Join the Barrington community in reading this year's Book of the Summer: Magnolia Wu Unfolds it All by Chanel Miller.
Magnolia Wu is a ten-year-old sock detective bent on returning all the lonely only socks left behind in her parents' NYC laundromat.
Down at the bottom of the tall buildings of New York City, Magnolia Wu sits inside her parents’ laundromat. Magnolia has pinned every lost sock from the laundromat onto a bulletin board, in hopes that customers will return to retrieve them. But no one seems to have noticed. In fact, barely anyone has noticed Magnolia at all.
What she doesn’t know is that this is about to be her most exciting summer yet. When Iris, a new friend from California arrives, they set off across the city to solve the mystery of each missing sock, asking questions in subways and delis and plant stores and pizzerias, meeting people and uncovering the unimaginable.
With each new encounter, Magnolia learns that when you’re bold enough to head into the unknown, things start falling into place.
Join Magnolia and Iris on a New York City summer adventure in this illustrated family read-aloud!
Find Magnolia Wu Unfolds it All in print, e-book, and e-audiobook formats.
Discussion Questions:
Carl the chess player says that when you make mistakes, you have to keep moving and adapt to changes. How can you make sure you learn from mistakes?
Magnolia and Iris meet lots of different people on their summer adventure. Do you think we can also learn lessons from the people around us? Why or why not?
Do you think Magnolia made assumptions about those around her? Did she think differently about anyone she interacted with once she got to know them better?
When Magnolia and Iris have their fight, they each say words before they understand what they really mean. Have you ever done this? How did you feel about it afterwards?
Magnolia wonders after she and Iris have their fight how to make up with her friend. What way do you think is the best way to make up with someone?
Someone writes a hateful message on Ms. Lam's window. How did everyone's reactions to it make you feel?
Book of the Summer Badge:
Read the book and complete suggested activities to earn our Book of the Summer Badge! Sign up for Summer Reading today!
Activities:
Read the Book of the Summer, Magnolia Wu Unfolds it All by Chanel Miller.
Write a review for Magnolia Wu Unfolds it All. What did you think about it?
Read a book that takes place in California. What did you read?
Read another book that takes place in New York City. What did you read?
Design your own sock. Get a paper sock at the Youth Services Desk and color it to hang up on the wall!
Magnolia said "If you get overwhelmed, look for the little things." From where you are sitting, find five little things you see around you. What are they?
Like Alan, practice a creative skill like knitting or crocheting, visit Creative Bug or check out a book for inspiration. What did you try?
Draw your favorite character from Magnolia Wu. Who did you draw? Send a picture of your drawing to us at ys@balibrary.org.
Help your grown up do a load of laundry or do a load by yourself.
Go to the beach or play in the sand like Magnolia and Iris! What did you do?
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