Book Groups and Reading Clubs

When we find some spare time (ahem), we would like to sponsor a reading group. We have so many readers and it would be wonderful to really share and nurture this passion. I've noticed some schools have set up book circles and blogs for students to share and come together as a community. How are those going? ...any recommendations for schools considering forming book circles?

We will be launching our reading blog, Skyline Reads, next week and we are excited about it. We'll send the URL, as soon as it is up, in hopes that you will take a look at it for us and offer any suggestions or ideas. We will just be offering book reviews and recommendations in hopes of not only turning kids on to new reads, but establishing a two-way communication with the kids.

I found a couple of sites to share with you for resources on book clubs and reading groups...ideas, questions to ask, and tips for starting books groups: The YA Librarians' Homepage and Reading Group Guides. Many of you know Karol Sacca, the booktalk queen, quite well. She created the "Circle of 10" reading group project and it has evolved into many forms used at schools throughout Colorado and the country. Take a look at her recent project: Book has created ‘one town’ among schools.

What a great idea! Perhaps we should consider a "One Book, One District" for kids and staff to voluntarily read a book as a district project. We could facilitate online book discussions and communication across school boundary lines. If online safety is an issue, we could use Moodle as the online delivery medium allowing for moderation, control, and district-only access. Maybe a mini-grant from DMS or the district to buy multiple copies of a book? Too ambitious? ...perhaps that is something we could discuss at a future meeting.