How to Start a Book Club For Your Kids
If you’ve been wanting to bring more joy and connection to your reading time, starting a book club for your kids might be just the thing. Whether it’s with a group of friends or just your own family, a kids’ book club can turn stories into something kids will remember.
There are so many benefits to starting a kids’ book club, but for me, the biggest ones are:
It encourages a love of reading (without nagging or forcing).
It builds confidence through conversations and shared experiences.
And best of all, it creates community.
If you do a family style book club, it also becomes a beautiful screen-free way to connect and make lasting memories.
You can start a book club with any age, but most of my experience is with kids ages 5–10, so that’s the age group I’ll be focusing on here. When you have a mix of ages, it helps to pick books that appeal across the board and that work well for both boys and girls. Think classics like Charlotte’s Web, Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Boxcar Children, or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
The developmental stage really matters when choosing both books and activities because it keeps kids engaged and excited. Plus, it makes multi-age sibling groups easier to manage!
Choose a Format That Fits Your Life
One of the best things about a book club is how flexible it can be.
In-person meetups are the most fun (especially for that end-of-book celebration), but you can decide what rhythm works best for your family: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Personally, I’ve had the most success with a simple rhythm:
Read the book individually or as a family throughout the month,
Then gather for a little celebration book club at the end with themed snacks, crafts, fun discussion questions, and maybe even favorite passages read aloud.
Finding your people is important and what helps create the community aspect. Invite neighbors, homeschool friends, classmates, cousins, whoever would enjoy it!
If you’re not sure where to start, try:
Library bulletin boards
Local homeschool or parenting Facebook groups
Co-op groups or enrichment programs
Pick the Right Book
For your first club, I recommend starting with something short and engaging. Chapter books with heart, or even illustrated collections, are perfect. You can also tie in seasonal themes (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe feels extra magical in winter, The Heartwood Hotel)
Some of my go-to beginner book picks:
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
I especially love Because of Winn-Dixie. It’s not a dense read, it has rich themes, and it’s a beautiful way for kids to build empathy and see life from another perspective.
And if you want to make your first club super easy, I have a complete, printable Book Club Celebration Guide for Because of Winn-Dixie. It includes ready-to-go recipes, discussion prompts, and fun activities you can do with almost no prep using things you probably already have at home. You can grab it here.
Plan Your Gathering
Keep it simple! You can meet in a cozy living room, a shady backyard, a local park, or even book a free library room.
Simple book club flow:
Welcome everyone in
Discussion time with easy questions (or let the kids share favorite parts).
Themed snack and activity, maybe a craft or simple game related to the story.
I like to keep our book clubs around an hour or an hour and a half. Just enough time to make it special, without dragging on. It doesn’t need to look Pinterest perfect. Some months might be simple, others a little more creative, but both are wonderful!
Helpful Tips:
Let older kids lead discussions with some guidance.
Keep snacks easy: fruit, popcorn, or one simple themed treat.
Crafts can be as simple as coloring pages, nature crafts, or acting out a scene.
Use my printable guides to make it effortless, no extra brain power needed!
FAQs and Common Worries
What if no one RSVPs?
Invite two or three families to start with. Even one other family can make it fun.
What if my kids don’t want to talk?
Totally normal! Let them warm up, or keep it low-pressure. Sharing favorite scenes or acting things out can break the ice.
What if I’m not a “book person”?
You don’t need to be! Think of it as a way to gather and have fun; the book is just the starting point.
What about shy kids?
Small, predictable groups help. Gentle questions, a fun craft, and a welcoming atmosphere will go a long way.
Starting a kids’ book club is simpler than you think, and the rewards are big. I hope this helps you take the leap! If you need more help, my printable book club guides are ready to go whenever you are.
Happy reading, and happy gathering!
