Book Club
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Innovative Readers Program- 5th -8th Grade
Our Innovative Readers Program is a virtual book club and writing workshop designed to provide small group support, helping students strengthen their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and creative writing abilities. Through our dynamic program we will inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection helping students to engage more deeply with what they read.
The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm
California Young Reader Medal-winning novel
4-week online course
July 6-30 e
Mon, Wed, Fri e
Time: 10:00-11:00 am e
Homework: 2hrs of reading per week / 40 e
min writing exercise
This is a heartwarming, middle-grade science fiction novel set in the year 2091, where 11-year-old Bell has spent his entire life on a small American colony on Mars. The story follows Bell as he navigates daily life in a tightly-knit community, bound by strict rules—especially the ban on contact with other Martian settlements—until a mysterious virus strikes and all the adults fall gravely ill. With no help from Earth for months, Bell and the other children must break the rules, use their wits, and rely on each other to survive.
Why is this a good read?
The setting is described as realistic but accessible for younger readers, with interesting details on life on mars that sparks curiosity.
Themes:
Courage, friendship, teamwork, resilience, and the exploration of social themes in a sci-fi setting.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Newbery Medal-winning novel and New York bestseller
4-week online course
July 6-30
Mon, Wed, Fri
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Homework: 2hrs of reading per week / 40 min writing exercise
In the fantastic writing style of free verse poetry, Kwame Alexander tells the story of two basketball-loving twin brothers, Josh and Jordan Bell. This coming-of-age story includes a plot that reveals the complexity of sibling and family relationships. The story follows Josh and his twin brother Jordan as their close relationship is strained by Jordan’s new girlfriend, leading to conflict and a painful realization about life’s challenges, including their father’s health.
Why is this a good read?
Poetry is such a fun form of writing, and middle school is a great time to introduce it along with the relatable themes of love for a sport, navigating sibling rivalry, first crushes, and growing up.
Themes:
Family dynamics, brotherhood, health and mortality, failure, success, and resilience.
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
Newbery Honor Award Winner and New York Times bestseller
4-week online course
July 6-30
Mon, Wed, Fri
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
Homework: 2hrs of reading per week / 40 min writing exercise
This is a heartwarming graphic novel about friendship and surviving junior high through the power of roller derby. For most of her twelve years, Astrid has done everything with her best friend Nicole. But after Astrid falls in love with roller derby and signs up for derby camp, Nicole decides to go to dance camp instead. And so begins the most difficult summer of Astrid’s life as she struggles to keep up with the older girls at camp, hang on to the friend she feels slipping away, and cautiously embark on a new friendship. As the end of summer nears and her first roller derby bout and junior high draws closer, Astrid realizes that maybe she is strong enough to handle the bout, a lost friendship, and middle school… in short, strong enough to be a roller girl.
Why is this a good read?
Navigating the world of changing friendships is essential in middle school, so starting 5th grade is a great time to read a few books about different ways friendships might change.
Themes:
Friendship, growing up challenges, perseverance, identity, and teamwork.
Wonderland by Barbara O’Connor
Junior Library Guild Selection: Award-winning middle-grade novel
4-week online course
July 6-30
Mon, Wed, Fri
Time: 4:00-5:00 pm
Homework: 2hrs of reading per week / 40 min writing exercise per week
This is a heartwarming, multi-POV middle-grade novel that celebrates friendship, courage, and the redemptive power of kindness. The story follows Mavis, a spirited girl who moves frequently and is determined to find a true best friend, and Rose, a shy girl struggling with loneliness and her mother’s high expectations. When they meet, their friendship begins with a mission: to cheer up Mr. Duffy, the elderly gatekeeper whose dog recently passed away and who now fears losing his job. Their plan to find a stray dog—Henry, a former racing greyhound from a dog track—becomes a journey of growth, empathy, and adventure.
Why is this a good read?
The novel stands out for its alternating perspectives from Mavis, Rose, and Henry, offering deep insight into each character’s emotions and motivations. Henry’s storyline, in particular, tugs at the heartstrings, highlighting themes of abandonment, hope, and the longing for a home.
Themes:
Complexities of childhood friendships, insecurity, class differences, and the quiet strength found in small acts of bravery.
