We enjoyed using the questions from the back of the Scholastic edition of the book as a basis for our discussion. Some of the group felt that this book would not be appropriate for young children, preferring to save this book for children in fourth grade and above - others didn't have the same reservations. The main reasons for concern were: the inability of parental figures to help the children when they were in trouble, some of the taboos that the children engaged in (taking candy from strangers, doing things that didn't feel right, etc.) and some of the characters (thugs) that might be frightening for younger readers.
We all liked the special powers of the candies and talked about which candy/power we would most like to have which proved to be an entertaining part of our conversation. We liked how the kids wanted their parents to be involved and how they realized that they needed their help when they were in trouble. We liked that it is a fun novel for children with some really good messages. Some of the children we know who have read it really, really enjoyed it and loved the fantasy of it all.
We enjoyed lots of super yummy treats including "white fudge", "shock bits", "Ironsides", "Sweet Tooth" and more! Thanks to everyone for a fun discussion!!! Please feel free to comment and share other insights or thoughts about last night's meeting.
Our next book: The 5 Languages of Love by Gary Chapman - see side bar for more info on our next meeting!
I like the variety of books that we're reading. This group gives me new things to read that I probably wouldn't have. That's what I liked about this book. My son read it, so it was a good opportunity for me to read it too, that way I know what he's reading. I admit, it would have been more enjoyable to read if I had not read it from a parent's perspective. There were some things I liked about the book and some things I didn't, but it was a book that my son enjoyed. Thanks for the suggestion to read it and for sharing all your ideas.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Dacia...I like the variety of books we are reading. It's so fun to read something I wouldn't have thought of before! Thanks to all the Rexburg Readers for making it happen! :)
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