Myers Book Club
The Purpose
To promote discussion of our society and writing through young adult novels.
Book Characteristics / Criteria
Well-written young adult fiction novels that promote discussion of society and/or humanity.
Discussion worthy The topic of the book makes a statement about society or human nature. Lessons or morals are not presented in an obvious manner. There are subtleties because it is a well-written novel. Dystopia novels are a prime example of novels that take a look at a society (usually based on an exaggerated present-day society) and encourage discussion about how to avoid or escape that society. Riveting MBC books must also be well written. If it keeps you turning pages, the plot is riveting, and the author has found a way to draw you in. Opening sentences and closing sentences keep you hooked. Quality writing Good writing is more than just turning pages. Good writing is making you think, teaching you something about life, or even better, about yourself. Good writing uses words to move you. Good writing paints a scene with words. Phrases that stand out as especially descriptive or moving are not uncommon in MBC titles. |
Check out the Book List!
See the list of Nominated Books for this year! Nominating a Book for the List
Anyone can nominate a book for Myers Book Club.
Step 1: Read a book that you think might fit the criteria listed above. Step 2: If the novel does, in fact, fit the criteria, fill out a Nomination Form and perform a Book Talk for the class. Step 3: Another person must "second" your nomination in order for your book to continue through the process. If your book talk is persuasive, you have a better chance of a student reading your book. If they read it and agree that it is Myers Book Club material, they will second the nomination. Step 4: Myers will read the novel you nominated and was seconded (in time, he is a busy guy). If you can, loan a copy to Myers. Step 5: Myers will notify you of his decision whether or not to give the book the honor of joining the Myers Book Club. If your book joins the illustrious ranks of the Myers Book Club, you will receive at least one Myers pass and Myers will purchase a couple copies of the book to add to our classroom library. |
What we do
Once you finish a Myers Club Book, schedule a time with Myers to discuss the novel. Be prepared to discuss what the book says about our society and how it is an example of good writing. Bring your own questions to discuss as well.
Code of Ethics
We do not spoil any parts of any of the books that other people might read. Only discuss titles with people who have finished the book. Do not even say, “are you at the part where…?” because that gives away plot.
Do not be a Spoiler. Student Requirements
1st quarter
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Book Talks
Your book talk should only be a couple minutes long. You should not spoil main events in the book, but you should give just enough information about the plot to make us want to read more. You should include in your talk why this book is good. Be prepared to give some examples, read a sample quote, or somehow get us hooked.
You must include:
You must include:
- Title
- Author (what else has this person written?)
- Basic premise (this is a story about…)
- Why is it a good book (give a few non-spoiler examples)
- Excitement for your book
Discussions
Once you have finished a Myers Club Book and are ready to discuss the novel with Myers, fill out a Discussion Form. You will have to come up with three open-ended discussion questions to ask Myers about the book. Myers will schedule a time to meet and discuss the book. Meeting times may be during silent reading, lunch, or after school. Discussion lengths will vary.
Grading
Book talks and nomination forms are worth 10 points.
Myers Book Club discussions are worth 50 points. You may do more than one book talk and/or discussion. The highest grade will be recorded in the gradebook. You must do at least one book talk in the first quarter. You must do at least one discussion in 4th quarter. |
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