Grandma's Book Club

When my mother was a little girl, she had a library behind her house. All she had to do was bypass the fence and then she would check out book after book and while away the hours on the library lawn, reading in the shade. She grew up with an intense love of books and quite naturally, her children did too.

Because of this, it came as a shock when she asked a grandchild what they were reading and they replied, "I don't like to read." She then realized that while some of her grandchildren loved reading, there were some that just didn't.  So, she began to think of ways that she could encourage all of her grandchildren in a love of reading.

My mother began asking her children about what books they loved when they were children, she got book lists and made list of "classics" that she thought would be worth having. Then she began collecting books.  Some were already available, left by her children when they moved out.  Many, she found at consignment and thrift stores.  She looked primarily for classics and for special interest books and began to fill a small bookshelf with her collection.

Once, she had a small collection, she asked her grandchildren if they would like to join Grandma's Book Club. The answer was, "Yes!"

The club is targeted at her grandchildren ages 7-13 years, but the younger children are also encouraged to participate and write down what they are reading as well. My mother reads every book that is on the shelf so that she knows what to recommend. She also has a binder where the kids can write down what they are "checking out" from Grandma's Library.  They can also record what they are reading and how many pages they have read.

She even thought of an award for those that participate: extra sleepover opportunities at Grandma's house and a special party with treats at some point in the year.

She doesn't know how successful the book club has been yet, but feels that it has drawn attention to the importance of reading. Even the most reluctant of her readers are excited to tell her about what they are reading when they come to visit. Now, they know how important it is to her and that she is genuinely interested in what books they have enjoyed.

What books are in Grandma's Library?
I put a list together based on what is currently on her shelf, what she would like to add and some books that I have loved and would recommend. I've arranged the books is approximate age ranges. Maybe you'll discover a new book for your child. Here's the list: Grandma's Book Club Reading List

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

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