Our Spring Riffraff Selections
An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo
Historical fiction set at the end of WW II in Dresden, Germany. When their city is bombed, Lizzie, Karl & their zoo-keeper mother must flee on foot to safety, taking an orphaned elephant named Marlene with them. They find help in unlikely places as they learn to trust in the goodness of others and in the love they have for each other. Based on true events, this book is for those interested in adventure, animals and/or history.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds (UPDATE: this book club has, sadly, been cancelled due to schedule accommodations for in-person learning)
Realistic fiction set in current times. Ghost (real name Castle Cranshaw) loves to run, but, after a young childhood of much difficulties and tragedy, he’s learned to use his skill to run INTO trouble, not away from hit. New possibilities arise when he meets Coach, an ex-Olympic medalist who sees past the trouble to the goodness and talent Ghost possesses. For those that like to read about overcoming adversity (troubles), persevering, sports and finding people who believe in you! Book 1 in a four-part series (the Track series).
The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
Realistic fiction, set in
current times. After her former best
friend, Franny, dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true
cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting. The story flashes back and forth between
Suzy’s present-day search to prove her theory and the past year’s decline of
their friendship as Franny becomes more interested in other friends and rejects
Susy. It’s a tough, sometimes mean yet
still beautiful story. For those
interested in reading about friendship, hurt, grief, loss & love.