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January Girls Read/Guys Read

 Did you know that we have two parent/child book clubs every month at the Provo City Library? They are for children ages 9-12 and a caregiver. This month, they will meet virtually on Zoom on January 26 (girls) and January 28 (guys). Pre-register under the Kids Corner/Program Registration tab on the library website and then pick up a copy of the book at the Children's Desk. We have two great books to discuss this month:

Girls


By Adam Gidwitz
Illustrated by Hatem Aly
New York, NY: Dutton Children's Books, 2016. Fantasy.

In 1242, three children, each magical in different ways, set out on the run across medieval France with their holy dog, Gwenforte. Their story unfolds piece by piece as it is told by a cast of characters who each know a bit of the story. Jeanne, a young peasant girl who can see the future, Jacob a Jewish boy with healing powers, and William, a half-African Christian oblate with superhuman strength, crisscross their way across France hoping to clear their names. Along the way, they encounter a host of trials and adventures. This book is the perfect mix of humor, history, adventure, and epic-fantasy. This Newbery Honoree is sure to engage young readers while sharing a timely message of unity.

Guys


By Jonathan Auxier
New York: Amulet Books, 2018. Fantasy.

Nan Sparrow is a ten-year-old orphan girl who spends her days working as a chimney sweep. Because she is small and quick, she is one of the best "climbing boys" in all of London. One day, when climbing up a flue, she gets stuck and is certain she is going to die when another climbing boy starts a fire in the fireplace. Instead, the mysterious lump of coal she carries in her pocket is brought to life by the burning fire. Her lucky "char" becomes a golem named Charlie and the two misfits become responsible for one another. This is a historical fantasy novel about adventure, friendship, and discovery told in lovely classic-feeling writing. This award-winning novel is a favorite of several Provo City Librarians.

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