Discussion Guides - Children's Books
quick list by title   |   quick list by author
Discussion Guides - Teen Books
quick list by title   |   quick list by author

• Scholastic Discussion Guides - guides from popular children's publisher
• Talk It Up! discussion guides from Multnomah County Library
  
• Discussion guides: author Tracie Vaughn Zimmer at Wild Geese Guides

• Nametags are helpful if people don’t know each other.
• Ground rules: Respect all opinions; don't interrupt.
• A “reading party” atmosphere keeps it relaxed.
• Snacks can add to the fun.
• The book should be fresh in your mind.
• Add activities like crossword puzzles, word finds, a movie, or a field trip.
• Learn more about the author and his/her other books.
• Simple written evaluations are helpful such rating books.

• Use ice breakers to get people comfortable in the group.
• Redirect questions back to the group—the leader doesn't have all answers!
• Involve quiet members; ask to read a question or passage from the book.
• Keep a balance between staying on track and allowing spontaneity.
• Use both generic questions and questions specific to the book.
• Ask participants to write their own questions. Put in a basket and have each participant select one.
• If the group hates the book, go with it! Ask why. Sometimes those discussions turn out to be some of the best.
• Remember that every group is unique.

• Did you like the book? Why or why not?
• Which character did you like the most or least?
• What problems did the characters face?
• Which scene do you remember the most?
• Is there anything that seemed unbelievable or fake?
• Are you satisfied or disappointed with the ending?
• What was the author trying to say in the book?
• If you wrote to the author, what would you say?