Each month, we'll read and discuss a different teen or young adult novel! This book club blends pleasure reading and novel study-- we'll discuss what we love (or dislike!) about the book, as well as theme, symbolism, characters, and structure.

2024 Selections:

October: SHE IS A HAUNTING by Trang Thranh Tran

November: A TEMPEST OF TEA by Hafsah Faizal

December: ICARUS by K. Ancrum

As a professional young adult author, I love talking about books with students-- and I especially love urging them to dig deep and think about books beyond a simple "I liked it" or "I didn't like it". This class seeks to engage students in meaningful discussion about books while also touching on literary devices like symbolism, foreshadowing, tone, and voice. We will read modern young adult books that should appeal to a multitude of readers-- while I love the classics as much as the next person, I think it's important for students to see that reading "smart" isn't just for dusty old books.

Students should attend the first class having read approximately one-fourth of the chosen book; while reading ahead isn't "against the rules", please encourage your student not to get too far ahead, lest they risk accidentally revealing spoilers to the other readers. Please note that we read one book per month/per session, and that it is the student's responsibility to acquire and read the first one-fourth of the chosen book before class begins. These books are widely available wherever books are sold or borrowed, as well as in e-book format.

Please note that all books chosen for this class will be titles aimed at young adult readers, and as such may contain sensitive topics, language, or mature situations.