Reading Raps: A Book Club Guide for Librarians, Kids, and Families

by Rita Soltan

Overview

Book clubs are sprouting up all over, and so are book club guides—but not all book club guides are equal. Many focus on a specific type of book club, or they take a generic approach of one size fits all; and most do not take into account the special needs of librarians and educators working with young readers. This guide has it all, and it will help you ensure that your book club meetings are both fun and educational. Focusing on children in grades 3-8 (and their families), the book offers 100 ready-made book club instructions for popular children's and YA titles—from newer releases, such as Theresa Nelson's Ruby Electric and Blue Balliett's Chasing Vermeer to perennial favorites and award-winning classics, such as Johanna Hurwitz's Much Ado about Aldo and Gary Soto's Baseball in April and Other Stories. Along with thought-provoking discussion questions, you'll find all the background information you need to conduct lively book discussions with a variety of readers-plot summary, themes and characters description, genre, reading level, author and award information, related reads, and more. The guide describes four types of family-oriented book clubs—family, mother/daughter, father/son, and readers' rap—as well as a book club for kids only. The author provides practical instructions for making each type of book club successful. For each title, she provides a plot summary, characterization sketches, questions to use for provocative discussion, and follow-up bibliographies on similar reads. Notes on genres, themes, and reading levels are also provided. The selected titles reflect some of the best, most current, and most popular children's literature. In addition, a broad scope of genres and multicultural titles are included. Perfect for public library programs and after school book clubs, this is a one-stop resource, with practical, ready-made plans that can easily be adapted to multiple environments. Grades 3-8.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781591582342
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/30/2005
Pages:	372
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.77(d)

About the Author

Rita Soltan an independent Library Youth Services Consultant, is a former children's librarian of New York and Michigan, where she also supervised youth services departments for 15 years. An active member of ALA/ALSC, Soltan currently chairs the Education Committee of this group. She is Past Chair of the Children's Services Division of the Michigan Library Association and she has written for the MLA Forum, the electronic jourbanal for the Michigan Library Association. Soltan also reviews children's books for Kirkus Review and School Library Jourbanal.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Book Discusssion Basics
Family Book Group
Mother/Daughter Series
Father/Son Book Club
Readers' Rap
Index

Editorial Reviews

This book, with its indexes and lists, is a wonderful tool for librarians and library users as well. Teachers looking for title alternatives may turban to this book for guidance on themes. Parents and children's group leaders could use this book as a guideline for introducing themes for discussion. All in all, this book is a wonderful addition to school, public and personal libraries.” —Reference & User Services Quarterly

“This unique volume discusses four types of reading groups; mother/daughter, father/son, family, and the traditional children's reading circles. Advice on how to form a discussion group, provide the books, lead the discussion, and facilitate a welcoming atmosphere is presented in the first chapter. The nature and specific challenges of each group are described; consideration is given to age, gender, reading levels, and multicultural factors that would determine the genres and subject matter….A useful volume for parents beginning a book group and for teachers working with literature circles.” —School Library Jourbanal

“[A] great resource: the promotion of book discussions held by family and friends that do not require the teacher-librarian to be the center of attention. Teacher-librarians can be the power behind the throne in this instance. The author provides a range of reading selections, and then, in a chapter for each title, she provides a plot summary, a character summary, a list of other books on similar topics, and a list of resources for author study, and a nice list of discussion questions….The books covered range from children's books through teens' books, so there is something to interest all readers. Highly recommended.” —Teacher Librarian

“The author provides librarians with a guide to book discussion groups for children and adults, with plans for 100 books geared to grades 3-8. Ideas for forming groups and choosing titles, discussion questions, and icebreakers are included….The novice group leader will find this book helpful, and the experienced facilitator will find many new ideas.” —Booklist/Professional Reading

From the Publisher

This unique volume discusses four types of reading groups: mother/daughter, father/son, family, and the traditional children's reading circles. Advice on how to form a discussion group, provide the books, lead the discussion, and facilitate a welcoming atmosphere is presented in the first chapter. The nature and specific challenges of each group are described; consideration is given to age, gender, reading levels, and multicultural factors that would determine the genres and subject matter. A variety of titles is summarized, and each one is described as to characterization and theme; titles with similar themes are listed. The books suggested are mostly for readers in grades three to eight and include sophisticated picture books that may be enjoyed by all ages. The titles will be familiar to most experienced children's librarians and provide a good memory jog. Most of the books were published in recent years but some go back as far as the 1950s. Perhaps the most helpful section for adults new to book-discussion facilitation is the list of open-ended discussion questions that accompany each book selection. Helpful indexes include grade level, genre, theme/subject, author, and title. Suggested readings include a list of other books on the subject of book discussions and motivating children to read. Suggested resources also include Web sites. A useful volume for parents beginning a book group and for teachers working with literature circles.-Jackie Gropman, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal