Start A High School Book Club

For over 10 years, the Literary Freedom Project has promoted literacy and cultural awareness by engaging readers in meaningful discussions. By starting a school-based book club, you will give your students an invaluable opportunity to:

• Creatively expand English Language Arts and Social Studies requirements

• Engage with Diverse Voices: Our curated book selections focus on works by authors of underrepresented voices, offering your students perspectives that reflect their experiences and broaden their horizons.

• Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Through facilitated discussions, students will explore complex themes, analyze literature in depth, and articulate their insights in a supportive environment.

• Build Community: Book clubs foster connection, allowing students to bond over shared ideas, experiences, and stories.

• Enhance Academic Achievement: Studies show reading and discussing literature improves comprehension, vocabulary, and overall academic performance.

The Literary Freedom Project provides everything you need to ensure the success of your book club:

• Curated Reading Lists: Tailored to align with your school’s goals and interests.

• Facilitator: To guide engaging and thoughtful discussions. 

• Customizable Formats: We adapt to meet your needs.

• Adult and parent-focused book clubs

By partnering with LFP, your school can create a vibrant, literary-rich space where students are encouraged to think critically, explore identity, and connect with the world around them.

Click here to download this page or email inquiries to schools@literaryfreedom.org
> Interested in becoming an LFP CASA school site? Email us.

Book Club Sample Books

Here is a sample list of contemporary books, key themes, and keywords that high schools can use to guide their book club discussions and foster engaging conversations. This curated selection aims to inspire thoughtful dialogue around relevant topics and cultural insights

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Keywords: family, identity, love, coming of age, parenthood, resilience, intergenerational Relationships

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson is a beautifully crafted novel that delves into the lives of two African American families brought together by an unexpected teenage pregnancy. The story kicks off in 2001 with 16-year-old Melody's coming-of-age ceremony at her family's Brooklyn brownstone. From there, it weaves through time, exploring themes like family legacy, identity, class, and the lasting impact of historical events, including the 1921 Tulsa race massacre.

Dominicana by Angie Cruz
Keywords: Immigration, identity, resilience, sacrifice, Dominican-American experience, coming-of-age, marriage.

In Dominicana by Angie Cruz, fifteen-year-old Ana Cancion reluctantly marries Juan Ruiz, a man twice her age, in hopes of helping her family immigrate from the Dominican Republic. In 1965, she moves to Washington Heights, New York City, where she endures a lonely and confining life. When Juan temporarily returns to the Dominican Republic, Ana finds unexpected freedom with his charming younger brother, Cesar. She begins to explore life in America, learning English, enjoying the city, and dreaming of independence. However, when Juan returns, Ana faces a poignant choice between following her heart or fulfilling her family obligations. Through vibrant prose, the novel explores the immigrant experience and a young woman’s journey toward self-discovery.

Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez
Keywords: Urban life, gentrification, New York City, Latino culture, ambition, loyalty, community.

Bodega Dreams pulls us into Spanish Harlem, where the word is out: Willie Bodega is king. Need college tuition for your daughter? Start-up funds for your fruit stand? Bodega can help. He gives everyone a leg up in exchange only for loyalty—and a steady income from the drugs he pushes.

Lyrical, inspired, and darkly funny, this powerful debut novel brilliantly evokes the trial of Chino, a smart, promising young man to whom Bodega turns for a favor. Chino is drawn to Bodega's street-smart idealism but soon finds himself over his head, navigating an underworld of switchblade tempers, turncoat morality, and murder.

Love War Stories by Ivelisse Rodriguez
Keywords: Short stories, Puerto Rican identity, culture, generational differences, relationships.

Puerto Rican girls are brought up to want one thing: true love. Yet they are raised by women whose lives are marked by broken promises, grief, and betrayal. While some believe that they’ll be the ones to finally make it work, others swear not to repeat cycles of violence. This collection documents how these “love wars” break out across generations as individuals are caught in the crosshairs of romance, expectations, and community.

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
Keywords: Coming-of-age, resilience, trauma, music industry, manipulation, identity, empowerment, justice, survival.

Tiffany D. Jackson's novel Grown is a gripping young adult thriller that delves into the dark side of the music industry. The story follows Enchanted Jones, an aspiring singer whose dreams take a sinister turn when she becomes entangled with the charming yet controlling R&B artist, Korey Fields. As Enchanted navigates this treacherous relationship, she confronts themes of abuse, manipulation, and the loss of innocence. The narrative not only provides a suspenseful plot but also offers a profound commentary on the vulnerabilities young Black women face, making it a compelling read that lingers long after the final page.