Many adul
ts form book clubs. Libraries have book clubs. Moms have book clubs. What about a family book club? That is certainly something that could be held near bedtime, making it a bedtime book club. This activity will be especially engaging for families with older children. Families today are so busy and find it difficult to have quality family time. A book club would be a great way to schedule that necessary time. Depending on the book chosen and the reading level, book club can be held once a month or whenever the family choses a date. One option is to have everyone read the book on their own, throughout the month. Another option is to read it together as a family each night before bed. Books can be chosen based on interests, but also include books that address a particular challenge or lesson, historical fictions, or biographies. On the predetermined night of club everyone gathers for a cozy chat about the book. Making it a themed party would really bring the book to life. The great thing about it being a family book club is that you can make it as grandiose or as simple as you like, you cater it to your family’s likes and dislikes.
Book Ideas for ages 8 and up:
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, make the club night a real party with Wonka candies and chocolates. Kids can’t get enough of Charlie and Willy Wonka? Make the next book Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator and find out what happens when the elevator keeps going up, and up, and up! Specific questions for discussion click here.
- Freak the Mighty
- Island of the Blue Dolphins
- Wonder
- Beautiful Chaos
Questions: (Many books have questionnaires available online that can be used to spark excellent conversation.)
- What were your expectations for the story? Were they met?
- Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not?
- Was the plot engaging?
- Who was your favorite character and why?
- Was there a moral?
- Could you relate to the story or a character? How?
- Did the book end the way you expected?
- How would you end the story?
However you choose to adapt the family book club into your own family, it will make lasting impressions upon the minds and hearts of your children, building lasting relationships as well as a love of literacy.