The link above references Kathy Isaacs' article, "Promoting Literature through Book Discussion: Capitol Choices." It offers an excellent overview of the history and mission of Capitol Choices.
Join us for the "Breathless" tour. Four new and popular authors of books for teens (Marie Lu, Beth Revis, Andrea Cremer and Jessica Spotswood) will take part in a panel discussion at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Rd., Bethesda MD 20814 at 5pm on Thursday Feb. 16th, 5pm. Annette Curtis Klause (author and librarian) will moderate the panel. All are invited.
Would you like to become or remain a reading group member for Capitol Choices? Be sure to email the facilitator for whichever group you'd like to join. We are welcoming four new facilitators this year, so be sure to check the Join Us page to see who they are! As an added bonus you'll also find the 2012 meeting dates!
Hazel is battling cancer, and is depressed and isolated with only her parents for company. She reluctantly attends a cancer support group session, meets fellow cancer survivor Augustus and her world opens up to love, fun and adventure. These two are on an endearing ride of hope and loss. Fourteen and Up. Kathie Weinberg
Since her father left before she was born, Pearl has always lived with her mother and grandmother. Granny has taught her that poems do not have to rhyme, and Pearl resents having to write them “with lots of rhyme and rhythm,” like her teacher, Miss Bruff, expects. Pearl has an especially difficult time with rhyme and feels no rhythm in her life now that Granny has become ill and no longer recognizes her. This story aptly captures Pearl’s feelings of loneliness as she faces the loss of her grandmother. Seven to Ten. Lynda Adamson
With relish, wit, and obvious enjoyment, Bragg expounds upon the disgusting illnesses, medical treatments, ailments, deaths, and autopsies of 19 famous people through history. As much a primer on famous people and historical times as about their gory demises, this has far more to offer than it's mere yuck factor... although the explosion of Henry VIII's corpse will make a great section to booktalk! Ten to Fourteen. Rhona Campbell
Vera Dietz and Charlie Kahn have been best friends since childhood. However, by the start of their senior year they've grown apart. When Charlie dies a mysterious death Vera is plagued by guilt. The narrative, maily from Vera's point of view is intercepted with asides which works really well in audio. Unforgettable characters, superbly written and a great narrator makes for a memorable audio experience. Ages 14+ Maria E. Gentle
Cat's friend Patrick is a victim of a hate crime targeting gays. She becomes obsessed with finding out what happened the night of Patrick's attack. As she investigates, the gritty elements of her small southern town are exposed. 14 and Up. Kathie Weinberg
What happens when a 14 year old asthmatic wakes up in the body of a "jock" tough guy named Flip and no one believes him. This is a story about identity, belonging, friendship, all things that have strong appeal to y/as. The writing is subtle and the story believable. Edie Ching (This title will appear on the April agenda.)
Death narrates the harrowing story of Liesel Meminger, an orphaned girl in Nazi Germany. Her foster father nurtures her love of books, many of them forbidden, and she shares them with both Max, a Jew hiding in the basement, and a classmate, Rudy.
Popular Samantha has a perfect life until she dies in a car crash. When she awakens the next morning in her own bed, she relives the fatal day seven times. Each instance reveals new perspectives about herself and the people she has known.
