PARIS — Paris Public Library’s Novel Idea Book Club is a multi-age group of adults and youth who read, learn from and discuss children’s, juvenile and young adult selections with sophisticated content. The focus revolves around various cultures, human rights, or lack of, historical fiction, realistic fiction, biography, and/or selections with a universal message.
The club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, to discuss the 2008 Bank Street — Best Children’s Book of the Year, “Home of the Brave” by author Katherine Applegate.
The historical novel is about an African refugee, Kek, who fled to America. Goodreads provides the following short summary: Kek comes from Africa. In Minnesota, he sees snow for the first time, and feels its sting. He’s never walked on ice, and he falls. He wonders if the people in this new place will be like the winter — cold and unkind.
In Africa, Kek lived with his mother, father, and brother. But only he and his mother have survived and now she’s missing. Kek is on his own. Slowly, he makes friends: a girl who is in foster care, an old woman who owns a rundown farm, and a cow whose name means “family” in Kek’s native language. As Kek awaits word of his mother’s fate, he weathers the tough Minnesota winter by finding warmth in his new friendships, strength in his memories and belief in his new country.
To secure a book, readers should call the library, which will obtain a copy on loan. Call as soon as soon as possible so time will be ample for ordering, receiving and reading.
A refreshment related to the book will be available.
FMI, reserve book: 207-743-6994.
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