Hennepin County Library - Bookspace - Children's Book Clubs

book clubs

Lead Book Clubs for Kids & Teens

Leading Discussions

Talk It Up! discussion guides from Multnomah County Library

Discussion guides from author Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Tips - plan ahead

Nametags are helpful if people don’t know each other.

A few ground rules can be helpful. Respecting others’ opinions and don't interrupt.

A “reading party” atmosphere keeps it relaxed.

Snacks can add to the fun.

The book should be fresh in your mind.

Activities like crossword puzzles, word finds, a movie, or a field trip can spice up the group.

Information about the author and other books by the same author can be provided.

Simple written evaluations are helpful. Participants rate books and provide other feedback.

Tips - during the discussion

Use icebreaker activities to get people comfortable in the group.

Redirect questions back to the group—the leader isn’t expected to have all the answers.

Try to involve quiet members in discussion. Ask them 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 at the beginning. Put questions 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.

Generic discussion questions

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?

Updated November, 2007
M. Severson, G. Cramer, J. Kreuser
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