Book Recommendations
Book Recommendations
Grupology writing instructor Ann Koh has curated a list of awesome summer books for your child, along with thought-provoking questions to prompt a great discussion or written response.
Future Hero: Race to Fire Mountain
A young boy has spent years drawing pictures of a futuristic world only to find out that it really exists, and he is a descendent of its greatest hero. The other world is in trouble so he agrees to go through a portal to help save it. There he befriends a girl that helps him with his quest.
Reading: Ages 7–10
Prompt: It took time for Kimisi and Jarell to learn to trust one another. What were each character's strengths and how did they work together as a team? Use specific examples from the book to support your answer.
Crenshaw
A family is struggling financially and is about to get evicted from their home. As the young son worries about how this will impact his family and his friends, a giant cat named Crenshaw appears to give him comfort and guidance.
Reading: Ages 8–10
Prompt: Jackson’s family struggled financially. What sacrifices did Jackson have to make and how did Crenshaw help him? Use specific examples from the book to support your answer.
Spineless
A 12-year-old who wants to be a naturalist moves to a hotel in Florida during the late 1800s. He quickly befriends two local girls and gets wrapped up in an adventure that involves several other guests and a mysterious creature that is lurking around the property.
Reading: Ages 8–11
Prompt: What was Algie’s dream and how did it affect the decisions he made? Use specific examples from the book to support your answer.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Every year a woman rescues a baby that has been abandoned in the forest and brings it to a good home. One year, after accidentally feeding a child from the moon and giving her magical powers, she decides to keep her. Years later as the child’s magic grows, they must deal with the unintended consequences.
Reading: Ages 10–14
Prompt: In what ways was the Protectorate different from the Free Cities? How was Xan partially responsible for the differences? Use specific examples from the book to support your answer.
Every Soul a Star
The solar eclipse is bringing people to Moon Shadow camp from all over the country. The story is told from the perspective of three teens who have different levels of interest in the upcoming event. As the day approaches, they each learn something unexpected about themselves and their new friends.
Reading: Ages 11–14
Prompt: This story is told from three different perspectives. Choose one of the narrators and describe how they changed throughout the story. What did they learn about themselves? Use specific examples from the book to support your answer.
The Graveyard Book
The ghosts from a graveyard agree to raise and protect a young boy who was recently orphaned under tragic circumstances. Though surrounded by death, as the boy grows and faces many obstacles, he learns the value of life.
Reading: Ages 11–14
Prompt: In chapter 6, Silas tells Bod, “You’re alive, Bod. That means you have infinite potential.” In the context of this story, what does that statement mean? Use specific examples from the book that support your answer.