Digital and Virtual Book Clubs

Abstract

This chapter reaffirms books clubs as a sound pedagogical strategy and considers how digital and virtual book clubs may allow us to meet this globalized moment in which technology has become a staple of our everyday lives. The authors provide two examples of how to integrate digital and virtual book clubs in both elementary classrooms and teacher education. The first demonstrates the promise of cross-country virtual books clubs as a way to help pre-service teachers access children's literature and consider diverse perspectives. The second case illustrates how one rural elementary school successfully made the shift from face-to-face to digital books in order to build motivation to read and increase authentic discussion between students. The authors argue that digital and virtual book clubs can expand access to text, empower and motivate students of all ages, and mirror real world literacy practices. The authors advocate for book clubs as a necessary literacy practice, which should be part of the science of reading movement.