CHECK IT OUT:Book clubs for kids

Adult book clubs have been rediscovered by many area residents as a fantastic way to read and discuss intriguing and obscure topics with other reading enthusiasts. At the Newport Beach Public Library, kids get into the action too.

Great books for the spring 2007 season are highlighted in two clubs. Gremmies Book Club, which meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 4 p.m., is for third- and fourth-graders. The Grommets Book Club, which meets monthly on the first Tuesday at 4 p.m., is geared toward fifth- and sixth-graders. Registration is required prior to each event, so call the Central Library at (949) 717-3800 or go to www.newportkids.org. Parents and friends are welcome to attend. Like their adult counterparts, this program offers an opportunity to hang out with grade-school readers eager to discuss books just for fun.

GREMMIES READING LIST

“The Barn” by Avi, for Tuesday: The impending death of a parent is a scary time for children, especially during the early, pioneering days in American history. This story deals with 9-year-old Ben, his brother and sister, and the construction of a barn on their Oregon Territory farm land in order to grant their dying father’s last request. Children’s author Avi is well-known and liked in the library’s juvenile section.

“Love That Dog” by Sharon Creech, for April 10: Poetry is a topic not often explored in fiction and even less so in children’s books. In this gentle title, the author presents a young student who comes to love poetry through a personal understanding of what different, famous poems mean to him. A surprise happens when the boy begins to write his own poetry.

“Bandit’s Moon” by Sid Fleischman, for May 8: This exciting adventure story captures all readers who also learn about the mid-1800s California gold-mining era and the robbers rampant during that time. Gremmies will thrill to 12-year-old Annyrose’s recollections about bad guy Joaquin Murieta and his band of roving outlaws. Award-winning children’s author Sid Fleischman delivers a heart-pounding tale for the younger set.

GROMMETS READING LIST

“Never Mind! A Twin Novel” by Avi (the discussion date has passed, but children can read it anyway): Avi offers a hilarious look at 12-year-old fraternal twins who think they have nothing in common. New York City urban cool Meg and Edward are shocked when Meg’s hopes for school popularity and Edward’s mischievous schemes collide. Prepare for laughter and a deeper understanding of what it means to be related.

“The Beloved Dearly” by Doug Cooney, for April 3: A sequel to “I Know Who Likes You” by the same author, this title is able to stand alone as it follows 12-year-old wannabe business tycoon Ernie and his pet funeral business. When Ernie doesn’t share his newfound wealth with his “employee,” his business starts to fail. What happens when Ernie’s own beloved pet dog dies? And what will Ernie’s father say about this forbidden business enterprise?

“The Nose from Jupiter” by Richard Scrimger, for May 1: A sequel to “A Nose for Adventure” by the same author, this title will continue to tickle funny bones with the further adventures of Alan Dingwall and an extraterrestrial being from Jupiter named Norbert. How can Alan have a normal relationship with his mother, his friends, and especially the bullies on the rival soccer team with a squeaky-voiced alien living in his nose?