After River by Donna Milner

Natalie grows up on a Canadian farm as part of a close, connected family. When River, a Vietnam War protester, comes to work for them, unsettling changes lead to catastrophe.

Questions to ponder and answer after you have read this book.

The theme of foreshadowing is applied heavily in "after River". When I was reading it, I knew something big was going to happen, but I didn’t know what it was and when it was going to happen. Were you as surprised as I when all was revealed who River was and how it affected Natalie and her family for years after? Do you think foreshadowing kept the plot moving unnecessarily or was it a device used by the author to engage the reader to emotionally invest in the characters in this book?

Life for Natalie, who grew up in Canada in the 60's was very different than it is for teens today.

Did you know that being gay was a criminal offence in Canada until 1969, punishable by imprisonment for up to 14 years ? Do you think people have accepted gays or is discrimination still prevalent in today's society? How would have life for Natalie and her brother been different if this book had been written today?

Back in the 60's and even when I was growing up, having a baby out of wedlock, especially if you were a teen, was something to be ashamed of. You never heard of someone keeping their baby, the support was just not there and it was the view of society that young mothers were just not equipped financially or emotionally to face the trials of raising a child. Young moms were sent away to give birth and the babies were put up for adoption or there was a "shotgun wedding" . In your opinion, was society's take on this issue good or bad, or somewhere in between?

The Vietnam War era was a time of much political dissention in the United States during the 60's and there were many young men who chose not to fight, River being one of them. He was labelled a deserter or draft dodger, a dirty word for patriotic Americans. Did you agree with River and believe that he was standing up for his rights or do you think he was a coward? How do you think our soldiers fighting for freedom in Afghanistan today would view River's beliefs?

If you have any other comments about this book, please post them! Did you like this book? Why?

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Chanda's Wars by Allan Stratton

Set in sub-sarahan Africa, Chanda's wars is a griping tale of family intrigue, love and courage, forgiveness and hope. To heal rifts with her extended family, Chanda travels to her grandmother's rural home with her younger brother and sister. Just when things are looking up, Chanda's siblings are kidnapped and it is only a matter of time before they are full-fledged child soldiers. It is up to Chanda to protect the ones she loves.

Discussion questions for this thought provoking book.

The book's title suggests that Chanda fights multiple wars. What are some struggles that Chanda is faced with during the course of the story.

Why do so many people in Chanda's wars refuse to mention or discuss HIV/AIDS. How does their silence affect HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention? Should people avoid discussing some diseases, especially in public? Why, or why not?

Cell phones and radios are important to the characters in Chanda's Wars. Why do you think these kinds of technology are important to them? What kinds of technology are important to you? How do the ways they use technology compare to the ways you use it?

Other thoughts or comments about this book?

FYI: Chanda's Secrets is another book by this author. Published in 2004, this story precedes "Chanda's Wars" and introduces us to Chanda and her life. This book is also available in the Laura Secord Library.