Building a Community of Readers: The Power of Book Clubs in Middle School
Discover the impact of book clubs in middle school and find the perfect book club books for middle schoolers to foster a love for reading and build a strong community.
Building a Community of Readers:
The Power of Book Clubs in Middle School
As a former special ed teacher, reading tutor, creative writing tutor, and a children’s book author, I tend to get the same questions from educators, librarians, and parents of young readers regularly, and I love it.
These questions all tend to revolve around how to encourage kids to find joy in reading. I totally get it! In a world with shorter attention spans and many ways to pass time, I notice that adults worry about ensuring children understand the importance of reading and make it a part of their lives. We need to make reading meaningful to young people. If we want to foster a love of books in our classrooms and libraries, we need to put the emphasis on their experiences and their ability to connect to books.
Book clubs are one avenue I always recommend educators explore with their middle schoolers. Book clubs build community, empower readers, and offer a peer driven approach to reading comprehension and building connection.
Book clubs are so valuable because they can reach young readers in a way teachers or librarians or parents can’t. In connecting to themes and discussing them with each other, kids experience books differently.
So, if you’re feeling that spark of curiosity and have your own questions about introducing or reinvigorating middle school book clubs to your group of readers, I’m going to share with you some of the book club-centric questions that frequent my inbox. I think that in reading the answers to these common questions, you’ll gain clarity on how a book club might work for your readers.
Why are Book Clubs Important for Middle Schoolers?
Middle school is a wild time for kids. Think about it: they’re entering a very confusing period emotionally, socially, and developmentally. It’s natural for them to struggle to maintain focus on a book they’ve been forced to read when so many more immediate concerns, emotions, and anxieties are floating through their minds.
Book clubs, on the other hand, are student driven. They offer kids the opportunity to lead discussions about the aspects of a book they’re interested in. As teachers shift into facilitation instead of direct instruction, the student-to-student dynamic shifts, too. Peers begin to share their thoughts: their reaction to a protagonist’s gutsy decision, or their anger at an antagonist’s choices. Students spark a conversation about what resonated with them in a specific chapter. These peer-led group conversations can bring characters and situations to life for kids, who are empowered to express their opinions, and given the opportunity to practice listening to others.
Strong book clubs provide an outlet for kids to have conversations about books in a different way, one that allows them to share their own experiences and feelings with one another. They promote a sense of belonging, as well as a deeper appreciation for books and improved critical thinking skills. To discuss your own feelings about and connection to a book, a reader has to analyze a book’s major events, character development, themes, etc. to be an active member of a group discussion.
Discussion Topics and Activities for Book Club Meetings
Let's explore some discussion topics and activities that will ensure your book club meetings have direction:
1. Character Analysis
Encourage students to dive deep into the characters' lives, motivations, and relationships. Discuss how characters change and grow throughout the book. Ask questions like "How does the protagonist's journey inspire you?" or "Which character would you like to be friends with, and why?"
2. Theme Exploration
Explore the themes presented in the book and their relevance to the students' lives. Discuss topics like friendship, family, identity, or overcoming challenges. Encourage students to share personal experiences that relate to the themes and how they can apply the lessons learned in their own lives.
3. Book-related Activities
Organize book-related activities to enhance the students' understanding and enjoyment of the book. This could include creating artwork inspired by the book, acting out scenes, or even cooking a dish mentioned in the story. These activities will make the book come alive and create a deeper connection between the students and the story.
Tips for Running a Successful Book Club
Running a successful book club for middle schoolers does require planning and organization. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enriching experience for your students:
1. Choose age-appropriate books
Selecting books that are suitable for middle schoolers is crucial. Look for diverse books that address relevant themes and feature relatable characters. Consider group reading levels and interests to set each book club group up for success.
2. Create a welcoming environment
It’s important that every student is given the chance to feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. Set clear guidelines for participation, behavior, and how to respond to different opinions respectfully. To ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the club, consider providing the option for written responses or reflection to questions for those students who are shy, or for those that need more processing time to develop their thoughts and feelings. These can be shared in a way that makes every student feel comfortable.
3. Plan engaging activities
Book clubs should go beyond just discussing the book. Plan interactive activities that enhance the reading experience. These can include role-playing, creative writing exercises, or even organizing a book-themed event or field trip. Engaging activities will make the book club meetings more memorable and enjoyable for the students.
And, if you have a book club reading The Ice House, let me know! I’m always happy to do a 20 minute virtual FAQ with a group of students!
The Ice House: A Perfect Choice for Middle School Book Clubs
Now, let's turn our attention to The Ice House, my middle grade novel that is perfect for book clubs, if I do say so myself (and is available for preorder in paperback now!). The book explores themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery.
From a strictly practical perspective, it’s a great book club choice because it was printed with a book club guide in the back, which makes prepping questions much easier for facilitators!
The Ice House presents young readers with relatable characters and thought-provoking themes: friendship, grief, family dynamics, and the importance of embracing change. The book's relatable characters and engaging plot will captivate middle schoolers' imaginations and spark meaningful discussions.
It also encourages kids to think critically and analyze the choices made by the characters. Because the book takes place during a never ending snow storm, there are aspects about the book that will resonate with kids who experienced virtual learning and quarantine.
It prompts students to reflect on their own experiences and consider how they would handle similar situations. By engaging in discussions about the book, students develop their critical thinking skills, empathy, and understanding of complex emotions.
Themes and Topics Explored in The Ice House
The Ice House touches upon several important themes and topics that resonate with middle schoolers. Some of these include:
1. Friendship and Belonging
The book explores the challenges of shifting dynamics between friends, navigating feelings around middle school social status, outgrowing friendships, and being unsure of how or where we fit in.
2. Resilience and Overcoming Challenges
Louisa, the protagonist, showcases the power of resilience and hope in the face of uncertainty. Students can reflect on their own challenges and discuss strategies for overcoming obstacles and the importance of hope.
3. Normalizing Grief and Loss
Louisa and Luke’s experiences navigating grief in their own families offer a backdrop for students to reflect on their own family dynamics, how they feel about loss in their own lives, and the concept of grief and its impact on a family. While some may feel that this would be a heavy topic to discuss in a book club, these themes are there for readers that have experienced loss to feel less alone. Readers can see that even though grief and loss are often not discussed openly, they are not alone.
Discussion Questions for The Ice House
The Ice House actually includes a book club guide at the end! But, to kickstart meaningful discussions about The Ice House, here are some thought-provoking questions to explore with your book club:
How does the ice house symbolize change?
Discuss the different types of friendships portrayed in the book. Which friendship resonated with you the most, and why?
How does Louisa’s journey relate to your own experiences? How about Luke’s?
The book explores the theme of resilience. Can you think of a time when you demonstrated resilience in your own life? How did it impact you?
What lessons can we learn from The Ice House about the importance of embracing change and stepping out of our comfort zones?
Other Recommended Book Club Books for Middle Schoolers
In addition to The Ice House, there are countless other captivating reads that are perfect for middle school book clubs. Here are a few recommendations:
The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller
Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango
The Giver by Lois Lowry (Have to throw in a few favorites from my own childhood library book club!)
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate Dicamillo
Starfish by Lisa Fipps
The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead
These books offer rich storytelling, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes that will engage and empower young minds.
So, gather your students, choose exciting books, and start your own book club adventure.
Engaging Middle School Students: How Read Alouds and Middle Grade Books Foster a Love of Reading
Discover the benefits of middle school read alouds, how they impact student learning outcomes and suggestions on how to make them fun. Learn why author visits for elementary schools can be a powerful tool in an educator's arsenal!
Attention all teachers and school librarians!
As part of my ongoing commitment to encourage a love of reading (for fun) in our kids, I have a special offer for all school librarians and teachers.
If you send me a receipt of your order of The Ice House you plan to read aloud with your class, I will schedule a free 30 minute virtual Zoom Q + A with your students at the time of your choosing this upcoming school year.
All you have to do is send a proof of your purchase (screenshot of your receipt, order, etc.) here and include your name, school, and age of your class and I will follow up with scheduling info!
As I’ve been working on my latest writing project, I’ve also been doing literacy research as part of my day job as a UX Researcher. I've been delving into studies on how to increase student engagement in reading, especially in the middle school years. In a recent post, I shared my thoughts on the research that kids reading for fun is at an all time low and my determination to do what I can to turn things around. So far, this has looked like organizing author visits and spreading awareness about proven strategies that encourage middle schoolers to read for fun.
To that end, I've been reaching out to ELA teachers and literacy coaches for interviews, and digging into research studies that provide efficacy data. In doing so, I’ve been really excited to come across research on the benefits of Read Alouds for middle schoolers. In this post, I’m synthesizing what I’ve learned both from study data and the teachers I’ve spoken to on the topic.
Disclaimer: I’m continuing to learn more about this topic, and I’m so open to feedback and ideas!
The Benefits of Read Alouds for Middle School Students
My investigations into this whole topic really came from interest in proven strategies that increase student engagement in independent reading. The research I found reminded me of my masters degree work in special education and the importance of exposing students to a variety of texts in as many forms as possible. Many teachers face expectations from their admin that make it difficult to rationalize carving valuable instructional time out to dedicate to read alouds. In fact, my own fear of surprise observation drop-ins sometimes dissuaded me from activities that I felt someone might perceive as “less than rigorous.” But the research shifted my thinking here. Important skills are being modeled and practiced during class read alouds.
When students’ only task is to listen to the story being read, not worrying about pronunciation, taking turns reading, and decoding new vocabulary, comprehension becomes the sole focus. Teachers can take advantage of the fact that many students have a higher listening capacity level than reading level.
The Power of Read Alouds: Empowering Students and Enhancing Learning
When students enter middle school, it's not uncommon for the disparity in classmates’ reading abilities to become more pronounced and challenging. For those students with learning differences or dyslexia, read alouds can serve as a communal experience where everyone in the class is engaged in the same story. Regardless of reading level, every kid in the class can participate as a listener, can contribute to classroom conversations, jot down thoughts, or reflect on what they’ve learned.
One teacher I spoke to shared that read alouds are framed as a reward for good behavior in her middle school ELA classroom. Kids start to associate listening to her read as a treat and look forward to continuing the story. When everyone in the class gets to be an active participant, it becomes a classroom bonding experience that creates positive associations. Numerous studies have found that middle school students prefer teacher read-alouds and that they can foster positive attitudes toward reading (Albright & Ariail, 2005; Ariail & Albright, 2006; Ivey, 2003).
During read-alouds, teachers become models for positive reading behaviors and provide scaffolding for connecting the text to real life (Burgess & Tracey, 2006). This method also allows for supporting student responses and guiding higher-level thinking. Additionally, read-alouds expose students to new language and literature, giving them the chance to enjoy the text without the pressure of reading solo.
How does this create more engagement? When a major part of the work of reading is removed and students are focused on listening to a story unfold, they are given the chance to get caught up in a book and its characters purely for enjoyment.
Choosing the Right Middle Grade Novel for Your Class
With the abundance of fantastic middle grade novels available, it can be overwhelming for teachers to select the best ones for their classrooms. It’s important to make informed choices based on your students and their interests and experiences, as well as the thematic goals you have in mind for classroom discussions.
The first factor to consider when picking a middle grade novel is the relatability of the characters. Can your students see themselves in the story? Can they relate to the protagonist? Is there an element of the book that could create buy-in?
Next, ponder over the theme and message of the novel. The book you choose should be capable of imparting valuable life lessons and promoting empathy and understanding among students.
The maturity level of the class should also be taken into account. Middle grade novels cover a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from light-hearted adventures to serious issues like death, racism, and bullying. It is essential to select a book that matches the class's maturity level and keeps them engaged.
Building Engagement Around Read Alouds
It’s really important that once you’ve selected your read aloud, it’s time to get your students excited about the novel! Introduce the book with enthusiasm and offer fun activities to go along with the reading. You can use the novel as a teaching tool, incorporating various activities to make the learning process more fun. For example, have students create character sketches or draw their favorite scene from the book. By making the reading experience fun, your students will be more invested in the story and will look forward to reading time in class.
References
I’ve linked some of the studies referenced in this post for you to look into further!
Tapping the Potential of Teacher Read Alouds in Middle School
Read Alouds in the School Setting
Just Plain Reading
As part of my ongoing commitment to reinvigorating a love of reading in our kids, I have a special offer for all school librarians and teachers.
If you send me a receipt of your order of The Ice House you plan to read aloud with your class, I will schedule a free 30 minute virtual Zoom Q + A with your students at the time of your choosing this upcoming school year (2023-2024).
All you have to do is send a proof of your purchase (screenshot of your receipt, order, etc.) here and I will follow up with scheduling info!
Bringing Words to Life: The Benefits of Author Visits in Elementary Schools
I’ve been getting questions lately about when to consider bringing an author into a classroom, and about whether I think author visits in elementary schools really matter for kids. I think in the abstract, the answers seem obvious, but I’ve been really thinking about my answer these days, especially when virtual author visits are becoming more and more common.
The Ice House, my middle grade novel, made its debut during the pandemic. This made connecting with readers tricky, as many traditionally in-person book sales events were either postponed, canceled, or made virtual. As a former teacher, I was expecting to be able to hear feedback (the good, and, if necessary, the bad) from real kids. I wanted to hear from teachers about how their class responded to the story of The Ice House and how in resonated with their students. Not having had as many opportunities to connect with many real middle grade readers of The Ice House initially has made a real impression on me, shaping the way I view school visits now.
As a writer, one of my favorite experiences is visiting schools to talk with students about storytelling, creativity, and the power of their words. There's something magical about walking into a classroom and seeing the spark of interest in students when they realize they're about to meet a "real author."
One of my top priorities during author visits is to help students understand that being a “real” author or writer is all about telling your own unique stories, and not about someone giving you permission to call yourself one. A writer is someone who writes. If my school visits make any impact at all, I hope it’s by encouraging kids to use their voice to tell their stories.
What is the real benefit of author visits to schools?
To be totally honest, I think a real benefit of an author visit to a school or a classroom depends on that specific group of students. For some kids, read alouds are their favorite part of the school day. They may or may not love reading, but they enjoy listening to stories, and regardless of their foundational writing skills, love playing with stories of their own. For these students, meeting someone who writes stories of their own professionally is usually pretty thrilling. They get to ask questions about the writing process, where authors come up with story ideas, and for thoughts about whether they themselves can have a career in writing one day. I’ve also noticed that kids in this group are eager to tell the visiting author their own book ideas, which is a very sweet (though sometimes time consuming) aspect of connecting with readers.
For students that don’t especially enjoy reading and who shy away from writing, the right author’s visit can have a really huge impact. When authors confess their own disinterest in certain school subjects, or their own struggles to figure out how to approach a story, or admit just how exhausting and annoying writing can sometimes be, they provide a different perspective to students. For these students, an author visit can be refreshing and inspiring, especially if they connect with the author on a personal level. Yes, reading and writing are mandatory parts of school, but shifting kids’ thought process away from required assignments to the freedom writing and reading skills afford you can make a big difference for reluctant readers and writers. Meeting someone who can embody the impact that freedom can have on someone's life can be a meaningful result of an author’s visit.
And, having been a teacher myself, I will be real with all of the teachers and librarians who struggle with behavior management issues in their classroom. Of course, an author’s visit is not going to captivate each and every student in your class. It should, at the very least, provide an enriching activity for the majority of your class. Novelty might benefit some of your students not in a space to fully benefit from an author’s visit now. For the others, I think it’s beneficial to give an author a head’s up to expect some light interruption if there are some behavior management plans that could impact the visit, but speaking from experience, authors who spend time visiting classrooms and schools will not be phased by interruptions.
Meeting and interacting with a real-life author who can share their passion, experience and knowledge will inspire some students to develop their own writing skills and potentially pursue a career in writing. They can also provide a unique insight into the writing process, which can help students understand the importance of research, planning, and editing.
When should teachers or librarians book an author visit?
Author visits can be beneficial at any time of the year. I’ve loved some October visits where school librarians have introduced me to students to get them excited about the school year ahead. It’s always nice if a class has read The Ice House and has specific questions for me about the book, so that can impact when a visit might be best as well.
I have found through conversations with my fellow authors as well as with teachers, that most author visits are a success as long as they provide the chance for students to connect with a writer and hear firsthand accounts from someone who writes for a living. Just make sure that students get to ask questions, hear advice, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating stories.
Teachers and librarians looking for ways to engage their students and promote literacy should consider booking an author visit any time they can fit one into their schedule. Many authors, including myself, are willing to work with schools to ensure these visits are accessible and affordable for all.
FAQs About Author Visits for Elementary School
Q: Why should my school consider having an author visit?
Author visits can enhance literacy skills, improve the reading culture in the school community, and promote creativity in students. It is also a great way to connect authors with readers, and students with real-world writing careers.
Q: How should I prepare my students for an author visit?
Before the visit, make sure to introduce the author and their work to your students. Read some of the author's books, watch videos of the author, and encourage discussion about their writing and the themes in their works. Additionally, remind students about appropriate behavior during the event.
Q: What will the author do during the visit?
During the visit, the author will share their writing and publishing journey, read from their books, answer questions, and participate in activities related to their books or writing in general. The author may also offer writing tips and advise students on how to become writers.
Q: How long does an author visit last?
The length of the visit can vary depending on the author's schedule and the school's preference. Some visits may last one hour, while others may go on for an entire day.
Q: Can my school afford an author visit?
Many authors offer different packages that cater to schools of different budgets. Additionally, some schools may combine resources with nearby schools to split costs and bring in an author they otherwise could not afford.
Q: How can I book an author to visit my school?
Most authors have booking information on their websites. If not, contact the author's representative, agency, or publisher. You should book an author well in advance of your desired visit date.
As an author, I come with a passion for storytelling and a wealth of knowledge about the publishing industry, and I can tailor my talks to fit the specific needs and interests of each group I work with. I can provide writing prompts and activities that will get students excited about putting their own stories on paper, or resources and tips for educators who want to encourage more reading and writing in their classrooms. If you’re interested in booking an author visit with me, please check out this link for more information!
All in all, author visits are one of my favorite parts of being a writer. Not only do I get to share my love for books and storytelling with young readers, but I get to see firsthand the impact that those visits can have on their lives. If you're a teacher or librarian looking to bring a little magic into your classroom, I encourage you to book an author visit. And if you're a writer yourself, I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to inspire the next generation of story creators. Together, we can help turn students into lifelong readers and writers who will continue to carry the magic of books with them throughout their lives.