The Teen-Centered Book Club

"In The Teen-Centered Book Club, YA specialists Kunzel and Hardesty propose a new model for book clubs that encourages teenagers to take the lead. Like Mahood, the authors have the utmost respect for teen patrons, outlining numerous strategies for understanding teen patrons and developing plans to involve teens in the process of creating and participating in a book club. Their book supplies both motivation and nuts-and-bolts information to help librarians through the process of starting book clubs that meet the goals of the library and the needs and interests of teen patrons, while working within the constraints of a librarian's time and programming budget....Any librarian contemplating offering a book club for teens will find this title to be a superior guide. (Reviewed with A Passion for Print, Mahood, Libraries Unlimited, 2006)" - Library Journal
"Would you like to start a teen book club or make an existing one better? If so, Libraries Unlimited has added another wonderful resource to their Professional Guides for Young Adult Librarians series that will offer assistance to both public and school libraries....What makes this text unique is the attitude of the adult's role in the book club. The authors use the title teen-centered very deliberately. Their intention is not for the adult to pick out a book, invite teens to join, and lead the discussion after everyone has had a chance to read the book. Instead, they encourage the adult to take a step back and allow the teens the majority of the control in the book club....The Teen-Centered Book Club is a must-have for any librarian considering offering a book club for teens." - Reference & User Services Quarterly
"This complete and comprehensive guide to planning and running successful and relevant teen book clubs begins with sensible and practical information about teens as readers and group participants, plus what constitutes effective and well-prepared adult book-club leaders and advisors for teens....This guide is meticulously organized, carefully researched, and highly readable with practical elements that can be readily applied....The high caliber experience and knowledge from the long and illustrious YA services and writing careers of both Kunzel and Hardesty is reflected in this important contribution to the body of professional resources for those working with teens, books, and reading in schools, libraries, and other settings." - VOYA
"Starred Review Seasoned young adult librarians, Kunzel and Hardesty, have assembled an indispensable and comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of successfully facilitating adolescent book clubs in public library settings, from the first to final meetings. Middle and high school library media specialists will also garner much valuable information from this title....Numerous strategies and tips are offered to target, understand, and serve these youths such as ideas for recruitment, marketing, online components, icebreakers, relationship building, discussions participation, and behaviour management. Young adult librarians are shown how to demonstrate the value of book clubs by using a combination of three assessment tools: anecdotal data, focus group insights, and statistics. In addition, a variety of book club models, book titles, discussion questions, reproducible handouts, and references are furnished. Highly Recommended." - Library Media Connection
"Two experienced youth-services librarians introduce the idea of teen-centered book clubs. Different from traditional adult book clubs in their focus on the participants rather than the books, this type of programming offers an opportunity for libraries to draw new teens into the building and to keep active patrons involved. In clear prose supported by research, the authors cover every aspect of the program, from assessing the needs of the library and teens to conducting successful meetings to evaluating activities. Sample book titles and themes are ready for use or may act as a springboard for new ideas. An excellent reference, this book will be invaluable to school and public librarians looking for a new way to connect with teens." - School Library Journal
"Readers looking for ideas will find lots of attention paid to details like food choices, icebreakers, lists of possible books, and promotion. Over and over, the authors remind us to listen and learn from the young people we're working with, plan thoroughly, get input, and evaluate regularly. A very helpful title for libraries wanting to create a teen book group or make an existing one more dynamic." - Booklist/Professional Reading
"They explain how book clubs for adolescents speak to participants' craving for identity, meaning, and connection. Kunzel and Hardesty also cover the necessary steps to lay the foundation for success and share nitty-gritty tips for getting teen book clubs up and running. Included are reproducibles with book lists, ground rules, and book-based activities." - American Libraries