Mother/Daughter Book Club Provides

Upcoming Discussions

By Tanjua Damon

Mother and daughter pairs will come together beginning October 11 at the C.H. Booth Library in Newtown to read and discuss four books about girls affected by World War II.

The program, entitled “Power Talks II: Courage Under Fire,” allows mothers and daughter to discuss particular books and life experiences brought out of the books. The program is brought to the library through the Connecticut Humanities Council.

Pat Miniter, a 31-year veteran of the New Haven School system and one of their first elementary school librarians, will lead the discussion of the four books to be reviewed by the pairs. There will be four books over a four-week period starting October 11 with Meet Molly: An American Girl by Valerie Tripp; on October 25, Love you, Solider by Amy Hest; November 8, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry; and November 22, In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bao Lord. The program runs from 7 to 8 pm all four evenings.

Children’s Librarian Alana Maloni said all four books target different reading levels and will open the discussion to a wider audience.

“Not all kids are at the same place,” she said. “This way everyone will be able to participate. It’s going to appeal to a wider range of groups.”

The duo teams have to read the books in advance, Ms Maloni said. The library does have several copies of the books.

Kim Weber and her 9-year-old daughter who is in the fourth grade at Head O’ Meadow will be participating in the book club and have already read the books.

“We’re a family that loves to read,” Mrs Weber said. “I’m in several discussion groups, but I have never done one with my daughter.”

Mrs Weber believes the books are a good choice and will offer insight to young girls and their mothers.

“I liked the books,” she said. “I thought they would make for interesting discussion. We’re just lucky our children like to read.”

Ms Maloni said the four-part series has brought others into the library who are willing to run other similar programs in the future.

“I’ve had a couple people willing to lead discussions – people who have done this one their own,” she said. “This opens the door for other programs.”

You must apply for this particular type of program to be brought to the local library, Ms Maloni said. It often has to be done in advance since there is a great demand for such a program.

Local Girl Scout Troop 40 is co-sponsoring the event. There are 25 mother/daughter spaces available. There is still room, but spaces are filling up. Stop by the library or call 426-3851.