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message 1: by Johanna (last edited Oct 14, 2020 07:44PM) (new)

Johanna Ellwood (jpellwood) | 327 comments SEPTEMBER

1. First Day of Fall

πŸ‚ Read a book published in September, October, or November: Majesty (September), Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia (September)

2. National Read a Book Day

πŸ‚ Read a book that is the next in a series you've already started: Majesty

3. Fall or Autumn?

πŸ‚ Read a book whose title starts with a letter in FALL or AUTUMN: American Royals

4. September Birthday: Shel Silverstein

πŸ‚ Read a book written between 1930 and 1999:
A Light in the Attic

OCTOBER

1. Pumpkin Spice Everything

πŸŽƒ Read a book whose title starts with a letter in SPICE: Camino Winds

2. October Birthday: R.L. Stine

πŸŽƒ Read a book in which the title starts with a letter in GOOSEBUMPS: Oona Out of Order

3. World Mental Health Day

πŸŽƒ Read a book where one of the author's initials is found in MENTAL HEALTH: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

4. Halloween

πŸŽƒ Read a book that won or was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award or the Shirley Jackson Award: The Cabin at the End of the World

NOVEMBER

1. National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day

🌻 Read a book featuring a main character whose name starts with a letter in HERSHEYS: Thirteen Reasons Why (Hannah)

2. November for Beginners

🌻Read a book by an author who won or was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Award, NAACP Image Award, or a National Book Award:
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler (NAACP nominee 2005)

3. But it's spring?

🌻Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase SMELL LIKE DIRT: A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa

4. November Birthday: C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle

🌻 Read a book written by either C.S. Lewis or Madeleine L'Engle: The Magician's Nephew


message 2: by Johanna (last edited Oct 11, 2020 02:24PM) (new)

Johanna Ellwood (jpellwood) | 327 comments SEPTEMBER

1. First Day of Fall

September 22nd marks the first official day of the fall season! This is marked by the autumnal equinox. After the autumnal equinox, the sun is rising later and nightfall comes sooner, and it stays this way until winter begins.

a. Read a book that contains a 2 in the page number: Kindred (287 pages), Looking for Alaska (221 pages), Majesty (320 pages), Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia (288 pages), Thirteen Reasons Why (352 pages)
b. Read a book published in September, October, or November: American Royals (September), Majesty (September), Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia (September), Station Eleven (September), Thirteen Reasons Why (October)
c. Read a book in which a significant event takes place at night: Camino Winds, Kindred , A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea, Station Eleven, Thirteen Reasons Why

2. National Read a Book Day

Our favorite holiday!

a. Read a book by a new-to-you author: American Royals by Katharine McGee, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia by Jean Sasson, A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa,Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
b. Read a book that is the next in a series you've already started: Majesty
c. Read a book that can be read in one day: Camino Winds, Majesty, A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea

3. Fall or Autumn?

Do you call this season fall or autumn? According to Merriam-Webster, the word autumn is the older of the two, but many poets used the term "the fall of the leaves", which was eventually shortened to "fall". Whatever you call it, it is upon us! (You can read more about the differences between fall and autumn here.)

a. Read a book whose title starts with a letter in FALL or AUTUMN: American Royals,Jay Asher Looking for Alaska, Majesty, Thirteen Reasons Why
b. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with A or F: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
c. Read a book that shows leaves on the cover: Camino Winds

4. September Birthday: Shel Silverstein

Famous poet Shel Silverstein was born on September 25, 1930. While most know him for his silly poetry in Where the Sidewalk Ends, few people know that he is also a Grammy winner. He wrote Johnny Cash's famous hit song "A Boy Named Sue", and earned a Grammy for this songwriting.

a. Read a humorous book
b. Read a book written between 1930 and 1999:
A Light in the AtticKindred (published 1979), Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
c. Read a book by an author named Sue or with a character named Sue (reasonable variations like Susan, Susanne, or Suzette are allowed.)


message 3: by Johanna (last edited Oct 14, 2020 04:37PM) (new)

Johanna Ellwood (jpellwood) | 327 comments OCTOBER

1. Pumpkin Spice Everything

Pumpkin Spice is an American spice blend that is used in baking pumpkin pie. It is generally a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. When Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte, the use of pumpkin spice in fall drinks and food rose to popularity.

a. Read a book that has orange on the cover.
b. Read a book whose title starts with a letter in SPICE: Camino Winds, Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia, Station Eleven
c. Read a book in which food plays a role in the book:

2. October Birthday: R.L. Stine

R.L. Stine was born on October 8, 1943 in Ohio. He's best known for his Goosebumps series, which have frightened and delighted kids since 1992. He's also written for TV shows and has published humorous books, and his favorite thriller is Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury.

a. Read a children's or YA book.
b. Read a book in which the title starts with a letter in GOOSEBUMPS: Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia, Station Eleven
c. Read a book by R.L. Stine or Ray Bradbury.

3. World Mental Health Day

In 1992, the World Federation of Mental Health created World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10 each year. The primary objective of this day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

a. Read a book where one of the author's initials is found in MENTAL HEALTH: American Royals by Katharine McGee, Majesty by Katharine McGee, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
b. Read a book featuring a healthcare worker.
c. Read a book featuring a character who struggles with their mental health.

4. Halloween

Halloween, or All Hallow's Eve, is celebrated the night before the Christian holiday of All Souls Day. Traditions for Halloween vary, but often include a mixture of fall and fantastical activities.

a. Read a horror book.
b. Read a book in which the main character has a disguise.
c. Read a book that won or was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award or the Shirley Jackson Award: The Cabin at the End of the World (Bram Stoker award 2019)


message 4: by Johanna (last edited Oct 11, 2020 02:19PM) (new)

Johanna Ellwood (jpellwood) | 327 comments NOVEMBER

1. National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day

Why is this a holiday? We aren't sure. But we will celebrate with a bar of our favorite chocolate, if only because now we have a great excuse.

a. Read a book that has brown on the cover.
b. Read a book featuring a main character whose name starts with a letter in HERSHEYS: American Royals (Samantha), Kindred (Rufus), Majesty (Samantha), Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia (Sultana)
c. Read a book featuring an eccentric ("nutty") character: Station Eleven (The Prophet)

2. November for Beginners

In her poem "November for Beginners", Rita Dove describes the gloominess and in-between feeling of the month of November, and looks forward to spring. To read more about Rita Dove, click here.

a. Read a book whose title features at least one word that is mentioned in the poem (word must be 4 letters or longer).
b. Read a collection of poetry or a book written in verse.
c. Read a book by an author who won or was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Award, NAACP Image Award, or a National Book Award:
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler (NAACP nominee 2005)

3. But it's spring?

It's only autumn in the northern hemisphere. While we descend into the cold winter days, our southern friends are welcoming the sunshine and springtime. "In spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." - Margaret Atwood

a. Read a book with a green or yellow cover.
b. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase SMELL LIKE DIRT: A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
c. Read a book found on one of these lists:
- Goodread's 2020 Big Books of Spring: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires
- Modern Mrs. Darcy's Springtime Reading List: Anne of Green Gables, A Room with a View
- InspireMe's Books to Read in the Spring: Absent in the Spring, A Room with a View
- Quartz's Perfect Books for the Season: Circe, The Idiot, Less

4. November Birthday: C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle

Two novelists most well known for their ability to transport children to new worlds were born on the same day - November 29! Lewis, born in 1898, is best known for his Narnia series and Christian writings. L'Engle, born in 1918, is best known for her Time Quintet series, which many believe have Christian underpinnings.

a. Read a fantasy novel.
b. Read a book with religious themes: Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
c. Read a book written by either C.S. Lewis or Madeleine L'Engle: The Magician's Nephew


message 5: by Johanna (last edited Nov 19, 2020 06:14PM) (new)

Johanna Ellwood (jpellwood) | 327 comments Round 2

1. First Day of Fall
πŸ‚ Read a book in which a significant event takes place at night:
The Loop

2. National Read a Book Day

πŸ‚ Read a book by a new-to-you author:
Upright Women Wanted

3. Fall or Autumn?

Do you call this season fall or autumn? According to Merriam-Webster, the word autumn is the older of the two, but many poets used the term "the fall of the leaves", which was eventually shortened to "fall". Whatever you call it, it is upon us! (You can read more about the differences between fall and autumn here.)

a. Read a book whose title starts with a letter in FALL or AUTUMN:
b. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with A or F:
c. Read a book that shows leaves on the cover:

4. September Birthday: Shel Silverstein

Famous poet Shel Silverstein was born on September 25, 1930. While most know him for his silly poetry in Where the Sidewalk Ends, few people know that he is also a Grammy winner. He wrote Johnny Cash's famous hit song "A Boy Named Sue", and earned a Grammy for this songwriting.

a. Read a humorous book
b. Read a book written between 1930 and 1999:
c. Read a book by an author named Sue or with a character named Sue (reasonable variations like Susan, Susanne, or Suzette are allowed.)

OCTOBER

1. Pumpkin Spice Everything

πŸŽƒ Read a book that has orange on the cover: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires

2. October Birthday: R.L. Stine

R.L. Stine was born on October 8, 1943 in Ohio. He's best known for his Goosebumps series, which have frightened and delighted kids since 1992. He's also written for TV shows and has published humorous books, and his favorite thriller is Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury.

a. Read a children's or YA book.
b. Read a book in which the title starts with a letter in GOOSEBUMPS:
c. Read a book by R.L. Stine or Ray Bradbury.

3. World Mental Health Day

πŸŽƒ Read a book featuring a character who struggles with their mental health:
The Night Visitors

4. Halloween

πŸŽƒ Read a horror book: A Head Full of Ghosts

NOVEMBER

1. National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day

Why is this a holiday? We aren't sure. But we will celebrate with a bar of our favorite chocolate, if only because now we have a great excuse.

a. Read a book that has brown on the cover.
b. Read a book featuring a main character whose name starts with a letter in HERSHEYS:
c. Read a book featuring an eccentric ("nutty") character:

2. November for Beginners

In her poem "November for Beginners", Rita Dove describes the gloominess and in-between feeling of the month of November, and looks forward to spring. To read more about Rita Dove, click here.

a. Read a book whose title features at least one word that is mentioned in the poem (word must be 4 letters or longer).
b. Read a collection of poetry or a book written in verse.
c. Read a book by an author who won or was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Award, NAACP Image Award, or a National Book Award:


3. But it's spring?

🌻 Read a book with a green or yellow cover:
Every Last Secret

4. November Birthday: C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle

Two novelists most well known for their ability to transport children to new worlds were born on the same day - November 29! Lewis, born in 1898, is best known for his Narnia series and Christian writings. L'Engle, born in 1918, is best known for her Time Quintet series, which many believe have Christian underpinnings.

a. Read a fantasy novel.
b. Read a book with religious themes:
c. Read a book written by either C.S. Lewis or Madeleine L'Engle:


message 6: by Johanna (last edited Oct 29, 2020 06:28PM) (new)

Johanna Ellwood (jpellwood) | 327 comments Round 2

1. First Day of Fall

September 22nd marks the first official day of the fall season! This is marked by the autumnal equinox. After the autumnal equinox, the sun is rising later and nightfall comes sooner, and it stays this way until winter begins.

a. Read a book that contains a 2 in the page number:
b. Read a book published in September, October, or November:
c. Read a book in which a significant event takes place at night: The Loop

2. National Read a Book Day

Our favorite holiday!

a. Read a book by a new-to-you author:
b. Read a book that is the next in a series you've already started:
c. Read a book that can be read in one day: Upright Women Wanted

3. Fall or Autumn?

Do you call this season fall or autumn? According to Merriam-Webster, the word autumn is the older of the two, but many poets used the term "the fall of the leaves", which was eventually shortened to "fall". Whatever you call it, it is upon us! (You can read more about the differences between fall and autumn here.)

a. Read a book whose title starts with a letter in FALL or AUTUMN:
b. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with A or F:
c. Read a book that shows leaves on the cover:

4. September Birthday: Shel Silverstein

Famous poet Shel Silverstein was born on September 25, 1930. While most know him for his silly poetry in Where the Sidewalk Ends, few people know that he is also a Grammy winner. He wrote Johnny Cash's famous hit song "A Boy Named Sue", and earned a Grammy for this songwriting.

a. Read a humorous book
b. Read a book written between 1930 and 1999:
c. Read a book by an author named Sue or with a character named Sue (reasonable variations like Susan, Susanne, or Suzette are allowed.)

OCTOBER

1. Pumpkin Spice Everything

Pumpkin Spice is an American spice blend that is used in baking pumpkin pie. It is generally a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. When Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte, the use of pumpkin spice in fall drinks and food rose to popularity.

a. Read a book that has orange on the cover.
b. Read a book whose title starts with a letter in SPICE:
c. Read a book in which food plays a role in the book:

2. October Birthday: R.L. Stine

R.L. Stine was born on October 8, 1943 in Ohio. He's best known for his Goosebumps series, which have frightened and delighted kids since 1992. He's also written for TV shows and has published humorous books, and his favorite thriller is Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury.

a. Read a children's or YA book.
b. Read a book in which the title starts with a letter in GOOSEBUMPS:
c. Read a book by R.L. Stine or Ray Bradbury.

3. World Mental Health Day

In 1992, the World Federation of Mental Health created World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10 each year. The primary objective of this day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

a. Read a book where one of the author's initials is found in MENTAL HEALTH:
b. Read a book featuring a healthcare worker.
c. Read a book featuring a character who struggles with their mental health.

4. Halloween

Halloween, or All Hallow's Eve, is celebrated the night before the Christian holiday of All Souls Day. Traditions for Halloween vary, but often include a mixture of fall and fantastical activities.

a. Read a horror book: A Head Full of Ghosts
b. Read a book in which the main character has a disguise.
c. Read a book that won or was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award or the Shirley Jackson Award:

NOVEMBER

1. National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day

Why is this a holiday? We aren't sure. But we will celebrate with a bar of our favorite chocolate, if only because now we have a great excuse.

a. Read a book that has brown on the cover.
b. Read a book featuring a main character whose name starts with a letter in HERSHEYS:
c. Read a book featuring an eccentric ("nutty") character:

2. November for Beginners

In her poem "November for Beginners", Rita Dove describes the gloominess and in-between feeling of the month of November, and looks forward to spring. To read more about Rita Dove, click here.

a. Read a book whose title features at least one word that is mentioned in the poem (word must be 4 letters or longer).
b. Read a collection of poetry or a book written in verse.
c. Read a book by an author who won or was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Award, NAACP Image Award, or a National Book Award:


3. But it's spring?

It's only autumn in the northern hemisphere. While we descend into the cold winter days, our southern friends are welcoming the sunshine and springtime. "In spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." - Margaret Atwood

a. Read a book with a green or yellow cover.
b. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase SMELL LIKE DIRT:
c. Read a book found on one of these lists:
- Goodread's 2020 Big Books of Spring: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires
- Modern Mrs. Darcy's Springtime Reading List: Anne of Green Gables, A Room with a View
- InspireMe's Books to Read in the Spring: Absent in the Spring, A Room with a View
- Quartz's Perfect Books for the Season: Circe, The Idiot, Less

4. November Birthday: C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle

Two novelists most well known for their ability to transport children to new worlds were born on the same day - November 29! Lewis, born in 1898, is best known for his Narnia series and Christian writings. L'Engle, born in 1918, is best known for her Time Quintet series, which many believe have Christian underpinnings.

a. Read a fantasy novel.
b. Read a book with religious themes:
c. Read a book written by either C.S. Lewis or Madeleine L'Engle:


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