Reading doesn’t have to be a solo sport. In fact, some of the most meaningful growth in literacy happens when kids are invited to talk, share, and reflect on what they’ve read—with peers, not just adults.
At Curio, we’ve seen time and again how students who once dragged their feet through books light up when they join a book club built on rich stories and respectful dialogue. Especially when those books are award-winning, thought-provoking, and actually worth discussing.
We saw this recently when Sam* joined our Newbery Book Club. Sam's mom had gotten in touch to say that she was looking for a way to help her son love reading more. At the moment, that involved buying every book his friends were reading (some of questionable content, I might add). He joined a group of 6 peers and now "bounds" into class. (You can picture it, right? He bounds into the Zoom classroom somehow. It's rather impressive.) After starting our second book together, it's clear her LOVES our introductory classes where we discuss the genre, take gamified quizzes to get acquainted with Plot Mountain, and share connections we're able to make to the characters via GIFs.
That's Sam's story, so far.
Here’s why book clubs work—and why they’ve become a core part of our approach at Curio.
In traditional settings, students are often taught that reading means finding “the right answer.” But literature is about nuance. It’s about perspective. It’s about learning to ask better questions, not just recite plot points.
When students are invited into open conversations about books, they realize their ideas matter. They hear their peers say something differently—or even disagree—and they’re challenged to think more deeply, not shut down.
At Curio, we model respectful conversation, encourage all voices, and create space for students to test their interpretations without fear of failure. Confidence grows when kids feel heard.
There’s a reason we remember the books we talked about. Discussion activates critical thinking, reinforces memory, and strengthens understanding in ways silent reading or fill-in-the-blank quizzes never will.
Through structured conversation, students learn to:
Summarize key plot points
Identify theme, character development, and symbolism
Support their opinions with text-based evidence
Our students don’t just “get through” books—they connect with them.
Recently, we read Lois Lowry's "The Giver". Ella* hopped right into our genre discussion on utopia and dystopia in literature. I loved how she was able to connect the idea of a utopia to her understanding of heaven from the Bible. Just from that comment, multiple students' faces lit up. There was a chorus of "Oh, yeah!" and "You're right!" from her peers, which did WAY more for affirming this great insight than any comment from me (the teacher).
Connection, man.
We carefully curate our Newbery Book Club selections because we believe in the power of exceptional storytelling. These books don’t talk down to kids—they respect their intellect, challenge their empathy, and honor their curiosity.
Award-winning titles offer:
Literary depth
Age-appropriate complexity
Diverse voices and perspectives
When students read stories that matter, they’re more likely to stay engaged—and more likely to share their thoughts with energy and clarity.
Want a full list of Newbery medal winners? Check out the 1922-Present list here!
When kids know they’ll be discussing the book with a group, their motivation shifts. They begin reading more attentively. They think about what they’ll say. They look forward to the conversation.
And for quieter or more reluctant learners? Our structured, small-group environment makes it easier to speak up. Over time, they gain the skills—and the confidence—to participate more fully.
One of the best parts of Curio’s book clubs is how naturally community forms. Kids from different backgrounds build friendships through shared stories. They listen, respond, and cheer each other on.
Sean* joined our Newbery Book Club from a rural area in the southwest. With dreams of becoming a pilot, and an apparent allergy to any written work, I knew Sean's progress was going to come in the form of discussion and debate. In just a few sessions, we saw Sean's personality come through, sparking questions from city-dwelling classmates, and peers who were curious about what a Cessna was.
You just can't script this stuff!
Reading doesn’t have to be a solo race to the last page. In fact, some of the richest learning happens when kids have space to slow down, ask questions, and talk it out with others.
Book clubs nurture critical thinking. They boost comprehension. But most of all, they help students fall in love with reading and their own ideas.
At Curio, we’re proud to offer Newbery Book Clubs that do just that.
👉 Want to see your child thrive in a conversation-based reading community?
Explore our upcoming Curio Newbery Book Clubs and give your reader a space to grow—one thoughtful discussion at a time.
*All names in this article have been changed for privacy.