Cover to Cover!

A Book Club for Grades 2-3

Cover to Cover is a NEW monthly reading, discussion & activity group for students in grades 2-3. This month, we'll read and compare two different formats of "Garvey's Choice" by Nikki Grimes.

"Garvey's Choice" is a story about a young boy trying to navigate between his own talents and interests and the expectations that others--especially his father--have about who he should be and what he should be good at. We will explore these ideas in two formats somewhat different from our usual chapter-books: first, as a novel-in-verse, written as a series of short poems about Garvey's life, thoughts, fears, friendships, and family; then, in a graphic novel version, where we see the same topics and ideas with the help of the images created by illustrator Theodore Taylor III. Author Nikki Grimes is an award-winning writer of dozens of children's books since the 1970s, sometimes in prose, sometimes poetry, sometimes with an illustrator. In recognition of Black History Month, we feature both a prominent African American author and an African American main character, along with this unique opportunity to compare the same story in two different formats.

You can borrow copies of both formats of "Garvey's Choice" by Nikki Grimes from the Circulation or Information desks at the Connie Morella Library; just ask for the February books for "Cover to Cover!" You can also borrow electronic versions of the novel-in-verse through the library's free app, Libby (or online at mcplmd.overdrive.com), either as an e-book or an e-audiobook, or as an e-audiobook through the Hoopla app or hoopladigital.com. Note that the graphic novel version is not currently available in an electronic format. If you use an electronic version, please contact librarian Jeff Coster (jeffrey.coster@montgomerycountymd.gov) for a copy of the reading guide prepared specially for our group.

Cover to Cover is a brand-new monthly reading, discussion, and activity group created just for students in 2nd and 3rd grade. Each month, we will read a different chapter book that you can check out ahead of time from the Connie Morella Library (or read or listen to on one of our free e-book apps, if available), along with a specially prepared reading guide to help you get ready for the group's next meeting. At each session, we'll have an icebreaker activity and discuss the plot, characters, topics, settings, and themes of the book in a variety of different ways, from traditional question-and-answer discussion to role plays, think-pair-share, fishbowl, and more to encourage fun interaction among the participants. Then we'll finish with an activity related to the book--for example, a small art or craft project or interactive game--to reinforce the main themes or topics. Books will be chosen from among a variety of genres--adventure, humor, realistic fiction, science-fiction, fantasy, mystery--with a range of diverse characters in a variety of different cultural backgrounds and life circumstances. Many of the books used will be from lists of nominees at the appropriate age-level for honors such as the Maryland Association of School Libraries’ Black-Eyed Susan Award and the Maryland Library Association’s Youth Services Division’s Blue Crab Young Reader Award.

We'll use a range of formats, from a traditional book club, possibly with a shared read-aloud component. Volunteers can practice reading out loud to their peers the first chapter of the next month's book, or perhaps a short story or poems chosen for their suitability. This program is designed to support students transitioning from beginning readers and simple chapter books into the next challenge of longer chapter books with more complex vocabulary, different writing styles, and fewer pictures, but all materials chosen for use will be in the general on-level range for ages 7 to 9. 

Library Program Attendance (both virtual and in the branch) is limited to participants within the suggested age range of the program. Children attending an MCPL program under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attending a program intended for children must have an accompanying child.

Questions about this program? Contact the Connie Morella Library at 240-777-0970 or librarian Jeff Coster at jeffrey.coster@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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Accommodation Requests

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing should request English-language captioning or sign-language interpretation at least five days before the library-sponsored program they plan to attend. Contact the Assistant Facilities and Accessibility Program Manager at 240-777-0002 with all other accommodation requests.

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