Increasing Teen Participation

2009-06-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of the “Books for the Beast” conference is the opportunity to listen to, and interact with, teens in the book discussion groups. Year after year, this is the aspect that many participants say makes our conference different from other literature conferences.

We need your help and enthusiasm! We believe that you can help us build excitement about the conference by getting teens excited about discussing books. (Plus, the conference has lots of good food, freebies, and the chance to listen to famous authors and talk to teens from across the state!)

One of the ways to encourage teen participation in this conference is to “grow” teen readers who like to discuss books by engaging them in book discussion groups in your own schools and libraries.

We’ve gathered some information and resources to help you promote and encourage teen book discussion groups. This is only a starting point-let us know if you have other favorite resources.

Please feel free to add your comments and tips about teen participation to this blog!

Web Resources:

Check out this great Wiki created by Beth Saxton, Teen Coordinator of Cleveland Public Library. It has lots of information about starting teen books clubs and discussion groups, and ways to connect teens to the written word.

CPL TeensRead

http://cplteensread.wikispaces.com/

From CPL TeensRead and Beth Saxton:

Why is it important to encourage teen book clubs and discussion groups?

Encourage reading and literacy skills
Promote the collection
Help establish relationships between teens and librarians and between teens and their peers
Encourage reading outside of school
Help teens develop social skills like active listening and empathy with other points of view
Support critical thinking
Let teens build communication skills
Encourage self-expression
Promote personal responsibility through making a commitment to read and attend
Help teens better understand themselves and the world around them through literature

A Quick History

2009-04-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

What is Books for the Beast?

“Books for the Beast” is a biennial conference devoted to showcasing and discussing the best in Young Adult Literature. This activity was established in 1991 by Dr. Mary K. Chelton and a statewide steering committee, as a way to pay tribute to Margaret Alexander Edwards and the impact she had on the development of young adult reader’s advisory. The "Books for the Beast" Conference gets its name from the highly regarded book about serving teens in libraries written by Margaret Alexander Edwards, The Fair Garden and the Swarm of Beasts.

In 1993, Deborah Taylor assumed the position as chair of the planning committee. Each conference features an outstanding young adult writer who brings his or her unique perspective on this growing field of literature. In the past, the attendees have heard from writers such as Ron Koertge, Gordon Korman, Rita Williams-Garcia, Ann Rinaldi, Caroline Cooney, Chris Crutcher, David Lubar, Patricia Wrede, and Gail Giles. Discussion groups that focus on primary young adult genres gives participants the opportunity to get involved with the literature. Afternoon panels have featured teens and librarians as well as creators of graphic novels.

In 1993, the conference began its popular practice of inviting up to fifty teen readers to participate, free of charge, as a way of including their important insights on what has been written about and for young people.

Books For The Beast

Increasing Teen Participation

A Quick History