We had a small but vocal group at our last meeting. We began with the discussion of our novel,
Ghost by Jason Reynolds. Everyone found something to like in this story of a young boy becoming involved with track running in order to help him forget a bad experience in his life as well as to prepare to become a great basketball player. We all liked how the story developed as he learned many things about himself--getting along with others, discipline, being honest, and receiving consequences for his mistakes. A couple of readers loved the book; others liked parts of it, but felt that some of the language was confusing: changing from vernacular in the dialogue to quite literate prose (in 'Ghost's' voice) as he described what was happening. Some also felt that all of the adults portrayed were just "too good," and that this wasn't realistic. We all agreed that this book served very well in the role of "a mirror and a window" -- a story where black youngsters like 'Ghost' could see themselves and their community reflected in the story, while others could learn about a community about which they might have no knowledge or experience. Upon learning that this book was the first in a series of four books about different members of 'Ghost's' track team, a few people expressed desires to read the other three books also. We commended the author on his compelling storytelling.
Stunning, gorgeous, exquisite -- we could not find enough adjectives to describe the magnificent illustrations in our picture book,
The Antlered Ship by Dashka Slater and illustrated by brothers Terry and Eric Fan. We loved the intricate details of the ship, the expressions on the animals faces, the geographical elements, and the various 'props' that were included on the animals' sea voyage in search of a 'wonderful island.' The story however, was another matter. A couple of readers loved it. One (a traveler) loved the aspect of how travel is always a learning experience. Another said she couldn't wait to have a grandchild to whom to read this story. But some of us felt the story would not be so interesting to young children as a read-aloud since it had issues that seemed too obscure, and generally just fell flat. And so it goes...
