Turn the Page

By Jennifer Brewer and Melissa Williams, Library Director/Lower School Librarian and Middle School Librarian

Book Clubs emerged on the Hilltop from a desire to foster an exuberant reading community where books are a medium for connection and reading is considered “cool.”

Few moments in an educational setting are more rewarding than watching students’ eyes light up as they discuss a book or listen intently as their peers share their interpretations of a common text.

Lower and Middle School Book Clubs are voluntary opportunities for students to discover new authors, titles, and genres together. Students see themselves represented in the books and the perspectives of others, and the books become “sliding doors” between a student’s sense of self and empathy for others.

In Lower School, third and fourth graders have the opportunity to participate in a Book Club once a trimester over lunch and brownies. Books are selected by a vote and the students have two months to read them. Insightful, thoughtful, and delightful conversations blossom between the young readers.

The Book Club is a platform for students to reflect on a story, share their ideas, and explore content in a nurturing and safe environment. There are no wrong answers as they share their opinions and perspectives and explore diverse scenarios through the lens of the characters and reactions of their classmates.

Oftentimes, reading a Book Club book will inspire attendees to read other works by the author or branch out into a new genre. It encourages children to delve deeper and think more critically about the book than just reading it on their own. Book Club members are proud of the depth with which they are able to discuss the texts. The goal is for this formative experience to encourage students to be lifelong book group participants.

Middle School educators often look for opportunities to bridge the social and emotional gap between grades five to eight, and the Book Club offers an opportunity for younger students to enjoy conversation and shared experiences with their older peers. The Middle School Book Club has grown significantly in recent years, regularly seeing upwards of 25 participants, with representation from across the four grades. Teachers participate as well, adding richness to the discussions and additional adult perspectives.

Similar to the Lower School Book Club, students vote on the featured titles at the start of the year, choosing from a variety of genres. They read a book a month and gather over lunch to engage in casual discussion. The experience is meant to be low-pressure, while yielding high enjoyment.

Students communicate so much humor, passion, and insight during their conversations, and their energy is infectious. Their thoughtfulness and ability to listen to and respond sensitively to others’ opinions is impressive. It is important to provide our younger students these opportunities throughout the school year to bolster a joyful sense of belonging, while establishing the foundation for a lifelong love of reading.