Book Clubs for the Chattering Classes(1-12, That Is)

“They learn how to communicate, how to analyze, who to express themselves,” Sheppard says, “even the kids who come in for two years and don't say a word.” The kids tackle everything from Flannery O’Connor’s “Everything that Rises Must Converge” to Art Spiegelman’s “Maus.” “It really helps them think,” she says. “That is the most important thing.” To draw in as many kids as possible, she goes around the room and asks her group to rate a book. “Is it horrible? Do you want to bury it?” she says. “The best part of the book club is not whether they like or hate the book, but they've been able to discuss their ideas with other people. It's taught them how to think and how to analyze while having fun.”

Even the tiniest kids come up with surprising insights. Author Yolen remembers hearing about a child in a very young book group that was discussing “Peter Rabbit.” “She thought it was a very sad story because Farmer McGregor lost all his cabbages,” says Yolen. “Goodness, who ever gave a thought to Farmer McGregor?!”

© 2007