BOOKS

Though Ann is now the mother of two precocious children herself, way back when (think the ‘50s and ‘60s), she was a bumbling kid who sang ridiculous songs, wrote self-important poems about birds and coveted bouncy balls and lucky rabbit feet. In other words, she was just like us…you know, when you were young and naïve, anyway.

The best thing about How To Die of Embarrassment Every Day? Ann’s writing style. As you read, it seems as though Ann is reading directly to you. The book is interactive and conversational, making it a page-turner without the risk of a cliffhanger at bedtime. Her sympathy toward kids in general—and the kid within us all, hide her though we might—is winning. Trust me, once you start reading, you’ll be the champion of every tot, big or small, on your block!

TALK BACK: Tell us what you think

Let’s get the conversation going with a few discussion questions. Feel free to address them (or not) in the comments!

1. Why do you think Ann Hodgman wrote this memoir?

2. What was your favorite part?

3. What story mirrored your own childhood the most?

by Brittany Taylor | 2/1/2016