What Books Are We Reading?

Creative ELA Members choose the books. If you want to vote for the books we read in Creative ELA book clubs and get the classes free with your membership, become a member. Interested in learning more about how book clubs work first? Scroll down.

Creative ELA members also have access to novel guides for any of the books we read in 2025 and beyond. Join for access, or if you’re a member, head to your library.

Soon, you’ll also be able to purchase novel studies separately in my shop.

Choose the book club that is best for your reader!

Bookworms– books and classes are geared towards readers 8-11 years old

Bibliophiles– books and classes are geared towards readers 12-15 years old

January 2026 Book Clubs

Bookworms- January 29th, 12 pm ET- Animorphs- The Invasion- a Graphic Novel by K.A. Applegate and Michael Grant

Bibliophiles- January 29th, 1 pm ET- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

February 2026 Book Clubs

Bookworms- February 26th, 12 pm ET– Land of Cranes by Aida Salazar

Bibliophiles– February 26th, 1 pm ET– The Wild Girls by Pat Murphy

March 2026 Book Clubs

Bookworms- March 26th, 12 pm ET– Stella by Starlight by Sharon Draper

Bibliophiles– March 26th, 1 pm ET– Dead City by James Ponti

April 2026 Book Clubs

Bookworms- April 23rd, 12 pm ET– A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

Bibliophiles– April 23rd, 1 pm ET– Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Monique Gray Smith

June 2026 Book Clubs

Bookworms- June 25th, 12 pm ET- Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

Bibliophiles– June 25th, 1 pm ET– Booked by Kwame Alexander

July 2026 Book Clubs

Bookworms- July 23rd, 12 pm ET- From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

Bibliophiles– July 23rd, 1 pm ET– Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

*Please note there are no book clubs offered in December or May.

Creative ELA Book Clubs

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 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!

When-Where-Who?

Who– The Bookworms book club is for 8-11-year-olds, and the Bibliophiles book club is for 12-15-year-olds.

Where– We meet on Zoom. PJs and pets are welcome!

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.

Typical Book Club Agenda

• Welcome Activity/Game
• Discussion Questions and Conversation
• Creative Writing Prompts
• Time to Share
• Preview of next month’s book
• Closing

Previous Creative ELA Book Club Picks

War Games by Alan Gratz

MK’s Detective Club: The Poison Puzzle by James Patterson

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson

Tress of the Emerald Sea- Brandon Sanderson

THE UNLIKELY HEROES CLUB by Kate Foster

REBELLION 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson

IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT by Alison Hughes

Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens by Rebecca E.F. Barone

The Green Ember by SD Smith

Medusa: The Myth of Monsters by Katherine Marsh

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

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

Wish- Barbara O’Connor

The Book of Stolen Dreams by David Farr

The Year of Miss Agnes- Kirkpatrick Hill

Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 1- Shannon Messenger

Astrid the Unstoppable- Maria Parr

Max in the House of Spies- Adam Gidwitz

Map of Flames by Lisa McMann

The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

The Turtle of Oman by Naomi Shihab Nye

The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen

FAQ

What if my student hates to read?

I work with a lot of kids who hate to read. I’ve found that 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, I’ll let you know in our member newsletter when we are voting for books.

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.