Required Reading: Starting a Family Book Club

Book clubs aren’t just for adults! Starting a family book club can be a free or low-cost family activity that allows you to bond, discuss new topics and spend time together. Here are some tips on how to get started and involve everyone.

Explain the idea to your family. The concept of a book club is that each person will read the same book independently (or together) and there will be regular meetings for checking in about what you are reading. Make sure the meetings work for everyone — consistency is the key to solidifying reading as a family priority.

Set achievable goals. How long will it take each family member to complete the reading? Do you want to meet after a number of chapters or after completing the book? Clarify responsibilities before setting a meeting. If you worry your child is too young to focus and complete a book on her own, set aside time to read aloud together.

Take turns selecting the book. You want your kids to enjoy reading, so let them make choices, too. If you don’t come from a family of readers, suggest books that reflect your child’s interests, stage of development or reading level.

Share your own stories. Did you grow up loving to read? Have your family read one of your favorite childhood books. Think of books you loved and want to share, especially books your children might not encounter as a class assignment.

Dive into a series. Reading a series may make it easier for your family to stick to a goal and not have decision fatigue about what book to pick next. If you choose a popular series, you could watch the movie after you finish each book as an additional activity.

Use your resources. Check out books from your local library to keep the cost of buying multiple books down. Libraries also offer digital copies and audiobooks. Is your local bookstore holding an upcoming event with an author? Consider reading one of their books and attending the event. Does your bookstore host book clubs for kids? What recommendations could they give you?

Make it an event. Hold a dinner with food featured in the book, go out to a favorite restaurant, or do a skit to act out the book or a favorite chapter. If your child is old enough, have him plan the meeting when it’s his turn to choose the book.

Provide hands-on activities. Your kids may get bored if they’re just sitting around. Give them something to do while you chat, whether that’s coloring a picture or making a themed craft. Consider creating a scrapbook about your family book club and having everyone color or craft their own review page to include. Check out Growing Book by Book’s Family Dinner Book Club for book suggestions, themed menus, activities and more.

Enjoy your discussion. See if the book offers a discussion guide, or check publisher websites for book club guides, discussion topics or fun activities. Book discussions may give your child the opportunity to bring up a concern she has by making it about a fictional character or problem. If your conversation wanders off topic, that’s ok! The main point is to spend time together. If you can’t find a discussion guide, here are some suggested questions to get the conversation started: