“In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
Each family bond contains the invisible threads of emotional connection, common values, common goals, and shared responsibilities that make a family, a family.
The books in this collection describe family bonds in many forms. Each story illustrates how individual family members influence the wellbeing of the others in many ways. Welcome to the family!
Below you’ll find books, conversation launchers and activities that are appropriate for 6th, 7th and 8th Graders around the concept of “Family Bonds”.
GREAT BOOKS & CONVOS
Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
By Alda P. Dobbs
Why We LOVE This Book
Petra Luna’s mama has died and her papa is dragged away by soldiers, while the Revolution tears through Mexico in 1913. Petra vows to her papa that she will care for the family she has left and will stop at nothing to keep her promise him. No matter what Petra and her family have to endure on their journey north to the United States, they comfort, support, and love each other endlessly. They refuse to let their bonds be broken and do everything they can, in order to ensure a safe and loving life with one another in the United States.
Conversation Launchers
The Someday Birds
By Sally J. Pla
Why We LOVE This Book
After his father was injured in Afghanistan, Charlie, a bird enthusiast, finds himself on an adventure to find all of the birds on his father’s Someday Birds list. Even though Ludmilla, a mysterious family friend, and his siblings don’t understand it, Charlie is certain this will bring his father joy and help him heal. Life can sometimes be hard for Charlie, but he and his family learn to “[t]o face whatever comes next, good or bad, like a family together,” (p.74).
Conversation Launchers
Explore this exclusive interview:
Author Feature : Sally J. Pla
The Haunted House Project
By Tricia Clasen
Why We LOVE This Book
Andie’s mother was the glue that held her family together, and when she died in a tragic accident, her family crumbled apart. Andie’s once innocent interest in paranormal activity turns into an experiment to bring her family back to the land of the living. Without much to lose, Andie sends her dad and sister signs with the hope they will once again begin living out her mom’s plan for each of them.
Conversation Launchers
Keep the Conversation Going!
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
MORE GREAT READS
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora
Pablo Cartaya
What Happens Next
Claire Swinarski
365 Days to Alaska
Cathy Carr
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Resources for OTHER AGE GROUPS
Below you’ll find books and activities that are appropriate for various ages around the concept of “Family Bonds.”
SEARCH BY GRADE LEVEL…
PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN
PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN
1ST – 2ND GRADE
3RD – 5TH GRADE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
FOR FULL ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL READINGS, RESOURCES & ACTIVITIES, CHECK OUT OUR FAMILY BOOK CLUB subscription BOXES…
– Mandy G, NEW BOOK JOY Founder
