Summer Book Discussion

Please join us for a book discussion this summer! There are two novels to choose from so that we can be more inclusive of readers of different ages and reading levels. Though both novels are YA (young adult) fiction, parents and other adult readers are welcome to read and attend as well. Below is a brief synopsis of each novel:

Option 1: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does or does not say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

Recommended ages 14 and up by Common Sense Media

Option 2: The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

In this Newbery Medal-winning novel, Daniel bar Jamin is fired by only one passion: to avenge his father's death by crucifixion by driving the Roman legions from his land of Israel. He joins an outlaw band and leads a dangerous life of spying, plotting, and impatiently waiting to seek revenge. Headstrong Daniel is devoid of tenderness and forgiveness, heading down a destructive path toward disaster until he hears the lessons taught by Jesus of Nazareth.

Amazon recommends this novel for grades 5-7

Because we will be meeting only once, please read the book of your choice before our discussion on the 6th and come prepared to talk about it! If you are unable to purchase a copy of the novel of your choice, please email Jenn atjenkubit@gmail.com. Copies of The Bronze Bow will be available in the Bonhoeffer room beginning Tuesday, July 18th.