Gregory, Kristiana. Bronte’s Book Club.
Holiday House, 2008, 145p, $16.95, 978-0-8234-2136-7
Realistic Fiction
At twelve years old, Bronte has to move from New Mexico to the California coast where her parents bought a restaurant. Bronte vows to overcome her shyness by starting a book club. The first book for discussion is Island of the Blue Dolphins which is set on an island almost within sight of the small town. Starting with disaster, the club has no where to go but up. Eventually, four girls join for various reasons. Bronte is frustrated that the discussions center on personal stuff but eventually the girls do connect with the themes of the book. They laugh, cry, quarrel, and eat snacks as they forge a close bond of understanding and mutual support.
The message of the importance of opening up to friends and sharing personal thoughts and fears come through in the story. Gently written, there is one episode of danger when the girls enter a coastal cave.
Supplemental material includes a suggestion of how to start a book club and a recipe for Bronte’s brownies. Recommended for grade 3-6. JT
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