Mother Daughter Book Club Meeting # 15

Summary: When nine-year-old Allie Finkle's parents announce that they are moving her and her brothers from their suburban split-level into an ancient Victorian in town, Allie's sure her life is over. She's not at all happy about having to give up her pretty pink wall-to-wall carpeting for creaky floorboards and creepy secret passageways-not to mention leaving her modern, state-of-the-art suburban school for a rundown, old-fashioned school just two blocks from her new house. With a room she's half-scared to go into, the burden of being "the new girl," and her old friends all a half-hour car ride away, how will Allie ever learn to fit in? -- Scholastic

After I read ALLIE FINKLE'S RULES FOR GIRLS: MOVING DAY by Meg Cabot, I had a feeling that it was going to be a winner for our Mother-Daughter book club. I mean, how can you not love Meg Cabot? While I initially wanted my daughter to pick a more "book club/discussion worth" type pick, I actually think the book was perfect for our girls. I was amazed by how much we found to talk about, and most of the girls actively participated in the discussion -- it ended up being a wonderful "book club" discussion!

All of the girls loved the book, and that was precisely the goal of my daughter when she selected it. Last month we read an excellent book EACH LITTLE BIRD THAT SINGS, but it did deal with some heavy issues. I think Allie Finkle with all of its humor was a great followup to that. The girls were all very excited to discuss Allie and her actions, and some of the girls even said it was one of their favorite books that we've read.

We had a fantastic turnout yesterday for our meeting -- nine moms and daughters. Some months the girls begin discussing the book without their moms; however, I really wanted us to all sit together and talk. I was so happy when all 18 of us sat down and shared our thoughts about this book! Booking Daughter did a fantastic job of writing questions (without my help I might add.) It was so cute to hear all of the girls discussing their favorite parts of the book -- there were lots of giggles around the room. I also thought it was positively adorable that a few of the girls started their own "rule books."

There is no doubt that Meg Cabot has created a winning series in Allie Finkle. All of the girls not only loved this book, but they all want to read the next three books too. Thank goodness for writers like Ms. Cabot who can nurture a love of reading in our kids!

Next month, we will be reading the Newbery Award winning book MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien. When this book was announced at our meeting, I exclaimed that I remembered reading it when I was a kid. Of course, I don't really remember any specifics about it because it's been a very long time! I do, however, remember that a movie was made based on the book when I was in middle school. I think the girls should really enjoy this one. Right now, it looks like Booking Daughter and I won't be able to make the meeting next month; but I still want us to read the book and discuss it together.

Summary: Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service. -- Aladdin