From our friends at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Each year, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library hosts a Community Read, in which librarians select a book to be read and discussed by everyone in the community. This year, the Community Read takes place in October, and the Library recently announced that the book adults will be reading and talking about during this spooky month will be Frankenstein, the classic novel by Mary Shelley. But it’s not just about grown-ups! Librarians have also picked age-appropriate companion titles to become the focus of fun teen and children’s activities—everyone is invited to Community Read!
The companion titles for younger readers this year are: This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel (for teens), The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm (for children) and Frankencrayon by Michael Hall (a picture book for young readers). We’ve provided book summaries and links to the titles below.
The Library invites all ages to visit a branch during October to take part in Community Read activities. Highlights of the fun events planned for children and teens include:
– Meet authors! The library will be bringing two of the authors of this year’s book selections for young people: Michael Hall on Oct. 18 and Kenneth Oppel on Oct. 27. See details.
– On October 22, teens can check out Imagi-Con, a teen comic/gaming/anime convention at ImaginOn.
– Tell a Terrifying Tale: A writing contest for grades 9-12.
– Frankentoy: Join us in this unique toy hacking program as we make new creations out of old toys!
– Plus book talks, scavenger hunts in library branches, and much, much more!
For complete information about this year’s Community Read, including events, visit cmlibrary.org/communityread.
BOOK SUMMARIES:
All titles can be found in the Library’s catalog in various formats at cmlibrary.org.
This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel (selection for teens)
When his twin brother falls ill in the family’s chateau in the independent republic of Geneva in the eighteenth century, sixteen-year-old Victor Frankenstein embarks on a dangerous and uncertain quest to create the forbidden Elixir of Life described in an ancient text in the family’s secret Biblioteka Obscura.
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm (for children)
Ellie’s scientist grandfather has discovered a way to reverse aging, and consequently has turned into a teenager–which makes for complicated relationships when he moves in with Ellie and her mother, his daughter.
Frankencrayon by Michael Hall (a picture book for young readers).
If the crayons cannot stop the scribble monster, this picture book and the play “Frankencrayon” may have to be canceled.
(Tip: Once you’ve read Frankencrayon with your little one, don’t stop! Here are even more crayon-centric or funny Frankenstein-themed tales!)
And of course, the Community Read title for us grown-ups…
Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Victor Frankenstein has discovered the secret of generating life from lifeless matter, and has created a monster being by using this terrible power.
Book cover by artist Elena Ospina for Recovering the Classics. Used with permission.
