Completing a full-length middle-grade novel was challenging and fulfilling. Having it published was a dream come true. But knowing that actual kids are reading and enjoying the book brings the experience to a whole different level.
The picture above was sent to me by Sr. Donna, the moderator of a brand new book club in California. After reading Anna Mei, Cartoon Girl herself, she was inspired to start a discussion group for girls in her community. Six girls came together for a “getting acquainted” meeting, where they all agreed to read Anna Mei and then come back the next week to talk about it. At Sr. Donna’s suggestion, I created and posted a list of suggested topics to use as a springboard for the discussion.
She later emailed to tell me that the group enjoyed a lively and interesting meeting: “They all found Anna Mei's story realistic and relatable, especially when it came to the awkwardness she experiences at school and her reluctance to have her parents meet her friends. They also liked how her faith supported her in the quest of becoming true to herself…”
For their third meeting, the girls decided they wanted to do their own heritage projects, inspired by the assignment Ms. Wagner gives the kids in the book!
For as long as I can remember, reading has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life. So I truly appreciate Sr. Donna’s efforts to encourage kids not only to read but to enrich their reading by sharing it. And to the members of the best book club ever—Sarah, Brittany, Ashley, Marina, Kelsey, Brooke and Beatriz—I’m just thrilled that you all found something in Anna Mei that had meaning for you at this particular time in your lives. Believe me, that picture of you holding my book will be a treasured memento of a very special time in mine!
The picture above was sent to me by Sr. Donna, the moderator of a brand new book club in California. After reading Anna Mei, Cartoon Girl herself, she was inspired to start a discussion group for girls in her community. Six girls came together for a “getting acquainted” meeting, where they all agreed to read Anna Mei and then come back the next week to talk about it. At Sr. Donna’s suggestion, I created and posted a list of suggested topics to use as a springboard for the discussion.
She later emailed to tell me that the group enjoyed a lively and interesting meeting: “They all found Anna Mei's story realistic and relatable, especially when it came to the awkwardness she experiences at school and her reluctance to have her parents meet her friends. They also liked how her faith supported her in the quest of becoming true to herself…”
For their third meeting, the girls decided they wanted to do their own heritage projects, inspired by the assignment Ms. Wagner gives the kids in the book!
For as long as I can remember, reading has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life. So I truly appreciate Sr. Donna’s efforts to encourage kids not only to read but to enrich their reading by sharing it. And to the members of the best book club ever—Sarah, Brittany, Ashley, Marina, Kelsey, Brooke and Beatriz—I’m just thrilled that you all found something in Anna Mei that had meaning for you at this particular time in your lives. Believe me, that picture of you holding my book will be a treasured memento of a very special time in mine!
1 comments:
Wow, this is so exciting, Carol - congratulations! I love the idea of the book discussion group too. Kudos!
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