Piper Reed, Navy Brat

Description

It’s not easy being the middle child, especially when your dad is a Navy Chief. Meet Piper Reed, a spunky nine-year-old who has moved more times than she can count on one hand. From Texas to Guam, wherever Piper goes, adventure follows, inspired by her active imagination, free-wheeling spirit, and a bit of sister magic. Unlike her older sister, Piper loves being part of a Navy family, and unlike her little sister, Piper is no prodigy genius. Piper is Piper—fearless and full of life.

Based on her own childhood experience, Kimberly Willis Holt portrays the life of a Navy family with warmth and humor.

Kimberly Willis Holt is the author of the Piper Reed series, including Piper Reed, Navy Brat, Piper Reed, Clubhouse Queen, and Piper Reed, Rodeo Star. She has written many award-winning novels, including The Water Seeker and My Louisiana Sky, as well as the picture books Waiting for Gregory and Skinny Brown Dog. A former Navy brat herself, Holt was born in Pensacola, Florida, and lived all over the U.S. and the world—from Paris to Norfolk to Guam to New Orleans. Holt long dreamed of being a writer, but first worked as a radio news director, marketed a water park, and was an interior decorator, among other jobs. A few years after she started writing, her third book, When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, won a National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. She resides in West Texas with her family.

Christine Davenier has illustrated numerous children’s books, and won a New York Times Best Illustrated Award for The First Thing My Mama Told Me. She lives in Paris, France.

Discussion Questions

1. Piper tried to impress her new friends by enticing them to join the Gypsy Club, and went so far as promising a fortune-teller. Her sister’s successful “pretending” helped seal the deal. Piper thanked Tori for lying, and Tori said, “I didn’t lie. I was pretending.” Discuss the difference between lying and pretending.

2. Tori showed great sisterly love (aka sister magic) by pretending to be Madam Tova. What other examples can you site from the story that show sister magic?

3. Why do you think Tori acted so differently around their cousin Megan? What would you have done in that situation?

4. Describe the emotions Piper felt about leaving San Diego. How did she feel entering a new school in Pensacola? What do you think of Piper’s idea to make new friends? Could she have done anything differently?

5. When Piper learned that Chief would be sailing out on the same ship as Michael and Nicole’s mom, she felt a special bond with the twins. Why do you think that made a difference in her feelings toward them?

“Filled with warm, realistic family situations mixed with humor, this chapter book deserves a special flyover by the Blue Angels.” —The Horn Book Magazine“This entertaining read will appeal to fans of Judy Moody and Ramona Quimby.” —School Library Journal“…award-winning author Holt tells a lively family story that draws on her experiences of growing up a Navy brat.” —Booklist“Crisp writing from a National Book Award winner…” —Publishers Weekly“Piper’s lively imagination, wholesomeness and moments of ‘sister magic’ are likable and believable. This easy chapter book, based on Holt’s own experiences, is spot on with the details of roving family life. Davenier’s fluid black-and-white drawings fit the mood and characters . . . Launching a new series, Piper’s foray sets sail with verve, fun and spunk.” —Kirkus Reviews

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