Getting Started

Starting a book discussion group? Young Critics Speak Out is a list of resources available to help you get started in organizing a group.

The Ferguson librarians have provided suggestions of books that have proven successful in library discussions with kids, along with questions and other web related connections to the books.

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Alvin Ho: Allergic To Girls, School, and Other Scarey Things by Lenore Look

Because of Mr  Terupt by Bob Buyea

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

The Black Book of Secrets by F. E. Higgins

Born to Fly by Michael Ferrari

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau   

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Deep Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn

Dial-a-Ghost by Eva Ibbotson

Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Herbert's Wormhole by Peter Nelson

Hotel for Dogs by Louis Duncan 

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick 

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davis

Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce

The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse

My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian

No Talking by Andrew Clements

Notes From a Liar and Her Dog by Gennifer Choldenko

The Potato Chip Puzzles by Eric Berlin  

The private notebook of Katie Roberts, age 11 by Amy Hest

Running Out of Time by Margaret Paterson Haddix

Signal by Cynthia DeFelice   

The Thing about Georgie by Lisa Graff

NoveList - Reviews of children's books with helpful book discussion guides.