How to Start a Grandchild Book Club
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Book discussions with grandchildren are a great way to and have interesting conversations that don’t involve asking about school. Plus, these discussions can provide deep insight into younger perspectives. They also allow grandparents to share wisdom and experiences in ways that are relatable. Grandparents and grandchildren can read the same book and pick a regular time to discuss — whether that’s by phone, or in person. The book club might involve multiple grandchildren (if you have them) or just one. You can make the gathering special by cooking themed food if you’re gathering in person, or by dressing up or wearing a hat related to the subject matter in the book. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Nancy Lingle, the adult librarian at the Davidson, North Carolina, branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, did something similar when her son was a tween. “[My husband] and I let him pick the book and we would discuss,” she says. “And because he was interested in the material, we became interested in the material. It was fascinating to see what he thought of the characters and the storyline.” Librarians know that reading is a great way to engage a child. But Corey Farrenkopf, a librarian at the Eastham Library in Eastham, Massachusetts, says the first step is to probe what captures the imagination of your younger reader. “Kids don’t have much agency,” he says. “They’re forced to read certain books in school, forced to do certain chores. And if you don’t want this to be a chore to them, give them the reins.” Or, as Farrenkopf puts it, consider a book club as a way to enter your grandchild’s world rather than pulling them into yours. And, be ready to admit that your grandchild’s world may be more sophisticated and move at a faster pace than your own childhood universe. The books you read as a child may be too slow for modern readers. “You’re competing with social media and all that stuff,” says Farrenkopf, who has taught high school and middle school. “You have to think about how the dopamine receptors work in their brains. Video games, TV, social media all give you that instant hit of dopamine, whereas books are a slow drip.” , sexism or other outdated attitudes. When you do run across something that makes you wince, use it as a way to discuss how times have changed. Librarians say to remember that reading is a safe way to explore attitudes or cultures different from your own. Be open to what you both might discover.
Use books as inspiration. Did you read about sushi? You could plan a night out to try it, suggests Dunn. Create bookmarks built around a book’s theme or characters. Bake or cook a dish described in a book. Explore a related historic site or craft. “It doesn’t have to be complicated,” Dunn says.
Don’t forget about nonfiction. Check out science books or perhaps some narrative nonfiction, says Farrenkopf. Or learn about a child’s favorite celebrity. One favorite: the “Who Was?” series, which includes people ranging from Catherine the Great to RuPaul.
If you’re not sure, ask. Librarians and book sellers can help you determine if a book is age appropriate or might have emotional triggers. Learn how books are categorized. For example, young adult (YA) books are defined as books with a main character ages 13 to 18 or so, Farrenkopf says. But some might have more mature themes or be scarier than others, so check if it’s OK for your particular grandchild. And grandparents should always check in with the parents of their grandchild if there's a question of whether a book might be appropriate.
Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Ready to read? The following 10 book suggestions came from librarians and kids, as well as Stefanie Corbin, owner of Footprints Cafe, a bookstore in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, that celebrates diversity.
How to Start a Grandchild Book Club
In person by phone or on Zoom use this time to as an opportunity to connect and learn
If you’re a grandparent, you probably know the joys of reading aloud to grandchildren. But don’t let that book connection expire as they start to read on their own: Start your own book club.Book discussions with grandchildren are a great way to and have interesting conversations that don’t involve asking about school. Plus, these discussions can provide deep insight into younger perspectives. They also allow grandparents to share wisdom and experiences in ways that are relatable. Grandparents and grandchildren can read the same book and pick a regular time to discuss — whether that’s by phone, or in person. The book club might involve multiple grandchildren (if you have them) or just one. You can make the gathering special by cooking themed food if you’re gathering in person, or by dressing up or wearing a hat related to the subject matter in the book. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Nancy Lingle, the adult librarian at the Davidson, North Carolina, branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, did something similar when her son was a tween. “[My husband] and I let him pick the book and we would discuss,” she says. “And because he was interested in the material, we became interested in the material. It was fascinating to see what he thought of the characters and the storyline.” Librarians know that reading is a great way to engage a child. But Corey Farrenkopf, a librarian at the Eastham Library in Eastham, Massachusetts, says the first step is to probe what captures the imagination of your younger reader. “Kids don’t have much agency,” he says. “They’re forced to read certain books in school, forced to do certain chores. And if you don’t want this to be a chore to them, give them the reins.” Or, as Farrenkopf puts it, consider a book club as a way to enter your grandchild’s world rather than pulling them into yours. And, be ready to admit that your grandchild’s world may be more sophisticated and move at a faster pace than your own childhood universe. The books you read as a child may be too slow for modern readers. “You’re competing with social media and all that stuff,” says Farrenkopf, who has taught high school and middle school. “You have to think about how the dopamine receptors work in their brains. Video games, TV, social media all give you that instant hit of dopamine, whereas books are a slow drip.” , sexism or other outdated attitudes. When you do run across something that makes you wince, use it as a way to discuss how times have changed. Librarians say to remember that reading is a safe way to explore attitudes or cultures different from your own. Be open to what you both might discover.
Use books as inspiration. Did you read about sushi? You could plan a night out to try it, suggests Dunn. Create bookmarks built around a book’s theme or characters. Bake or cook a dish described in a book. Explore a related historic site or craft. “It doesn’t have to be complicated,” Dunn says.
Don’t forget about nonfiction. Check out science books or perhaps some narrative nonfiction, says Farrenkopf. Or learn about a child’s favorite celebrity. One favorite: the “Who Was?” series, which includes people ranging from Catherine the Great to RuPaul.
If you’re not sure, ask. Librarians and book sellers can help you determine if a book is age appropriate or might have emotional triggers. Learn how books are categorized. For example, young adult (YA) books are defined as books with a main character ages 13 to 18 or so, Farrenkopf says. But some might have more mature themes or be scarier than others, so check if it’s OK for your particular grandchild. And grandparents should always check in with the parents of their grandchild if there's a question of whether a book might be appropriate.
Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Ready to read? The following 10 book suggestions came from librarians and kids, as well as Stefanie Corbin, owner of Footprints Cafe, a bookstore in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, that celebrates diversity.