When I heard last fall that Metro Theater Company would be putting on a performance of The Giver, one of my favorite books growing up, I was thrilled.
It had been several years since I had read the book, and I wasted no time in revisiting it (again). I was a bit surprised to find that my perspective had shifted a little bit, with a more muddled mixture of hope and despair carrying me through the book than I remembered. It is a quickly engrossing novel, and I am excited for the day when I can share it with my own kids.
Lois Lowry’s book The Giver, which won the Newberry Medal in 1994, is a science fiction novel for children ages 10 and up. Set in a futuristic (though familiar) world, it is the story of a boy named Jonas who lives in a safe and seemingly perfect Community. Everything in it is well-controlled, from the climate to the genetics of the individuals to the very language they use with one another. They value sameness above all else.
Louis Sachar has come a long way since the days of Wayside School. This is another reason I love YA (that's Young Adult in the book trade).
I get to follow authors like him from my own childhood into my kids', and watch the books get better along the way. Sachar is the bestselling author of the award-winning Holes, Small Steps and, yes, those infamous and hilarious Sideways Stories from Wayside School. He has also written a wonderful new book, The Cardturner.
This is a book about bridge. Yes, bridge the card game. And not just any book, but a YA book. About a card game. In it, you will learn the rules, language ("bridge gibberish") and strategies of this old-timers sport. But don't worry, you will be able to choose between a long and a short version for every bridge lesson – lest the diagrams and mental acrobatics make you zone out and forget to finish the book. If this seems like it might put teen readers to sleep, well, that is an understandable first impression. Bridge is not exactly popular among the 12-and-up age group these days.
Sticks and Stones is a play written by the Teens Make History Players about their own experiences with issues surrounding race, gender, ethnicity and other identity issues. 11:30 a.m. Free. Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. More information: www.mohistory.org
Vetta Sports Clubs offer high-energy, fun birthday parties for your child. We'll plan an indoor soccer party, swimming party or sports party your child and his or her friends will never forget. We also offer fantastic inflatable bouncers and inflatable indoor soccer options. Several different party packages are available for you to customize to your child's preferences, and all promise tons of memorable FUN.
Kids of all ages will love an action-packed birthday party at Technique Studios. Your special birthday girl or boy and their guests will be treated to 50 minutes of gymnastics, dance or martial arts and 40 minutes of cake, presents and party time.
Let your birthday child jump, climb, slide and explore with an outdoor "Missouri Adventure" celebration. Birthday parties in the Dorothy I. Schnuck Children's Garden are available Saturdays and Sundays from April through October. The Children's Garden offers nearly two acres of fun, hands-on activities and outdoor play. A birthday banner will welcome guests to the Town Hall covered pavilion and guests will enjoy exclusive use of the Town Hall for two hours, including party seating for up to 24 children.
Come for a week or play at the J all summer. We offer sports, arts and nature, a brand new camp pavilion (Creve Coeur) and new camps for 2012 like Circus, Lacrosse, Girls' Soccer, Magical Musical Tour and more! Campers swim in our beautiful pools every day and receive Red Cross swim instruction. Two convenient locations (Creve Coeur and Chesterfield).
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