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Meet The Austins

Submitted by admin on Tue, 10/27/2009 - 8:18am
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Image of Meet the Austins: The Austin Family Chronicles, Book 1
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Author: Madeleine L'Engle
Publisher: Square Fish (2008)
Binding: Paperback, 240 pages

Madeleine L’Engle has many good books centering on families, and this is one of them. In Meet the Austins, Vicky’s family is discombobulated by the arrival of a troubled orphan. Despite the difficulties Maggy presents, the family honors its commitment and makes a place for her.

Like many of L’Engle’s characters, Vicky cares about her family and her place in it. She is appreciative of her parents and siblings and is sensitive to what is right. She may be awkward and imperfect, but she is secure in her family’s love, which is a reassuring message for any child.

Best Audience: 
Girls ages 8-12
Parts that might raise objections: 
None
Ideas you will want to discuss: 
empathy, orphans, death, family, siblings
Discussion Questions: 

Why do you think Maggy was screaming in the night?

Vicky emptied the radiators to be helpful at home. What helpful thing could you do at your house?

Why do you think Vicky had a harder time feeling sorry for Maggy than Suzy did?

Do any of the characters in the book remind you of your family or friends?

Your rating: None
Tags:
  • Death
  • Family
  • Girls
  • Siblings
  • Age 8
  • Age 9
  • Age 10
  • Age 11
  • Age 12

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