Each month, GBYT reads a different middle grade book club pick selected for its enjoyability and quality of writing, richness of topics explored, representation of diverse identities and experiences, and opportunities to discuss current events and practice allyship.

Registered book clubs receive a discussion guide for each book club pick that include questions carefully designed to deepen empathy and participants' understanding of power, privilege, and complex social issues in an age-appropriate way. Guides also include allyship practice scenarios that include sample scripts to aid book club facilitators in guiding participants through the process of brainstorming how to disrupt injustice. Each question includes responses facilitators might guide participants towards.

Every new registrant receives an initial welcome packet that includes a GBYT starter guide, as well as bookmarks, pins, and stickers for your founding book club participants. The starter guide includes information on the GBYT philosophy and method, tips for successful facilitation, suggestions for handling challenging conversations, ideas for recruiting book club sponsors, and everything else facilitators will need to confidently launch their book clubs.

GBYT will occasionally host live virtual author visits in which all book club chapters will be able to participate simultaneously. Book club attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear from authors about how their own identities and experiences shape their writing, what they hope readers will take away from their stories, and why they believe storytelling is vital.

Starting a new book club might feel daunting—not to mention beginning conversations about allyship and complex social issues with middle school-aged kids! We’re happy to schedule virtual meetings with facilitators who feel they could benefit from coaching or who just have questions.