Good Reads

Book Discussion Kits for Kids

Young adult and juvenile book discussion kits feature a range of genres and literary styles, exposing readings to a variety of issues designed to promote thought and discussion. Each kit contains a set of thirty identical books accompanied by a book discussion guide. Click on a title to find out if it is available and be sure to read the discussion questions!* (We also have Book Discussion Kits for teens)

	Because of Winn Dixie By Kate DiCamillo Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni describes her first summer in the town of Naomi, Florida, and all the good things that happen to her because of her big ugly dog Winn-Dixie. Suggested for Grades 3 & up
	Bud Not Buddy By Christopher Paul Curtis Ten-year-old Bud, a motherless boy living in Flint, Michigan, during the Great Depression, escapes a bad foster home and sets out in search of the man he believes to be his father--the renowned bandleader, H.E. Calloway of Grand Rapids. Suggested for Grades 4 & up Discussion Guide
	Chasing Vermeer By Blue Balliett Three adults receive an anonymous letter one night asking for their help in solving a century old crime. The crime becomes the obsession of people around the world including two middle school students at the University of Chicago’s Laboratory School. Suggested for Grades 5 & up Discussion Guide
	Charlie and the Chocolate Factory By Roald Dahl The adventure begins when Mr. Wonka decides to open up his world-class, top-secret chocolate factory to five lucky children. Four of of the children don’t make it out quite the way they came in. Suggested for Grades 5 & up Discussion Guide
	David Macauay Collection By David Macaulay A set of 10 copies of four different David Macaulay titles. Each kit includes ten copies of: Black and White, Shortcut, Rome Antics, and Angelo. Create a discussion about different illustration styles, architecture, perspective, jokes and puns, and much more. Suggested for Grades 3 & up Discussion Guide
	Frog and Toad Collection By Arnold Lobel A set of 10 copies of four different David Macaulay titles. Each kit includes ten copies of: Black and White, Shortcut, Rome Antics, and Angelo. Create a discussion about different illustration styles, architecture, perspective, jokes and puns, and much more. Suggested for Grades 3 & up Discussion Guide
	Hoot By Carl Hiaasen Roy, who is new to his small Florida community, becomes involved in another boy's attempt to save a colony of burrowing owls from a proposed construction site. Suggested for Grades 5 & up Discussion Guide
	Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key By Jack Gantos To the constant disappointment of his mother and his teachers, Joey has trouble paying attention or controlling his mood swings when his prescription meds wear off and he starts getting worked up and acting wired. Suggested for Grades 4 & up Discussion Guide
	Locomotion By Jacqueline Woodson Lonnie’s had a rough life for an 11 year old. Four years ago, his parents died in a fire. Then his sister was adopted by a family while Lonnie remained in foster care. Lonnie has a hard time expressing his feelings. His teacher, Ms. Marcus, comes up with a plan. She suggests that Lonnie write his thoughts in poetry. All forms of poetry—haiku, sonnets, free verse. Suggested for Grades 4 & up Discussion Guide
	Love That Dog By Sharon Creech In this novel in verse we meet Jack, a reluctant student of poetry. Throughout his school year in Miss Stretchberry’s class he learns the power of words and how to express himself through poetry. Suggested for Grades 3 & up Discussion Guide
	The Tale of Desperaux By Kate DeCamillo A tiny mouse, Despereaux, defies all odds by surviving childhood despite being born with his eyes open, ears half as big as his head, and the smallest stature of a known mouse. When the tiny mouse hears music for the first time, Despereaux deifies all the laws of his kingdom and goes into the light whereupon he sees the love of his life—a human princess. Suggested for Grades 4 & up Discussion Guide