Leading Effective Book Discussions

Resources for Inspiration & Practical Tips

Brouse, Ann, Editor.  Talk It Up!  Book Discussion Programs For Young People.
          New York Library Association, 1999. ($20.00 N.Y.L.A. Publications, New             
          York Library Association, 252 Hudson Avenue, Albany N.Y 12210-1802)

Clark, Mary & Kate McClelland. “Young Critics with a Passion for Books.” Book Links, July 1997.  P. 23-26

Dickerson, Constance B.  Teen Book Discussion Groups @ the Library.  Neal-
           Schuman, 2004 (J 027.626 Prof. Coll.)

Dodson, Shireen.  The Mother Daughter Book Club - How Ten Busy Mothers and
           Daughters Came Together to Talk, Laugh and Learn Through Their Love
           of Reading.  HarperCollins, 1997. (J 372.416 D Prof. Coll.)

Dodson, Shireen.  100 Books for Girls to Grow On.  HarperCollins. 1998.               
HB (372.4162 D 647 M)

Gambrell, Linda B.  Lively Discussions! Fostering Engaged Reading.  International
           Reading Association, 1998. (J 372.41 L Prof. Coll.)

Gelman, Judy, and Vicky Levy Krupp.  The Kids’ Book Club Book: Reading Ideas, Recipes, Activities, and Smart Tips for Organizing Terrific Kids” Book Clubs. Penguin, 2007. (J 028.55 G Prof. Coll.)

Gilmore, Barry.  Speaking Volumes: How to Get Students Discussing Books, and Much More.  Heinemann, 2006. HB (J 428.007 G Prof. Coll.)

Goldstone, Nancy and Lawrence.  Deconstructing Penguins, Parents, Kids, and the
           Bond of Reading.  Ballantine, 2005. (J 025.55 G Prof. Coll.)

Hepler, Susan, and Maria Salvadore.  Books Your Kids Will Talk About.  National
           Education Association,  2003. (J 028.55 H Prof. Coll.)
              
Jacobsohn, Rachel W.  The Reading Group Handbook: Everything You Need To
           Know To Start Your Own Book Club.  Hyperion, 1998.  HB (374.22 J 17R)

Jenkins, Christine & Sally Freeman.  Novel Experiences, Literature Units For Book
           Discussion Groups In The Elementary Grades.  Teacher Ideas Press, 1990.
           (J 372.64 J Parents Coll.)

Katz, Claudia Anne, and Sue Ann Kuby.  “Literature Circles.”   Book Links,   
           December 2001/January 2002. P. 41-43.  

Knoth, Maeve Visser. “Sparking Conversation At Home: Using Children’s Books
           To Stimulate Discussion.”  Horn Book Magazine, May-June 1997, P. 370.

Kunzel, Bonnie.  The Teen-Centered Book Club: Readers into Leaders.  Libraries
           Unlimited, 2006 (J 027.626 K Prof. Coll.)

Sloan, Glenna Davis.  The Child as Critic, Teaching Literature in Elementary and
           Middle Schools. 4th ed. Teachers College Press, 2003. (372.64S Prof. Coll.)

Soltan, Rita   Reading Raps: A Book Club Guide for Librarians, Kids, and Families.
           Libraries Unlimited, 2006. (J 027.625 S Prof. Coll.)

Smith, Laura. J. H.  The Book Bunch: Developing Book Clubs for Beginning
           Readers.  Upstart, 2004. HB (J 372.41 S) (lost)

Vermont Center for the Book.  The Neighborhood Reading Guide: How to Start Your Own Book Discussion Group in Your Very Own Neighborhood.  Revised Edition, Vermont Center for the Book, 1999. (J 028.8 N 1999 Prof. Coll.)

Ward, Caroline.  “Having Their Say: How To Lead Great Book Discussions With                            
           Children.”  School Library Journal, April, 1998. P.24.

Webber, Desiree, and Snady Shropshire.  The Kids’ Book Club: Lively Reading and
           Activities for Grades 1-3.  Libraries Unlimited, 2001. (J 028.55 W Prof. Coll.)

Selected Web Resources

Beyond Basals
“Hundreds of in-depth guides for using children’s literature in K-12 classrooms.” Browse alphabetically by title, or search to find specific titles and authors.
          
Connecticut State Library
A list of titles with links to discussion guides, author information, and ideas on how to use the book in a discussion program.
          
Great Books Foundation
Contains a children’s book reading list, allows those interested to enroll in a training course for discussion leaders, order books, etc.
          
Multnomah County Library-“TALK IT UP”
A rich site with loads of practical pointers for librarians.   
          
University of Calgary, Doucette Index
This mega children’s literature site contains a useful index of guides for book discussions.

Publisher Resources

Publishers have discovered the power of providing thoughtful professional connections to their books. Visit the following for some great discussion ideas:

Harper Childrens
Includes general discussion questions and suggestions for teaching across the curriculum.

Penguin Putnam

Random House
Extensive selection of guides for both teachers and librarians.

Scholastic: Discussion Guides
Discussion guides for a selection of popular and award winning titles for grades K-8.

Simon Say Kids