On the evening of November 14, Rachel Carson Middle School buzzed with the energy of families coming together to celebrate their shared love for reading. Carson hosted its first Parent-Teen Book Club, an event designed to bring students and their parents or guardians closer through the power of literature.  

Led by our librarians, Mrs. Bickford and Mrs. Donovan, the book club provided a unique opportunity for Carson students and their families to connect over thought-provoking Young Adult (YA) books. This year, participants chose from a curated selection of five titles, each offering engaging themes and diverse perspectives: Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Eb and Flow by Kelly J. Baptist, The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh, Switch by A.S. King, and Crash from Outer Space by Candace Fleming.

The event began with refreshments and table talk conversations starters with the purpose of  building relationships and community.  Following refreshments, participants received a  warm welcome from the organizers, Mrs. Bickford and Mrs. Donovan, who emphasized the importance of family conversations around books as a way to foster deeper connections and critical thinking, as well as building relationships.  Each family group had previously read one of the selected titles, creating a shared reading experience that set the stage for rich discussions during the evening.

Attendees broke into groups according to the books that they read, and participated in discussions facilitated by classroom teachers. Conversations varied upon the group but most people left the experience gushing about how they enjoyed the event and happy that they participated. 

Rachel Carson Middle School’s Parent-Teen Book Club exemplifies how schools can create meaningful opportunities for families to bond while promoting a love for reading. Judging by the smiles and lively chatter that filled the library and classrooms, this year’s event was a resounding success. Mrs. Bickford and Mrs. Donovan both hope to see even more families participating in our next event on April 8, 2025, which will coincide with the Jennifer Nielsen author visit.