High school book club visit

My recent visit to Alta High School's book club truly reminded me how vibrant and important these groups are for young readers! It was an absolute blast talking about the journey of bringing stories like the 'Above the Black' trilogy to life, from the initial idea to seeing 'SKY'S END' on shelves and even discussing its film adaptation. For any high school students out there thinking about joining a book club, or for librarians looking to boost engagement, I can't recommend it enough. These clubs offer so much more than just reading; they create a unique community, fostering a love for literature and critical thinking. Beyond author visits, which are incredibly special opportunities to get a peek behind the curtain (I even shared stories about being a 'New York Times Bestseller' and the highs and lows of publishing!), there are countless ways to make a high school book club shine. Have you ever tried themed meetings? Imagine a 'dystopian night' discussing 'The Hunger Games' and other similar worlds, complete with themed snacks and character discussions. Or perhaps a 'genre exploration' where each month focuses on a different literary style, expanding everyone's reading horizons. We've seen clubs create their own short films based on books, write fan fiction, or even organize local book drives, turning their love for reading into positive community action. These activities not only make reading fun but also build critical thinking and communication skills, which are so valuable for high schoolers. For those wondering how to get a book club started or how to make their existing one more dynamic, it's often simpler than you think! Start with a core group of enthusiastic readers. Decide on a meeting frequency and pick books that genuinely excite everyone. Don't be afraid to try different formats—sometimes a casual chat over snacks works best, other times a more structured discussion. And if you're keen on hosting an author, like the wonderful Ms. Siler did, reach out to local authors or publishing houses! Many authors love connecting with their readers and sharing their experiences of crafting stories. It's an inspiring way to show students the real people behind the books they love and how a story travels from an idea to a published work. The discussions forged in a high school book club are invaluable. You learn to articulate your thoughts, listen to different perspectives, and even respectfully disagree. It's a fantastic training ground for life skills, all while diving into incredible stories. From my perspective as someone who writes books, seeing the passion in young readers' eyes, hearing their insightful questions about character development or plot twists, and even getting to sign their copies of 'SKY'S END' or other favorites, is truly rewarding. It reinforces why we tell stories in the first place—to connect, to inspire, and to spark imagination. So, whether you're a seasoned book club member or just curious, dive in! You might discover your next favorite book or even be inspired to write one yourself.