“What are you reading right now?” is one of my favorite ways to open a conversation. That is why I love book clubs! You know everyone can answer that question, because you have all been reading the same book.
With that in mind, here are 7 reasons why I love the Youth Services book clubs, along with info about the many book discussions coming up in November.
1. Building community is just one benefit of attending a book club. Gushing about or bashing the selection of the month is way more fun in a group.
2. Book clubs can allow you to see things through other people’s eyes as you relate to the plot or the characters in the book. I have seen kids turned on to reading because they “had” to read a book they might not have chosen for themselves. Through the discussion, an activity, a craft, and even snacks, you can dig deeper into another place, time, or dimension.
3. Did I say snacks? Even on Zoom, you must have refreshments!
4. You can broach subjects that would be difficult otherwise when you talk about something objectively, like a book. We are talking about the characters (not ourselves) and asking what would we do if we were in their shoes. As a facilitator, I have watched kids find their voice as they answer questions and give their opinion.
5. Most of our book clubs include an adult going with the child, but not all. Going to a book club with my daughter was one of the best decisions we ever made. We still talk about what we are reading. Just this week we were talking about Isabel Wilkerson’s latest book Caste.
6. Book clubs can foster friendships too. Do not miss this opportunity to build a bond with reading and with each other!
7. We supply the book—all you need to do is sign up. Normally our book clubs happen monthly, but this school year we’re doing them every two months, so check our events calendar for the most up-to-date info!
Upcoming Book Discussions
Starting in November, the Youth Services Department has something for everyone in 1st through 8th grade. Follow the links to learn more and register:
Books & Beyond
Grades 6–8
Thursday, Nov. 5, 7 pm
This month's title: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Mother-Daughter Book Club
Grades 4–6
Monday, Nov. 9, 7 pm
This month's title: Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible by Ursula Vernon
Guys Read
Grades 4–6
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7 pm
This month's title: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Book Bash
Grades K–3
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2 pm
This month's topic: 2020 nominees for the Illinois' Monarch Award
Famished for Fiction
Grades 4–8
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2:30 pm
This month's topic: Chat about new and favorite books
Family Reads Book Club
Grades 1–3
Monday, Nov. 16, 7 pm
This month's title: The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau
We hope to see you at one or many of these book discussions!
Debbie Wiedeman is the Early Literacy Coordinator and Youth Services Librarian at Morton Grove Public Library.