Reading and discussing books with kids and teens is one of my favorite things. When I was a classroom teacher, my students and I held book discussions daily. I used their discussion questions (much like my favorite college professor did in his classes) to center our conversations around their interests and ideas. Now, as an online teacher, I often read and discuss books with the students I tutor. I miss the group setting, so I’m excited to bring Creative ELA Book Clubs into Creative ELA!
Creative ELA Book Clubs
Creative ELA Book Clubs invite students to read, write about, and discuss a new book each month. What books will we read?? That’s up to Creative ELA members!
Creative ELA Book Clubs offer students a unique experience. Like our creative writing workshops, their interests, choices, and ideas matter. Not only are students participants, but they’re also invited to lead our discussions.
In a Creative ELA Book Club, students-
- recommend books and vote on which books we’ll read
- create and bring discussion questions with them to class to help lead our conversation
- use creative writing to connect to the reading
- share their ideas
- have a lot of fun!
Typical Book Club Agenda
- Welcome Activity/Game
- Discussion Questions and Conversation
- Creative Writing Prompts
- Time to Share
- Preview to next month’s book
- Closing
When-Where-Who?
When– Book clubs meet on the fourth Thursday of each month, 12-1 pm ET for ages 8-11 and 1-2 pm ET for ages 12-15.
Where– We meet on Zoom. Pjs and pets are welcome!
Who– The Bookworms book club is for 8-11-year-olds, and the Bibliophiles book club is for 12-15-year-olds.
What Books Are We Reading?
Members choose the books. If you want to vote for the books we read in Creative ELA book clubs and get them free with your membership, become a member.
October Book Clubs
Bookworms- October 24th at 12 pm ET- Wish- Barbara O’Connor
Bibliophiles- October 24th at 1 pm ET- The Book of Stolen Dreams by David Farr
November Book Clubs
Bookworms- November 26th, 12 pm ET- The Year of Miss Agnes- Kirkpatrick Hill
Bibliophiles- November 26th, 1 pm ET- Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 1- Shannon Messenger
January Book Clubs
Bookworms- January 23rd, 12 pm ET- Astrid the Unstoppable- Maria Parr
Bibliophiles- January 23rd, 1 pm ET- Max in the House of Spies- Adam Gidwitz
What Books Have We Read?
Wings of Fire– The Dragonet Prophecy
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Greenglass House by Kate Milford
Edge of Extinction- The Ark Plan by Laura Martin
The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages
FAQ
What if my student hates to read?
I work with a lot of kids who hate to read. I’ve found book clubs, much like creative writing does for writers, can make reading much less painful. I encourage you to choose a book from the list you think they’d enjoy, read it to them, or let them listen, and then have them join. They will not be forced to participate and are welcome to discuss what they didn’t like about the book.
What if my student hated the book this month?
I hope they join us to discuss what they didn’t like and why. Chances are others felt the same way. Our opinions can lead to great discussions!
Do participants need to have the book with them?
Ideally, yes, so we can look for details and quotes to help our discussion, but it’s okay if not.
Does my student have to bring a discussion question?
Nope. I’ll have plenty to help supplement the discussion. They’re also welcome to come up with one in class. Having one ahead of time is optional.
My student didn’t finish the book. Can they still attend?
Absolutely, but they should be prepared for spoilers.
Are book clubs recorded?
They are not.
My child is 11 but wants to read the older club’s book.
You know your child best. Pick the book club that works best for them.
If you are a Creative ELA member, please head to your member page to add book recommendations!! We’ll vote for fall books in August.
If you are not a Creative ELA member, this is just one of the many perks of your membership! Head here to learn more, or jump in and join us! You can cancel anytime. You’re also welcome to sign up individually. Book clubs are $5 for each meeting.
