By Guest Blogger Ellen Bryant Lloyd

I have been a long-time fan of Melissa Norman’s Girl Charge programs and her monthly book clubs for girls held at Barnes & Noble, Friendly Shopping Center in Greensboro. Upcoming dates for the book clubs are October 16 and November 20. Melissa leads a story time for girls ages 4-7 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., a book club for grades 3-5 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and a book club for grades 6-8 from 7:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

My daughter and I participated in her book clubs years ago and loved them! Melissa always features books that encourage and empower girls. This month, I chose to highlight the three books that Melissa will be discussing at the November book club meetings so girls and moms who are interested can read them before the next meeting. Please feel free to also attend the October 16th clubs to meet Melissa and listen in on discussions about the October picks: I Walk with Vanessa (ages 4-7), My Name is Maria Isabel (grades 3-5), and The House that Lou Built (6-8). For more information about Girl Charge, Inc. and all of the programs Melissa offers, please visit her website at www.girlcharge.org.

Preschool —Pop-up Peekaboo Pumpkin (board book)

This pop-up Halloween book will engage and entertain toddlers in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Each turn of the page brings a fun surprise that will surely delight children as they discover who is under each flap. This peekaboo tale is sure to be a seasonal favorite.

* Pre-K to Early Elementary — The Girl Who Ran: Bobbi Gibb, The First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon by Frances Poletti and Kristina Yee, illustrated by Susanna Chapman

Bobbi Gibb knew she would one day run the Boston Marathon, and she did. She worked hard to prepare for the big race, only to be told that girls don’t run and girls can’t run. But that didn’t stop Bobbi. Even after she was told she couldn’t apply for the marathon, she broke the rules and ended up changing the world of running for women. School Library Journal says that “Bobbi Gibb’s unrelenting determination will resonate with readers of all ages who dream of accomplishing a seemingly unattainable goal.”

* Older Elementary — Wish by Barbara O’Connor

Charlie Reese has had the same wish for years. She has even listed every way she can think of to make a wish. However, the possibility of her wish coming true diminishes when Charlie is sent to live with a family she barely knows. A stray dog named Wishbone enters Charlie’s life and not only captures her heart, but is by her side as she learns the true meaning of family and deeper insight about her long-time wish.

* Middle School — Walking with Miss Millie by Tamara Bundy

This middle grade novel is about the unlikely friendship between an elderly black woman named Miss Millie and a white girl named Alice. The two meet when Alice is given the responsibility of walking Miss Millie’s dog, Clarence. Frustration sets in for Alice when Clarence won’t walk without the company of Miss Millie, so the trio must walk together. Their walks become a treat for Alice as well as a learning ground about people, eventually giving her deeper insight about her own family.

Moms — Your Second Life Begins when you Realize You Only Have One by Raphaelle Giorda

This title is described as a perfect fit for fans of The Alchemist and Hector and the Search for Happiness. In this story, a French woman named Camille seemingly has all the elements of a happy life, yet she feels no joy. When she meets a routinlogist who offers advice to help her find joy, she jumps at the chance. Her surprising journey includes unexpected twists and turns, as well as the steps to realize her path to living her dreams and finding joy.

* Indicates a selection for Melissa Norman’s Girls’ Book Clubs for November

Win a book of your choice from today’s blog! Remember to share your thoughts and comments, and you could be selected to win a copy of one of the books, compliments of Barnes & Noble, Friendly Shopping Center, Greensboro. The staff of Triad Moms on Main will choose a random winner one week after the blog runs. (Please be sure to enter your email address when you fill out your comment so they have a way to contact you.)

Ellen Bryant Lloyd is the author of FRECKLES and FRECKLES and The Great Beach Rescue. Please visit www.funwithfreckles.com and www.facebook.com/funwithfreckles to learn more about Freckles. Ellen writes a blog about her perspectives on life and parenting at www.mindfulmom.wordpress.com and tweets at @EllenBLloyd. She lives in Greensboro with her husband and two children.