How to Start a Book Club at School

Last Updated: June 27, 2022

Lots of kids wish that their school had a book club, but very few actually have the drive to make it happen. If you're here, however, that means you do; so read on!

Steps

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Would it just be you and your friend? If so, it's probably not a good idea. If you think it would really be successful, however, read on. ^{[1]
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This can be done through e-mail or verbally. However you do it, make sure you're very mature and professional about it. Make sure they know that this is something that you really want to make happen.

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Ask around; without one, you can't do it. It is against school rules in every school district to have a school-sponsored gathering without an adult in authority to keep things under control.
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4
Compose a list of books that you want to read. Keep in mind the age group and reading capabilities of your school even if you love Shakespeare, that doesn't mean that the rest of your elementary school will. Try to find something modern and hip. Harry Potter is overdone, so why not try such books as Maximum Ride, Daniel X, Alex Rider, Artemis Fowl, Hunger Games, etc.? All these are series, to retain interest, and have a modernized, adventurous feel. ^{[2]
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- The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.
- Just William by Richmal Crompton.
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.
- Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling.
- Little House on the Prairie by Laura-Ingalls Wilder.
- Tracey Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson.
- Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
- Jungle Book by J. M. Barrie.
- The Famous Five go adventuring again by Enid Blyton.
- Allan Ahlberg.
- Roald Dahl.
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.
- Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz.
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How long do you think it will take them to read your designated book? One to two months is recommended, respectively; you don't want to rush or discourage them. Also, you don't want it to clash with other meetings or athletic practice. Keep it short, too; an hour or so. ^{[3]
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Don't just assume that they'll want to just talk about the developing relationship between Max and Fang; bring in themed treats, play games and do activities that relate to the books you're reading. ^{[4]
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7
Get some members! Go way public. Put up posters around school and at your local library, add something to the school's morning announcements, send a mass e-mail. Emphasize what you'll be doing, and you'll be sure to find some loyal members. Also, make sure they know what book they need to have read.
- In order to receive the permission to start your club, you may need signatures of students who would be interested in joining.
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Make sure that this isn't just a social hour, it's a book club. ^{[5]
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After the meeting, make sure that they know when the next one is. You don't want people to show up at the wrong time, or not at all.

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What can I discuss in a book club?

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Discuss the chapters you were recently reading, talk about the setting, the characters' emotions and the main problem of the book.

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What if the principal does not allow me to begin a book club at school?

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Explain the benefits and what it would bring to the school. Also say that it can be educational so you can help all the participating students to create great essays and a good book analysis. Perhaps show some videos of successful book club experiences. You might like to ask your parents to act as a support team too.

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I'm having trouble creating a book club because my school is very small and only has one library. Do you have any suggestions?

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Try meeting at a local library. If the kids in the book club have library cards, you could also use books from that library.

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Tips

Have fun! Imitate different scenes from the book, share some of your favorite quotes; don't bore them talking about symbolism and psychology.

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Don't make the members feel like you're in charge. Let the teacher be the one in authority and take part in the discussion.

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Compile a list of questions based on the book for when the discussion slows down. Don't go with, "What is the color of Max's hair?" Try, "Why do you think Max felt obligated to include Ari in the Flock?"

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How to Start a Book Club at School

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