Book clubs are a fun way to enhance reading for pleasure in your school. Sharing, discussing and celebrating books brings children together and helps them to see books as sources of enjoyment. Book clubs allow children to develop socially – they listen, share ideas, grow in confidence and make connections with others. The shared experience of a brilliant story, powerful poem or cool non-fiction book becomes a common memory for children to chat about and come back to.
This is a great way to develop a vibrant culture of reading in school. Through book clubs, more hesitant readers may find they have a voice. As the group becomes comfortable with each other, there is the opportunity for everyone to share what the book means to them. Hearing what others think gives validity to their own ideas and helps them extend and refine what they want to say.
Book clubs have a strong impact when they are learner-led. Giving children a chance to choose what they read provides a sense of ownership and increases their desire to read. That being said, it is up to the adults to ensure children have high-quality, diverse options.
Windows and Mirrors
Rudine Sims Bishop described books as windows that allow readers to see the world beyond their own experiences. They are also sliding glass doors that give readers the chance to step into this world and understand it a little better. She also compared books to mirrors which reflect a reader’s own life back at them as a part of the larger human experience.*
These windows and mirrors are essential in helping children both develop empathy and feel confident in themselves and their own experiences. When selecting books for children, we must choose a variety of titles that reflect both our readers’ own realities and those of which they have little knowledge. The diversity of current publications for children is increasing and, although there is still some way to go, there are many fantastic new books that include a range of cultures, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic levels, family structures, abilities, genders and sexual orientations.
When children are presented with alternative points of view and situations they might not otherwise experience, they begin to understand how others might feel and how they can help those who may need it. Equally, it is a powerful thing to see your own life in a story. Children see that their life matters – that they can be the hero.
A Range of Text Types
It is also important for children to read a range of text types – especially those they might not choose for themselves. Fiction, graphic novels, non-fiction, poetry and verse novels are all fantastic choices for book clubs. Book clubs offer an accessible way for children to access new genres and text types, as they have the space to share their thoughts and listen to others.
When selecting fiction, consider the age, interests and abilities of your group. It’s important the book isn’t too long and maintains pace throughout. Books from Barrington Stoke are often a good choice, with their manageable length, accessible vocabulary and dyslexia-friendly font, spacing and page tint.
Graphic novels are wonderful for sharing as they contain so many opportunities to discuss the power of the illustrations and how they convey plot, character development, themes and emotions. Richard Ruddick has created a valuable padlet of graphic novel recommendations and shares how he uses graphic novels in his blog, Comics in Class.
Non-fiction shows children the world beyond their classroom. In our information-rich society, it’s crucial that children are able to read and understand the more technical language these texts provide. With incredible photos and illustrations, non-fiction is perfect for sharing. Check out National Non-fiction November from the Federation of Children’s Book Groups (FCBG) for lots of ideas.
Poetry is often short, making it perfect for book clubs. Multiple poems can be compared with lots of scope for discussion. Children gain an appreciation for language and how poets create meaning. Verse novels are wonderful to read aloud and combine the features of a developed narrative with the magic of poetry. From something as light-hearted as Midnight Magic by Michelle Harrison & Elissa Elwick to the more intense The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow, verse novels give teachers opportunities to present children with something new.
Where to Find Book Recommendations
Author Elle McNicoll created the Adrien Prize to celebrate positive and inspiring portrayals of disability and neurodiversity in children’s literature. The shortlist for this prize is a goldmine of high-quality, empathy-building stories.
The CLPE Reflecting Realities research investigates the need for diversity in children’s literature. Their website includes book lists for a range of topics.
Scott Evans has created #BookMatch posters to help children find titles that are similar to books they have already enjoyed. For example, if they like books by Pamela Butchart, they might also enjoy Anisha the Accidental Detective by Serena Patel. These posters are perfect for sharing with a book club to help children choose their next read.
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*Sims Bishop, Rudine. The Ohio State University. “Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors” originally appeared in Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books in the Classroom. Vo. 6 no. 3. Summer 1990.