Book Club
Whether you are a seasoned reader, first time English language learner, or young scholar, there is a book here for you!
Find Your Group! Join the Club!
Bookworm Beginnings
(Ages 3-6)
Holiday Edition
In this interactive and engaging book club, students will listen to a new novel read aloud every week. Participants will celebrate the season’s themes, explore how each book makes them feel, incorporate gross motor movement into every narrative, and draw pictures relating the course content to their own life experiences. The holiday book list includes “Diwali” by Hannah Eliot, “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson, “Latke the Lucky Dog” by Ellen Fischer, “Dear Santa” by Amanda Peet, “The Winter Solstice” by Ellen Jackson, “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg, and “My First Kwanzaa” by Karen Katz.
Elementary School Favorites
(Ages 6-10)
Book of the Month
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney, is the first book in a series of graphic novels about a twelve-year-old boy named Greg Heffley. The protagonist documents his attempts to become popular in middle school while navigating family life and the pressures of being a pre-teen with a sense of comedy and wonder. Each page of his journal reveals an entertaining image, text, and anecdote making for a fun and relatable coming-of-age story.
Middle School Must Reads
(Ages 11-13)
Book of the Month
The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan, is the first book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The story follows twelve-year-old Percy as he struggles to focus on his schoolwork, attempts to control his temper, and negotiates the responsibilities of being a modern-day preteen. Until, in a twist of events, Percy's mother reveals that he is a demigod and sends him on a dangerous quest across the United States. Along the way, Percy must face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop him and come to terms with a father he has never known. This exciting and inspired story is a must-read for learners who enjoy mythology, fantasy, and adventure.
High School Best Sellers
(Ages 14-18)
Book of the Month
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, is the first book in a series of young adult novels following Katniss Evergreen, a 16-year-old girl who volunteers for an annual reality show called the Hunger Games. Upon entering the ring, Katniss is confronted with tough decisions, navigates her strengths, gets lost in secret affections, struggles to trust, finds unexpected allies, and battles for justice. Until finally, she rallies her instincts to survive and emerges a heroine fighting for her life, her family, her district, and the entire state of Panem.
Adults and Scholars
(Ages 18+)
Book of the Month
Little Fires Everywhere, by Celeste Ng, is an international and New York Times Bestseller about the intertwined fates of a picture perfect family and the enigmatic mother and her daughter who upheld their lives. The plot is filled with cultural nuances, societal discrepancies, questionable politics, teenage angst, uncertain family dynamics, and the secrets they try to protect. This provocative page-turner is sure to demystify ideals and shift readers’ perspectives.
English as a Second Language Learners
(Ages 18+)
Book of the Month
The Giver, by Lois Lowry, is an American young adult novel set in a society which at first appears to be utopian but is revealed to be dystopian as the story progresses. The book follows a boy, named Jonas, living in a world free of pain and converted to "Sameness." As the plot unfolds, Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memory, struggles with his emotions, weighs good vs evil, and considers the concepts of choice, power, and consciousness. This thought provoking and emotionally charged novel is an inspiring narrative for language learners as they explore new territories.
Book Club Reviews
“This class was incredible. I 100% recommend. Ms. Durso was so fun and kind. I will be taking another class with her later.” Kasey
“Awesome class! The teacher was fantastic and my son loved it! Thank you!” Emily J.
“Elizabeth is awesome! My daughter had a great time discussing The Giver.” Kim S.
“What a beautiful class! My son loved this teacher and also learned about many different holidays and their traditions. I loved the way she gave each students time to express themselves.”Jennifer H.
“My daughter loved the class and the discussion around the book. It's building her confidence to offer her opinions and develop skills necessary to speak in groups. Thanks!” Rachel F.
Elizabeth Durso is an avid reader and language enthusiast. She received her TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certification from Oxford Seminars and has been teaching English since 2015. Through this interactive and engaging club, Elizabeth hopes to inspire a love of literature, linguistics, and learning with scholars around the world.