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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

I love The Westing Game, and this book references it in perfect ways. It‘s a current mystery with some important history included as well.

#12BooksOf2020 #MiddleGrade

Andrew65 Love the cover. 4y

mom2bugnbee Oooo! The Westing Game is one of my 15yo's favorites from her elementary school days. Is this a middle grade novel as well? 4y

Daisey @mom2bugnbee Yes, it is middle grade and although it's not directly comparable to The Westing Game, it does reference it and includes some similarities. 4y

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howjessicareads

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

I‘ve cut back on my hours at work to facilitate my kids‘ school-at-home. While they work, I‘m going to sit down with this delightful book & my drug of choice (Diet Coke).

THE PARKER INHERITANCE is like an updated WESTING GAME — featuring two African American kids. So far it‘s covered sharecropping, segregation, divorce, LGBTQ rights, and a mysterious treasure, all in a fun format with two bookish friends on a quest. I‘m loving it!

Sace This book was great! 4y

kspenmoll So they are back at school now? I start next week. This is so challenging for families! Best of luck. 4y

Daisey I thought this book was fantastic!! 4y

howjessicareads Glad to hear it @Sace & @Daisey! 4y

howjessicareads @kspenmoll Yep! Just finished our second week. Best of luck to you!! 4y

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Johanna414

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson is a really great middle grade novel that deals with two 12 year olds trying to solve a Westing Game-esque mystery from the past. It has a dual timeline and gracefully discusses racism in the 1950s and today. I'd highly recommend it to teachers and/or parents of middle grade kids to help frame a discussion about race.
#BlackVoices @ShyBookOwl
@kellyann28 your turn!

kellyann28 Oh thank you! Will do! 5y

Daisey I agree! This book was great. 5y

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MandaMT

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

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This was great! Two friends have to follow a series of clues to find a treasure hidden in their town. They slowly piece together Civil Rights era events in their southern town. The serious subject matter is framed in a way that is accessible to kids w/ out talking down to them. First book I listened to using Epic! online reading.

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

March turned out to be a better reading month than I expected. I had two great rereads, The Odyssey & finishing the Lord of the Rings, and my two favorite new reads were Midnight in Chernobyl and the tagged middle grade book The Parker Inheritance.

#ReadingStats #MonthlyStats

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

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This book was fantastic! It references another of my favorite middle grade books, The Westing Game, by including a plot that requires solving a puzzle. I truly enjoyed seeing how that book influenced the characters‘ search. It also weaves in quite a bit of historical information.

#MGBuddyRead #middlegrade #MsDsLibrary

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

#BookReport #DaiseysReadingWeek
📚 I finished listening to The Odyssey for #ReadingEnvyReadalong, another volume of Locke & Key, and Ethan Frome.

#CurrentlyReading
📖 Tagged is previous #MGBuddyRead I‘m thoroughly enjoying
📖 Continuing #FellowshipofTolkien
📖 The Magician of Lublin currently paused
🎧 ShakespeareReadalong
🎧 A Delayed Life

#WeeklyForecast
📚 Continue current reads
📖 Try to get to this month‘s #LitsyBookClub choice

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

Better late than never, right? Reading a few pages of this #MGBuddyRead pick on the bus to tonight‘s Quiz Bowl matches.

#TeachersofLitsy

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

This post contains spoilers

Question 10 #mgbuddyread

JaclynW This was an excellent book. It dealt with a lot of stuff! At first I thought it was distracting to add the gay bits, but then came to realize they were making parallels to racial and sexual orientation issues. Both of which our country is still dealing with. I did wonder what age you all thought this book best suits - although I guess that is probably case by case basis. I think my 8th grader would enjoy this book, maybe not for my 3rd grader. 5y

JaclynW ⬆️ @thebookhippie @Lmstraubie @sblbooks @Peddler410 @Chelsibno 5y

JaclynW Thanks for this book suggestion @Lmstraubie ! I enjoy these selections, as they are often ones I haven't heard of yet. 5y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

This post contains spoilers

Question 9 #mgbuddyread

JaclynW I really fell for Reggie's story. Candice and Brandon were my heroes. Siobhan was kind and good, my heart loved her. 5y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

This post contains spoilers

Question 8 #mgbuddyread

Peddler410 I enjoyed the history parts. It added another level to the book — I‘m not sure this technique will work for all readers but I liked it. 5y

sblbooks I enjoy dual timelines, I think they build the suspense. 5y

Chelsibno I really enjoyed the story switching between timelines. It helped to reveal certain aspects of the plot little by little, which added an air of suspense, as you weren‘t sure how soon the next big clue or twist in the story would be revealed. In many ways, it reminded me of Holes, which was one of my favorite middle grade books growing up. 5y

JaclynW Yes! I wanted to race to the next part! I like stories with different timelines and perspectives. 5y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

This post contains spoilers

Question 7 #mgbuddyread

TheBookHippie Lake Michigan dunes 😂 5y

JaclynW Good question! In my backyard or at the library.?? 5y

JaclynW @TheBookHippie I'm going to have to look up the dunes! 5y

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TheBookHippie @JaclynW sleeping bear is my favorite up north ! I‘ll try to find pics of the ones here by me 5y

JaclynW @TheBookHippie Sleeping Bear Dunes are gorgeous! I wasn't expecting dunes like that in your area. But I guess it does make sense. Very beautiful! 5y

TheBookHippie @JaclynW 💙 we have some 5 minutes down the road here too and some more up and down the coastline 5y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

This post contains spoilers

Question 6 #mgbuddyread

sblbooks Justice is about the truth, fairness, and making sure something doesn't happen again. Revenge reminds me of the Hatfields and the McCoys. An eye for an eye mentality, that tends to escalate problems and make matters worse. 5y

Chelsibno @sblbooks I definitely agree with you on the motive and goal differences between justice and revenge. To add to that, I feel that those who tend to seek justice consider the feelings of those involved, particularly the victims. Whereas, revenge tends to be more selfish, with those who seek it not particularly concerned about the feelings of others involved, even other victims. TBC.... 5y

Chelsibno Reggie doesn‘t take into account Siobhan‘s feelings or wishes as he takes his revenge on the people who wronged them. Those who seek revenge often don‘t care about collateral damage or others caught in the crossfire. Reggie is willing to bring an entire family to ruin for the actions of certain members of that family. Those who seek justice tend to want only the ones responsible brought to justice, leaving those not responsible unharmed. 5y

JaclynW @sblbooks @Chelsibno My thoughts exactly! Revenge and justice are motivated by different feelings and actions. One is definitely on a higher moral ground and typically leads to better results. 5y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

This post contains spoilers

Question 5 #mgbuddyread

JaclynW We are often too quick to judge someone without getting to really know them truly. I've experienced this. Be patient and take the time to get to know someone. 5y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

This post contains spoilers

Question 4 #mgbuddyread

JaclynW She made a friend and found something to focus on (her grandmother's puzzle). She found purpose. 5y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

This post contains spoilers

Question 3 #mgbuddyread

Peddler410 I did read the letter throughout the story. I don‘t remember figuring out anything before Candice but I did enjoy rereading the letter and historical pieces to see it all fit together. 5y

Chelsibno I referred back to the letter periodically throughout the story, as I wanted to see if I could solve anything before the characters did as the story unfolded. About the only part that I guessed before Candice did was the fact the the phrase “love all” was also a score of 0-0 in tennis. I only remembered that detail of the game, because I‘d watched my niece play tennis recently. 5y

JaclynW I never went back to read it! Ha! I should have but usually I'm not great at puzzles so I just enjoyed the characters unraveling the mystery for me. 5y

JaclynW It was a fun mystery! Very clever! 5y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

This post contains spoilers

Question 2 #mgbuddyread

Chelsibno I think the first step is to be open-minded and try not to be judgmental or critical of others‘ interests. I‘ve taught my library classes that there are no such things as boy books or girl books. There are just books that anyone can read and enjoy no matter their gender, age, race, religion, etc. I tell them that I would be incredibly bored if I was only allowed to read books that focused on characters who were just like me. 5y

Chelsibno Step 2 is standing up for those who are being judged for their interests. Many times I‘ve had a male student check out a book that focuses on female characters or is obviously marketed more toward a female demographic. Whenever other students have tried to tease them for the books they‘re checking out, I make a point to tell them that the book is amazing & all sorts of readers have enjoyed it. Continued.... 5y

Chelsibno Sometimes I‘ll even name drop my fiancé as someone who read and enjoyed that book, since a lot of my male students have this somewhat odd sense of awe and respect toward him. 5y

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Peddler410 Well stated, @Chelsibno I‘m not sure I have anything to add. 5y

mrp27 It's hard. Took me a long time to admit to liking/reading books that are judged by other people as not being worthy of reading. I wish I knew the exact answer to help remove the stigma of reading books that are girlish or boyish or whatever but my only answer is acceptance and no judgement and to stop all the labeling. 5y

JaclynW @Chelsibno I do very similar things to what you've stated. Books are for everyone! Reading is what is ultimately important. And liking what you read. 5y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

This post contains spoilers

Question 1 #mgbuddyread

Chelsibno I think all too often people give up or lose faith when they can‘t see the path. Candice‘s grandmother understood that the path isn‘t always going to be evident or easy to find, but that one should not give up because that fact, but instead redouble their efforts or approach it from another angle until it does appear. The path can be the answer to a riddle or mystery, or it can be the steps towards making meaningful change in the world. 5y

Peddler410 I agree with @Chelsibno Too often we give up too soon on our goals. 5y

mrp27 It means that at times we can overlook and not see what's in front of us. 5y

TheBookHippie When we can see the Forrest for the trees comes to mind!! I think too often we get overwhelmed and need to take it in in small bits. 5y

JaclynW @Chelsibno @Peddler410 @mrp27 @TheBookHippie I agree with you all. Sometimes it's right in front of us but we keep missing it for whatever reason. Keep trying. Different angles. 5y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

Looking forward to a great discussion! #mgbuddyread

@JaclynW @mrp27 @sblbooks @LibrarianRyan @Peddler410 @megnews @Chelsibno @TheBookHippie @cwarnier @Daisey @Lifeisasnap @SamanthaMarie @SaturnDoo @AnneCecilie @Sace

And anyone else who would like to join in on the fun!

Daisey I haven‘t been able to make time for this book the past week. I will try to get to it in the next few days and revisit the discussion. 5y

TheBookHippie Catching up today! 5y

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mrp27

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

Sunday morning #litsypartyofone I love a good mg mystery and this one is fitting the bill!

MrBook, Lynnsoprano

MrBook Niiice! 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 5y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

Just a reminder of our upcoming #mgbuddyread titles. We will discuss this one on Sunday, March 8th. Questions will be posted around 4:00pm EST. Join in when can!

February - The Parker Inheritance
March - Refugee
April - Fish in a Tree
May - The Night Diary

@JaclynW @mrp27 @sblbooks @LibrarianRyan @Peddler410 @megnews @Chelsibno @TheBookHippie @cwarnier @Daisey @Lifeisasnap @SamanthaMarie @SaturnDoo @AnneCecilie @Sace

Peddler410 I‘m excited for this discussion! Since we are discussing at the start of March, will the March book be discussed in April? And so on? 5y

Lmstraubie @Peddler410 It all depends on if I can get my act together (a recurring theme, I know 🤦) March is a pretty long month, but it might turn out that way. 5y

Daisey Sounds good! I tracked down the new copy I bought for my class library today. 5y

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JaclynW I've started the book and I'm loving it! 5y

Lmstraubie @JaclynW This is a reread for me and I'm looking forward to it. I really enjoyed it the first time around. 5y

Sace Can't wait! 5y

TheBookHippie Refugee!!! Gah I could not remember 🤣 5y

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Sace

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

I've got a week off work. If I don't finish at least one of these I'm in trouble.

#WeeklyForecast @Cinfhen

Suet624 you can do it! 5y

ravenlee Enjoy your time off! 5y

Cinfhen No pressure 💗 enjoy your week off 5y

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Sace @Suet624 @ravenlee @Cinfhen Thank you! 5y

ravenlee The Parker Inheritance has been catching my eye recently, and I‘ve seen comparisons to The Westing Game (one of my all-time favorites), so I‘m looking forward to your review. Whenever you get to it - no pressure! 5y

Sace @ravenlee the opening scene was Westing Game-esque for sure! 5y

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Sace

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

This is off to a strong start!

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Bookpearl

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

Pearls pick for the month of July. Candice and Brandon are easily my favorite kid characters this summer!

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Eggs

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

A mystery, some history, and a blossoming friendship coupled with a dual timeline is a recipe for this great YA novel.

SarahBradley

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Eggs

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

1️⃣ up next: tagged
2️⃣ can‘t recall. I don‘t do audios much
3️⃣ The War Below, Summer Wives, Somewhere There is still a Sun, A Certain Age

#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

rachelsbrittain Thanks for joining in 💜 6y

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SarahBradley

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

History meets mystery in this intriguing and relevant middle grade novel. Don‘t let the juvenile cover art fool ya-this story explores some weighty social issues. Yet, it is wrapped in a puzzle that Candice and her new friend Brandon set out to solve one summer. In their search for treasure, they both embark on important journeys of self-discovery. 2019 Coretta Scott King Honor Book and Texas Lone Star List.

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BarbaraJean

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

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When a book name-checks several of your favorite childhood books just a few chapters in, you know it‘s going to be good. And this was. A summer friendship, a mystery to solve, a treasure to find, and both friends sorting through difficulties along the way. Also: positive family portrayals & some lovely understated representation of many kinds. A sweet, fun read—I would have loved this as a kid & I loved it now. Another great #NewYearWhoDis pick!

batsy Love Susan Cooper and The Westing Game, so I'm gonna have to read the tagged book 🙂 6y

alexs.book.club I loved The Parker Inheritance and Westing Game!!!📚 6y

BarbaraJean @batsy Yes! It‘s really good! @alex.b.17 They‘re both such good reads. 😊 6y

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BarbaraJean

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

Today‘s progress for #24in48 and #24B4Monday! Refugee was wonderful (review forthcoming), and there were some compelling connections to The Book of Joy—fortuitous to be reading those together! I started The Parker Inheritance tonight, and knew it was gonna be good when it name-checked several childhood favorite books right off the bat, and also cut down the idea of “boy books” vs. “girl books.” (Thanks for the #NewYearWhoDis picks, @Johanna414 !)

24in48, Andrew65, BeansPage

Andrew65 Going well, a great time. 🙌 6y

BeansPage OMG you're doing so well girl!!! 👍🏻😍👍🏻 6y

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BookInMyHands

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

pick

Wow. This is my pick for the 2019 Newbery award and the Coretta Scott King award. This is now my favorite middle-grade book (grades 4-7) of all time.

When Candace moves into her grandmother‘s house for the summer she uncovers a mystery that could change everything for her family, and bring the city‘s racist past to light.

#mystery #historicalfiction #friendship #racism #bullying #lgbtqia #revenge #justice #forgiveness

#crossculturalstories

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quietjenn

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

Catching up on some middle grade during the commute this week!

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Spanish_Broom

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

Well-crafted, thoughtful book with layers. This is where I was when I read it. Forgot to take a picture!

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Peaceful_Reader

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

Reading this for school and I love the mystery so far. Strong characters + interesting plot...

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megnews

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

Joining #12in48 to try to finish up several books I‘m in the middle of, including this one.

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Johanna414

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

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I loved this! It‘s marketed as middle grade, but I can also see myself giving it to high school students and even adults. I loved all the references to The Westing Game

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Johanna414

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

We took the kids to the zoo for the first today- Lane LOVED it! They were both awesome and slept in the car both ways. That‘s 3 hours of reading time for me!

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tjwill

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

pick

This book is an excellent middle grade puzzle mystery, with nods to The Westing Game. While it is a fun story, it also tackles tough issues like racism and prejudices about sexual orientation.

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tjwill

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

I took another #audiorun/walk with this book again, and saw a snake that looked like it had just eaten. A man I passed warned me about it, and it was crossing the trail, just going into the grass when I got to it.

Soubhiville Cool! I know I‘m in the minority but I love snakes. 6y

tjwill @Soubhiville From my brief Google session, I think it may have been a gray ratsnake. 6y

mcipher I would have freaked out!! I scream at dead snakes. I‘m such a baby. 😂 6y

Daisey I‘m not generally fond of snakes, but I once stopped a bike ride to watch one snake eat another snake. It really was fascinating! 6y

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tjwill

The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

It‘s been a while since I‘ve been running regularly, so I took an #audiorun/walk today with this middle grade #ProjectLITbookclub pick, which is reminiscent of The Westing Game.

bookloaner Really looking forward to this one! 6y

Lmstraubie I really enjoyed this one. It was engaging and also touched on some big topics in a manageable way. If you like middle grade books you might want to join us for our #mgbuddyread. We're not meeting again until September, but if your interested just search the hashtag for more information. 🙂 6y

tjwill @Lmstraubie I teach middle school, so my students read a mix of MG and YA, and I read a lot of it too. I will probably join in at some point with the buddy reads! 6y

tjwill @bookloaner It is a fun read, but with lots of real world issues too. I have loved The Westing Game since I was a kid, so anything with references to it is exciting. 6y

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The Parker Inheritance | Varian Johnson

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I can see why this book won a Boston Globe Horn Book Honor. It's a very engaging story with a puzzle to solve, but it also discusses important issues on race and gender identity opening up the floor for a fantastic discussion so relevant to today. Here is an interview with him from one of my favorite podcasts: http://booksbetween.libsyn.com/48-supporting-students-w-aces-a-conversation-with...

Johanna414 I just got this in my library - looking forward to reading it! 7y

mrp27 I'm dying to read this one! 7y

Lmstraubie @Johanna414 I'd love to hear what you think when you're done. 🙂 7y

Lmstraubie @mrp27 It was really well done 7y

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