girls? d. Action item: i. Visit The Scrap Exchange, in Durham! What can you build? What do you see? How do you feel about building and creating new things out of old materials?
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MacLachlan, Patricia. Sarah, Plain and Tall. 1985. Harper & Row. Ages 6-10. a. This small gem tells the story of two children and the quiet, strong woman who they hope will marry their father. Perfect for reading aloud. Winner of the Newbery Medal. b. Associated GOTR value: Compassion c. Reading questions: i. Anna says, “I wished we had a sea of our own.” What do you think she means? Why would she wish for this? ii. When Caleb tells Sarah, “Women don’t wear overalls,” how does Sarah respond? What do you think this says about her? d. Action item: i. Plant some flowers that are mentioned in the book (violets, nasturtiums, tansies, etc).
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Fenner, Carol. Yolonda’s Genius. 1995. McElderry. Ages 10-13. a. A large and confident girl, Yolonda draws on all of her many talents to help her younger brother pursue his musical dream in this outstanding novel. A Newbery Honor book. b. Associated GOTR value: Optimism c. Reading questions: i. Do you think Momma made a good choice in moving the family away from Chicago? Why or why not? 4
GOTR Triangle Book Club Reading and Activity Guide ii. Did you know that people can be really smart in more ways than one? Does this make sense to you? Are you really good at sports or math, but not so good in other topics? In what way is Andrew considered a genius? d. Action Item: i. In Girls on the Run we talk about plugging into the positive Girls on the Run cord and eliminating negative self talk. Make a list of all the things you are really, really good and that make you feel GREAT when you do them.
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O’Dell, Scott. Island of the Blue Dolphins. 1960. Houghton Mifflin. Ages 9-12. a. In this modern classic, twelve-year-old Karana must survive alone for years on a California island. Winner of the Newbery Medal. b. Associated GOTR value: Connectedness c. Reading questions: i. Do you think that Karana is a responsible person? What about Ramo? How much do you think their ages affect whether or not they are responsible? ii. What is the difference between being alone and feeling lonely? How do you keep yourself from feeling loneliness? d. Action item: i. Take a tour at the Carolina Tiger Rescue, and learn about wild and endangered carnivores. What does it mean to take care of and/or live with wild animals?
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Lauber, Patricia. Lost Star: The Story of Amelia Earhart 1988. Scholastic. Ages 9-13. a. Amelia Earhart broke barriers for women while she broke men’s flying records. This biography describes her fascinating life from childhood to her mysterious disappearance. b. Associated GOTR value: Empowerment c. Reading questions: i. When and how did Amelia realize that she was meant to fly? ii. Do you know what your path in life is? When and how did you know that you wanted to dedicate your life to something? d. Action Item: i. Imagine yourself in 20 years. Tell us what amazing things you are doing. Are you a teacher? An author? A parent? A scientist or inventor? What unique gifts are you bringing to our world and your community?
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Wrede, Patricia C. Dealing with Dragons. 1990. Harcourt Brace. Ages 10-13.
a. Cimorene finds being a princess so boring that she takes a job working for a dragon! The first in a popular, funny series. b. Associated GOTR value: Compassion c. Reading questions: i. What one thing do people tell Cimorene over and over again? Why is this phrase so important? Has anyone ever said it to you? ii. Why didn’t the other princesses just run away from their dragons? If you were a princess, would you stay with the dragon? 5
GOTR Triangle Book Club Reading and Activity Guide d. Action item: i. Do some research and learn about some real, contemporary princesses in the world. What do they do? Are they courageous and intelligent like Cimorene? What would you do if you were a princess? (Hint: there are princesses in the UK, Denmark, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Swaziland, and elsewhere!)
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Avi. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. 1990. Orchard. Ages 10-14. a. “Not every thirteen-year-old girl is accused of murder, brought to trial, and found guilty,” opens this thrilling tale of a proper young lady who changes when she gets caught up in a mutiny. A top-notch adventure. A Newbery Honor book. b. Associated GOTR value: Responsibility c. Reading questions: i. Charlotte explains that she was trained to obey her whole life. Why does she say this at that particular point in the book? ii. How would you describe Charlotte’s decision-making skills as a crewman on the Seahawk? d. Action item: i. In the book, Charlotte and the Seahawk survived a hurricane. We also sometimes have hurricanes in North Carolina. Draw a hurricane, in all its ferocity!
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Freedman, Russell. Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery 1993. Clarion. Ages 11-14. a. Award-winning biographer Russell Freedman conveys the greatness of Eleanor Roosevelt through his lively writing and an extensive array of photographs. Highly recommended. A Newbery Honor book. b. Associated GOTR value: Empowerment c. Reading questions: i. How important are human rights to you? Do you think they are a good idea? Why? ii. What can you do to promote human rights in your community? d. Action item: i. Visit the Unsung Founders Memorial at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. How do you think Eleanor would feel about that statue?
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Staples, Suzanne Fisher. Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind 1989. Knopf. Ages 12-14. a. Set in contemporary Pakistan, this gripping novel follows the fate of Shabanu, an adolescent girl from a nomadic tribe who rebels against her arranged marriage. A Newbery Honor book. b. Associated GOTR value: Empowerment c. Reading questions: i. What was the most difficult decision you’ve ever made? Why was it so difficult? ii. Was Shabanu right to try to run away, or was she foolish in doing so? Why do you think so?
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GOTR Triangle Book Club Reading and Activity Guide d. Action Item: i. In Girls on the Run, we talk about how “I Feel” statements are powerful and effective tools for communication and problem solving. Help Shabanu complete an “I Feel” statement based on her experiences in the book using the following template: 1. I feel: 2. When you: 3. Because: 4. I would like you to:
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McDaniel, Lurlene. Angels in Pink: Kathleen’s Story 2006. Laurel-Leaf Books. Ages 12+. a. It’s the summer before her junior year, and 16-year-old Kathleen has to juggle caring for her sick mother, volunteering at the hospital, and crushing on a new boy. Just when things seem to go from bad to worse, Kathleen’s two best friends Raina and Holly decide to volunteer with her. The three BFF’s form the “Pink Angels” and learn the value of helping others. b. Associated GOTR value: Nurturing c. Reading questions: i. What (who) is a Pink Angel? Would you want to be one? Why or why not? ii. Do you think Carson and Kathleen have a healthy way of relating? What are important aspects in any relationship (or interaction), whether it’s with a girl, boy, parent, or stranger? d. Action item: i. See if you can make a gift donation to a children’s hospital. There are several hospitals in the Triangle that specialize in taking care of sick children, and they are always happy when people donate books, games, and other things that can keep the children entertained. Have you ever been to a children’s hospital before?
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Wittlinger, Ellen. Gracie’s Girl 2002. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Ages 8–12. a. If you ask Bess Cunningham what matters most to her, volunteering is at the bottom of the list. It’s bad enough that her mother gives all her attention to a community soup kitchen, but now Bess’s best friend, Ethan, wants to volunteer there too. When an opportunity to work on the school musical arises, Bess must decide what’s more important to her: popularity or being there for the people that need her. b. Associated GOTR value: Responsibility c. Reading questions: i. What does it mean to be popular? What makes someone popular? Do you think being popular is important? ii. Have you ever seen or known a homeless person? What makes a person homeless? What is the cause of homelessness? d. Action item: i. Do you have clothes that you don’t wear anymore? Or, on the flip side, are you looking for some new outfits, like Bess was? See if you can donate your clothes to a local thrift shop like the one run by Durham Rescue Mission. Shopping for a cause can be so much fun!
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GOTR Triangle Book Club Reading and Activity Guide
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Koja, Kathe. Straydog. 2002. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Ages 12–17. a. Rachel is a girl who feels unwanted and alone, and that there’s nothing in the world she can relate to. That is, until she starts volunteering at the local animal shelter. Rachel begins to care for a feral collie she names Grrl and soon, the fact they’re both angry and alone brings them closer together. But will she ever get Grrl to trust her? b. Associated GOTR value: Nurturing c. Reading questions: i. How did Rachel get Grrl to trust her? Is there anyone who you trust, or who trusts you? What happens when trust is broken? ii. What is euthanasia? Have you ever had to have a pet put down? Why would an animal be euthanized? Can you think of any reason where euthanasia would be a humane or loving thing to do? d. Action item: i. See if you can volunteer at a local animal rescue. Why do you think it might be important to take care of stray and wild animals?
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Mass, Wendy. 11 Birthdays. 2010. Scholastic Paperbacks. Ages 8–10. a. It’s Amanda’s 11th birthday and she is super excited---after all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong. The worst part of it all is that she and her best friend, Leo, with whom she’s shared every birthday, are on the outs and this will be the first birthday they haven’t shared together. When Amanda turns in for the night, glad to have her birthday behind her, she wakes up happy for a new day. Or is it? Her birthday seems to be repeating itself. What is going on?! And how can she fix it? Only time, friendship, and a little luck will tell… b. Associated GOTR value: Intentionality c. Reading questions: i. Leo and Amanda let their true selves show on the day without any consequences. What would you do if you had a day with no consequences? ii. Amanda says there are no do-overs in life. What do you think she means by this? How can you apply this to your own life? d. Action item: i. During the Gossiping lesson in Girls on the Run, the group talked about how, once you do or say something, you can’t take it back. You have to own it, whether it is positive or negative, and then make a decision to do something differently or better the next time. How does this relate to the story of 11 Birthdays?
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Graff, Lisa. A Tangle of Knots. 2014. Puffin. Ages 8-12. a. In a slightly magical world where everyone has a Talent, eleven-year-old Cady is an orphan with a phenomenal Talent for cake baking. But little does she know that fate has set her on a journey from the moment she was born. And her destiny leads her to a mysterious address that houses a lost luggage emporium, an old recipe, a family of children searching for their own Talents, and a Talent Thief who will alter her life forever. b. Associated GOTR value: Diversity c. Reading questions: i. We can tell that the Owner was still hearing the mean things his dad had said to him many years ago, just like Zane and the principal. Do you think that you have ever said words that 8
GOTR Triangle Book Club Reading and Activity Guide would hurt someone for years to come? What can you do now to make amends? ii. Cady ends up adopting her father and Miss Mallory. What is adoption? Can a child adopt two adults? Would you want to adopt any additional parents? d. Action item: i. Bake one (or more!) of the cakes that are mentioned in the story!
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Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me. 2010. Yearling. Ages 9-14. a. “Shortly after sixth-grader Miranda and her best friend Sal part ways, for some inexplicable reason her once familiar world turns upside down. Maybe it’s because she’s caught up in reading A Wrinkle in Time and trying to understand time travel, or perhaps it’s because she’s been receiving mysterious notes which accurately predict the future. (This novel) captures the interior monologue and observations of kids who are starting to recognize and negotiate the complexities of friendship and family, class and identity.” b. Associated GOTR value: Connectedness c. Reading questions: i. According to Einstein, why does common sense sometimes get in the way of truth (Chapter 14)? What are some examples you can think of that aren’t in the book? ii. Marcus punching Sal has far-reaching consequences. What does the novel suggest about senseless acts of violence? d. Action item: i. Bonus book! Read A Wrinkle In Time (L’Engle, Madeleine. 1962) to better understand Miranda’s perspective.
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Erskine, Kathryn. Mockingbird. 2011. Puffin. Ages 9-12. a. “Caitlin has Asperger’s. The world according to her is black and white; anything in between is confusing. Before, when things got confusing, Caitlin went to her older brother, Devon, for help. But Devon has died, and Caitlin’s dad is so distraught that he is just not helpful. Caitlin wants everything to go back to the way things were, but she doesn’t know how to do that. Then she comes across the word closure -- and she realizes this is what she needs. And in her search for it, Caitlin discovers that the world may not be black and white after all.” b. Associated GOTR value: Nurturing c. Reading questions: i. How much knowledge did you have of Asperger’s syndrome before reading Mockingbird? Did the book help your understanding? ii. Over the course of the novel, Caitlin tries to understand the meaning of closure, and how to achieve it. What are some of the events that help her achieve closure? How does her understanding of the concept of closure change? d. Action item: i. Draft a plan for a school-wide anti-bullying and peer support program which helps define ASD’s (Autism Spectrum Disorders) and shares common behavior patterns and rationalizations for those behaviors. Be sure to include program ideas which allow “typical” students to serve as social models and buddies. ii. Bonus book! Read To Kill a Mockingbird (Lee, Harper. 1960) to gain a deeper appreciation for Erskine’s perspective and inspiration. 9
