Read, Discuss, and Do with MARI IN THE MARGINS

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By Marci Whitehurst The best books make readers feel like they aren’t alone. They’re seen. Understood. Our very own  Rebecca J. Gomez  accomplishes this flawlessly in Mari in the Margins , her new middle grade novel in verse, published by Bandersnatch Books. It releases May 14 th !  Here’s a snippet about the novel, which you’ll surely want to READ:   For Marivel Jiménez, life in her big family is full of chaos. Feeling overlooked by her parents and overshadowed by her siblings is frustrating, and it's even worse to have the constant attention of her annoying, mischievous three-year-old sister, Susana.  Caught between her need to be noticed and her dream of having time to herself, Marivel pours herself into poetry and, eventually, art journaling. When she hears of a school-wide poetry contest, she sees winning as a chance to escape the margins of her family and finally be seen. Doesn’t that sound amazing? That’s because it is. I was honored to read the book ahead of its release—and
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Summer Challenge Week Five: Beat the Heat

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Welcome to week five of the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge! This week is all about beating the heat, so we've come up with a mix of books that are to help you think cool thoughts, and hopefully inspire you to get out (or stay in) and enjoy cool, refreshing day.

Suggestions for books to read:

ONE WINTER UP NORTH by John Owens. This is a wordless book about a family's vacation in the Boundary Waters during winter. A refreshing read for a hot summer day!

DO LIZARDS EAT ICE CREAM? HOW ANIMALS BEAT THE HEAT by Etta Kaner, illustrated by Jenna Piechota is an amusing and informative book about ways that various animals cool off in the heat. 

POOL PARTY by Amy Duchêne and Elisa Parhad, illustrated by Anne Bentley. This book is a simple, colorful, fun book about one of summer's simple pleasures: a day at the pool!

WATERSONG by Tim McCanna, illustrated by Richard Smythe. What's more refreshing than water? This book's lyrical text about a fox taking shelter during a storm is a delight to read aloud!

Check out our list of 12 Books about Water for some more refreshing reads.

Suggestions for things to discuss:

  • What are some ways you like to beat the heat?
  • Do you prefer hot weather or cold weather? Why?
  • What is your favorite cold treat? Is it something you can make for yourself?
  • When you go swimming, do you jump right in or take it slow?
  • Describe the perfect "beat the heat" party.

Suggestions for things to do: 

  • Go swimming!
  • Head outdoors for a run in the sprinkler or a water gun battle.
  • Make sun tea or lemonade to enjoy in the shade.
  • Stuck indoors? Splash in the tub!
  • Play a game of catch or "hot potato" with water balloons.
  • Make snow cones or homemade popsicles. 
How do you plan on beating the heat this week or the rest of the summer? We'd love to hear about it! Share in the comments or on social media with the hashtag #RDDSummerChallenge.

Also, don't forget about the Summer Challenge Scavenger Hunt! Those who participate will have a chance to win books at the end of the summer.



Comments

Marci said…
Hot Potato with water balloons sounds like a fun activity for any age! These are some great books!
June 30, 2023 at 1:23 PM
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