My First Book Club!

I knew I wanted to start a book club this year, but I put it off last semester just because I was so busy with other things. Then one day I was talking to a student about her film studies class, and we were discussing movie adaptations of books. Suddenly, I had one of those light bulb moments, and "The Book  is Better!" became the premise for my new book club, focused on books that have been made into movies.

In my experience, hanging up flyers around school isn't the most effective recruitment tool. So in addition, I used my circulation system and wrote out personal invitations to students who were checking out books consistently, but who were not necessarily the stereotype of a reader. I also let students vote on which books to read.

And that's how I ended up with a wonderfully diverse group of readers who voted for The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins as their first book. Those of us who are over 16 might find that surprising, but these kids were 8 years old when it came out--most of them have never read it before. I got a book bundle from the public library and handed them out before winter break.

Last week, we met during advisory and discussed the book. I wouldn't say it was the most academic discussion I've ever had, but it was vibrant and passionate and fun. Tonight, a small group has stayed after school--from 2:30 to 5:00!--to watch the movie.

We have already chosen our next book, The Hate U Give, and will start it as soon as I can get enough copies for everyone. I was able to order 10 copies from firstbook.org, which is a site that provides low cost books to Title I schools, and ordered the rest from the public library.

I'm excited to see where this club goes!