Choosing What to Read:

One of the most enjoyable yet frightening aspects of a reading club is choosing the books. While it's exciting to consider the options, make your list, and cut it down to those few select titles that you'll read, picking good books for your club can also be intimidating. You want the perfect book: one that's not too easy, not too hard, that will hold the interest of a diverse club of readers and will also inspire a lively discussion. Where on earth do you find books that are all that and more, and how do you pick which of these to read?

Probably the best place to start looking is on your members' bookshelves. If a kid in your club has already read a book and liked it, there's a pretty good chance others will too. You'll want to read new stuff too, but there's nothing wrong with occasionally rereading an old favorite. You'll be surprised how many things your club will bring up that you never thought about before. Also, ask your parents what books they've read recently that you and your friends might enjoy. True, adults might be completely clueless about your tastes, but your parents probably know you pretty well and might have good suggestions. Many books published for adults aren't too advanced for teenagers to read and enjoy.

Look around online for Reading Club suggestions. There are a bunch of sites out there dedicated to Reading Clubs, and they'll give you some good titles to choose from. Sometimes it's risky to try a book that no one's heard of before, but experimenting might find you a new favorite. If you're looking for new ideas, go to a local library or bookstore and ask an adult for help. Librarians often have Reading Club experience and can help you pick some books that will suit your club's needs.

The best way to make sure your club's happy with the book choices is to create a list and then vote on which ones you're going to read. The more information you have on each book (author info, recommendations, previous reading experience, etc), the easier it'll be for your club to make a smart decision. Some clubs like to plan out their reading for a whole year, but others prefer to wait and only pick a couple of books at a time since their tastes change. Remember: Choosing your books should be fun; make a good list and then enjoy the best part --- reading and discussing good books!!