How to Start a Book Club for Teens – With or Without Adults

Key Takeaways

• Age Mix: Decide on teen-only or mixed-age formats.
• Book Choices: Learn how to select engaging books for teens.
• Meeting Times: Discover ways to find convenient times.
• Conversations: Find techniques to spark genuine discussion.
• Fun Elements: Explore how themes, snacks, and apparel boost interest.
• Tools: Use group chats and voting platforms to manage the club.
• Adult Roles: Understand when and how adults may help.
• Sustainability: Ensure the club continues beyond a few meetings.

---

Should a Teen Book Club Include Adults or Not?

Starting a book club for teens involves making a clear decision about whether adults will participate. A teen-only book club gives young readers space to express their opinions freely. In contrast, including adults can add mature insights and support, but may also shift the dynamic away from teen leadership.

Teens appreciate independence. They speak up better when they know the club is meant for them alone. Adults who join can offer valuable advice but should support rather than lead discussions. In many cases, a mentor-like role works well. For example, one school club I managed let teens choose topics while a few teachers provided ideas when asked. That model worked well by combining youthful energy with gentle guidance.

• Teen-Only Advantages:Encourages open expression. Creates a space free of adult expectations. Builds leadership skills for participants.
• Mixed-Age Advantages:Offers mentorship and support. Allows sharing of broader life experiences. Can help with organization if teens need backup.

Check out our detailed Guide to Starting a Book Club with Friends for more insights on creating the right atmosphere.

In my experience, clubs work best when everyone understands the purpose. When teens lead most discussions, they feel the club is truly theirs. If adults join the session, clear rules help keep the focus on teen ideas. I always recommend writing simple guidelines and asking everyone to agree on them before the first meeting.

Simple surveys can help decide the format. Write down points of interest and get feedback from potential members. Use bullet lists and tables to capture responses.

For instance:

Option	Pros	Cons
Teen-only	More freedom, youth focus	May lack organization support
Mixed-age	Guidance from adults, diverse views	Risk of adult ideas overshadowing

Such steps clarify expectations. Clear rules and a written plan help every member know their role. When teens feel listened to, they are more eager to read, discuss, and share ideas.

---

How to Pick Books Teens Actually Want to Read

Choosing the right books is one of the first tasks when setting up a teen book club. Books that grab teen attention need to be fun, easy to read, and a mix of genres. Start by compiling suggestions from club members. Let teens vote on which titles they find interesting.

Consider including popular novels, graphic novels, and books that connect with current issues. Using a survey is a simple way to list options and see which titles attract most votes. Choose books that lead to lively conversations. Ideally, every chosen book should be short enough to read within a few weeks and interesting enough to generate opinions.

You may include lists such as the 10 Books Every Book Lover Should Read at Least Once or The Best Fantasy Books That Will Truly Enchant You to inspire your reading list. Using these guides may introduce new genres and authors to your members.

Keep the process straightforward:

• List all options on paper or using a free online tool.
• Let each teen choose a number.
• Narrow the list by voting or discussion.

Using a simple table can help. For example:

Genre	Sample Book	Reason to Choose
Mystery	“The Unexpected Case”	Sparks discussion
Fantasy	“Realm of Wonders”	Engages imagination
Graphic Novel	“Art and Adventure”	Appeals to visual readers

This table makes it easy for teens to see their options. Encourage them to suggest books that represent their interests. Some may bring up topics about social issues, adventure, or even humor. This diversity will make the book club more welcoming.

Ask for brief summaries so everyone knows what the book is about before voting. Keep the language simple. When teens lead the discussion about why they picked a title, they invest more in reading and sharing their thoughts later.

Finally, revisit the book list after a few meetings. Change may be needed based on feedback. This approach allows the club to evolve along with its members.

---

How to Set Up Meeting Times That Actually Work

Teens have busy schedules. They juggle homework, extracurricular activities, and social life. Finding a time that suits everyone is essential for a successful book club. Start by surveying members about their availability. Write down a list of potential meeting days and times. A short, online poll can streamline this process. Simple tools like Google Forms are free and easy to use.

Consider hosting the club at least once a month. Meetings that last between 60 and 90 minutes work best. This duration is long enough to discuss the book but short enough to fit into busy schedules. If members know what to expect, they are less likely to cancel last minute.

• Steps to Set Up:Send out a simple online survey (try Doodle Polls) to see which days and times work best. List the answers and choose the most popular option. Set a reminder in a group chat or via email the day before the meeting.

Here is a sample table you might create:

Day of the Week	Proposed Time	Votes Received
Tuesday	4:00 PM	5
Wednesday	5:00 PM	8
Friday	3:30 PM	4

This table shows clear preferences and helps decide the best time. Communicate these meeting times through a group chat platform like WhatsApp or Discord, where teens already connect.

Keep in mind the need for structure. A regular schedule helps members plan ahead. You might consider hosting sessions at the same time each month. Consistency improves attendance and creates a routine that members look forward to.

Also, be flexible. Sometimes members may need to change the plan due to school events or holidays. Allow members to suggest changes via a quick message in the group chat. This practice shows that the club values everyone’s input.

Set up a clear start and end time. When each session begins on schedule, teens know the meeting is organized. This small habit builds trust and encourages prompt attendance.

Using a tool like Google Calendar can also help. Post reminders and share the calendar with every member. This transparency ensures that everyone is on the same page and has access to the schedule.

---

Keeping Conversations Fun and Real

A book club thrives when members talk openly about the books. Teens need a space where they can share opinions without hesitation. Keep conversations simple. Ask questions that invite personal insight without pressure. A few guiding questions can make discussions flow naturally:

• What did you like most about this book?
• Which character felt most real?
• Would you change the ending if you could?

It helps to start each meeting with a fun icebreaker. Ask each member to share a one-line thought on the book before diving into deeper questions. A quick round of “hot takes” means everyone participates. These rapid-fire statements can reveal surprising opinions and keep the energy high.

Create a safe space for honest answers. Teens will enjoy discussing if they know their ideas are valued. Write down key points on a whiteboard or use a digital tool. Bullet lists work well for summarizing ideas.

For example:

• Positive Points: Interesting plot, relatable characters, unexpected twists
• Areas to Improve: Slow chapters, confusing plot points, too many characters

Using a table can also simplify complex topics:

Discussion Point	Member Opinions	Summary
Plot	Fast-paced; some parts drag	Mixed reviews
Characters	Believable; relatable	Overall positive
Writing Style	Simple; engaging	Clear and concise

Encourage members to note their thoughts in a shared document. When everyone types in their ideas, it helps those who may be shy about speaking up. This approach gives a written record for later reflection and drives more engagement during the meeting.

Keep the language simple and direct. Use straightforward sentences that express clear opinions. Avoid long-winded explanations. Allow teens to share personal stories that relate to the book. This connection makes the conversation rich and memorable.

Rotate discussion roles so that every member gets a chance to lead or share a question. These steps increase ownership and make the club more interactive.

Finally, allow room for fun. Insert moments for humor and light-hearted comments. When teens laugh together, the discussion feels natural and relaxed. Over time, these enjoyable meetings build strong bonds and create a lasting reading habit.

---

Add Fun with Themes, Snacks, and Merch

Adding a fun twist to your book club can increase participation. Themes can change the feel of each meeting. Choose a theme that connects with the book. For instance, if the book is set in the 1980s, ask members to wear a retro accessory. Themes help teens remember the meeting and feel like they belong to a special group.

Snacks also play a role. Simple finger foods or treats related to the theme can spark conversation.

For example:

• Cookies with a fun design
• Popcorn or fruit cups
• Mini sandwiches that fit the meeting’s vibe

Integrate a small budget for supplies if possible. Ask members to share favorite snack ideas or vote on what to have on each meeting.

A fun list in a table can help:

Theme	Suggested Snack	Member Votes
1980s Retro	Retro candies	7
Mystery Novel	Dark chocolate bites	5
Adventure Story	Trail mix	8

Another way to inject fun is with book-themed merchandise. At Bookish Wardrobe, you can find apparel and accessories that celebrate reading. Consider giving a prize like a bookmark or a small t-shirt featuring a popular book quote. When teens see something they like, they feel a greater connection with the club.

Use themes to decorate your meeting space. Even a virtual meeting can have a backdrop that fits the theme. Ask members to share photos of their themed snacks or outfits. This visual element makes the club lively and engaging.

Invite members to help plan the theme for the next meeting. When teenagers contribute ideas, they feel more invested. Simple group brainstorming in a chat room or a whiteboard session can work wonders.

Keep the energy light and focused on fun. The goal is to build excitement around reading while connecting with each other. When every meeting has something unique, members eagerly await the next session.

---

Group Chats, Voting & Other Tools to Keep It Running

Managing a teen book club becomes easier with the right tools. Communication and planning are important. Use free and simple online platforms that everyone can access easily. Group chats on WhatsApp or Discord let members share ideas in real time. These chats create spaces for quick updates, meme sharing, and reminders.

Set up a shared document on Google Docs for notes and meeting schedules. Keep the format clear. Bullet points and short lists make the information easy to read. Organize your ideas under clear subheadings so that members can easily refer back to them.

• Voting Tools:Use Google Forms or free services like Doodle Polls for meeting times and book selection.
• Communication Platforms:Choose one app where everyone can talk, share funny comments, or plan the next meeting.

Tool	Purpose	Link
WhatsApp	Quick messaging and sharing	(Download from your app store)
Discord	Organized channels for topics	(Visit Discord’s website)
Google Docs	Collaborative note-taking	Google Docs
Doodle Polls	Scheduling meetings	Doodle Polls

These tools help avoid miscommunication and keep the club on track. When members have a place to vote and share ideas, they feel more involved. Adults assisting with organization can even suggest useful tools if needed.

Schedule regular check-ins using these platforms. A weekly chat update can remind everyone of upcoming meetings and any changes in plans. Ensure that the communication remains simple. Write short messages that everyone can understand quickly.

Creating a central online space for the club makes it easier to keep track of responsibilities. Encourage members to update the shared document with their thoughts after each meeting. This habit builds a clear record of past discussions and plans for future ones.

By using these simple yet effective tools, the book club remains organized and lively. Teammates can always see upcoming events, vote on choices, and share funny moments in the group chat.

---

If Adults Are Involved, What Should Their Role Be?

When adults join a teen book club, they must play a supporting role. Their presence should help guide the club without taking control of discussions. Adults can assist with setting up meetings and gently reminding teens about schedules. Their role is to offer advice when asked, not to lead every conversation.

Adults can help by:

• Arranging transportation for meetings
• Providing refreshments if needed
• Helping with technical issues during virtual sessions

Create a simple set of rules to define roles from the start. Write them in a shared document so everyone knows how the group will work. For example, list the responsibilities for adults and teens side by side.

Use a table to compare these roles:

Role	Adult Contribution	Teen Contribution
Leadership	Support and advice	Discussion and ideas
Logistics	Help with meeting setup	Vote on meeting times
Creativity	Share reading experience	Choose books and themes

This clear division of roles prevents adults from unintentionally dominating the conversation. My experience shows that when teens take charge, they feel more ownership. Adults should step in only to help when asked. It is important that all members feel the space is theirs.

Encourage adults to observe and learn how the teens express themselves. Their support might include sharing a favorite book or a personal anecdote about reading. Keep these personal stories short and relevant. Use simple language that teens can relate to.

When adults share their ideas, remind them to ask for feedback first. This method respects teen leadership and ensures everyone has a chance to speak. It is best to schedule a brief session with the adult helpers before the meeting to set expectations. This practice builds trust and unity.

By clarifying roles early, the club runs smoothly. Adults who guide quietly help the teens grow into confident readers and speakers. Over time, as teens learn to lead, the need for adult input naturally reduces, leaving the club strong and independent.

---

How to Keep It Going for More Than One Book

A book club can start strong with the first meeting, but continued success depends on maintaining interest. Establish a clear plan for future meetings early on. Assign a rotating host for each session. This approach makes every member feel important. A rotating host also varies the discussion style, which keeps meetings fresh.

Write a simple timeline for the year. List the books you plan to read and the dates for each meeting. Use a simple table to outline your schedule:

Month	Book Title	Host
January	Book Title A	Member 1
February	Book Title B	Member 2
March	Book Title C	Member 3

Regularly review this schedule with the club. Invite feedback after each meeting. Ask what worked well and what can change next time. Use these lessons to improve future sessions.

Keep the conversation lively by planning occasional special events. Organize a themed meeting or a mini celebration when a book is completed. These events can include games, snack sharing, or an open discussion about favorite characters. Encourage members to provide ideas via a shared online survey. This way, every opinion matters.

Look at successful clubs for ideas. Visit websites like How to Find Reading Buddies in the Digital Space for tips on keeping engagement high. Also, you may read about creative concepts on other reputable sites to expand your own ideas.

Plan to adjust the schedule if needed. Life changes and some books may take longer than expected to discuss. Flexibility is key. Stick to the basic structure but leave room to change topics as interests evolve. This balance of structure and flexibility keeps the club vibrant.

---