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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Snack and Story Time: Books and Movies Edition!

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It's the last week of the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge, and it's a fun one! In keeping with the Books and Movies theme for this week, we've come up with a list of snacks to pair with books and their movies. You can enjoy these snacks with the books on their own or during a book-themed movie night (hopefully after you've read the book). Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have a fun and delicious time!

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater 

Fish sticks, popsicles, slushies, goldfish crackers.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Soup would be the perfect choice to accompany this book and/or movie. Cheese and crackers would also be a good idea.

Holes by Louis Sachar

Peaches and onions! Peaches can be canned or fresh, but canned would be especially appropriate. And for the daring, maybe an onion tasting party. You could also have onion flavored snacks such as Funions, sour cream and onion chips, veggies or chips with French onion dip, or onion bagels!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Sweet treats, of course! Be sure to include a variety of chocolate, some blueberries, and maybe a sampling of "Wonka" treats. 

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Duplicate the meal the Pevensie children had with Mr. and Mrs Beaver: fish and chips, with a "marmalade roll" for dessert. Cinnamon rolls could be an acceptable alternative. Don't forget the tea! You could also sample some Turkish delight and top it all off with a cup of hot chocolate!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett, illustrated by Ron Barrett

The obvious choice here would be meatballs! Maybe meatballs in marina sauce. Or barbecue sauce! Or a sweet and sour glaze! But you could choose something else featured in the book as well. Like giant pancakes or even mashed potatoes with a pat of golden, melting butter.

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Edible mud! Simply mix chocolate pudding with crushed Oreos for a delicious treat.

The BFG by Roald Dahl

A carbonated beverage is a must! Too bad we can't make the bubbles go down instead of up!

As we wrap up the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge, we want to say thank you to everyone who has followed along. We hope that we have helped to make your summer full of reading, connection, and fun! If you've missed a theme, catch up any time. There is no deadline to reading and connecting with your kids through books! There is a deadline for the Summer Challenge Scavenger Hunt, though! Be sure to have your scavenger hunt form to us (readdiscussdo@gmail.com) by Wednesday, August 16 for a chance to win a book to add to your library. The winner will be announced on Friday, August 18. You must be at least 18 years old and have a U.S. mailing address to be eligible to win.


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