The Wise Owl Tween Book Club meets every month to discuss a book and meet the author! The first 15 readers who register will receive a copy of the book to keep, limited to one copy per household. To make the most out of the author visit, please finish reading the book by the time of our discussion.

We will be meeting in person in the Balboa Room at Central Library, with an option to Zoom in from home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still sign up even though all the copies of the books have been given out?

Yes! Our budget allows us to provide copies of the book to the first 15 registrants, but anyone is welcome to read the book and join us for the discussion in person or on Zoom. You should still register (on the waitlist) so you can receive the Zoom link, reminders, or updates in case changes occur, and to be notified about the next books.

The book is also available to check out from the library here. 

What does it mean to be waitlisted?

That just means you weren't one of the first 15 registrants eligible to receive a free copy of the book, but you are still welcome to join the discussion in person or on Zoom! You should still register to receive the Zoom link and updates!

When and where are books handed out?

Books are handed out at the end of the previous month or at the beginning of the month so readers have plenty of time to read the book in time for the author visit! Registration opens up a few days before the month begins so we can have an idea of interest and demand. Then the books for the next month are usually handed out during the current month's book discussion.

If you are not able to make it to the discussion and need to pick up next month's book, they will be available at the Children's Research and Information Desk at Central Library. Please try to pick up books early enough to give readers enough time to finish reading by our meeting!

Pie in the Sky

When eleven-year-old Jingwen moves to a new country, he feels like he's landed on Mars. School is torture, making friends is impossible since he doesn’t speak English, and he's often stuck looking after his (extremely irritating) little brother, Yanghao.

To distract himself from the loneliness, Jingwen daydreams about making all the cakes on the menu of Pie in the Sky, the bakery his father had planned to open before he unexpectedly passed away. The only problem is his mother has laid down one major rule: the brothers are not to use the oven while she's at work. As Jingwen and Yanghao bake elaborate cakes, they'll have to cook up elaborate excuses to keep the cake making a secret from Mama.

Told in prose and graphic novel elements, this middle-grade novel is about a boy's immigration experience, his annoying little brother, and their cake-baking hijinks!

About the Author

Remy Lai writes and draws stories for kids.
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, where she can often be found exploring the woods near her home with her two dogs, Poop-Roller and Bossy Boots.

Find out more about her on her website remylai.com

Thank you so much to the Friends of the Children's Library for sponsoring events like these to help us bring more fun programs to our readers.