Frequently Asked Questions
What if my kid is a reluctant reader?
I get this question A LOT. What I’ve found over the past few years is that this format of book club is great for kids who don’t (yet) love reading or haven’t yet found a genre that they like. Kids learn that they can participate in the discussion even if they: listened to the audiobook, didn’t make it to the end of the book before the club meeting, or didn’t love the book. By chatting about the book in a casual setting, they learn that different people have different opinions about different books and they are exposed to a variety of genres that they likely haven’t explored before.
What if my kid is too young or too old for an age group that they’d enjoy?
The age recommendations are guidelines, not rules. I understand the challenge of finding books that are the appropriate reading level for your child AND the content that they are ready for. If you feel that your kid is best suited for an age group, I trust your judgement.
Do the kids actually have a discussion about the book if there’s no adult facilitating?
Surprisingly, yes! The group is provided with a handout of open-ended discussion questions to keep the conversation going. Sometimes it takes a month or two, but soon they create their own rhythm and begin to learn how to reign-in side conversations.
If you’re looking for a formal lesson about the book, I highly recommend Brave Writer’s handbooks for each book. They include exercises related to grammar, literary devices, writing, cultural context, etc.
How much does membership cost?
It’s really important to me that kids have affordable access to the books. I understand that parenting is expensive, whether or not you’re homeschooling! I’m striving to offer membership on a pay-what-you-wish basis, ranging from $5 to $25 per month. I’m able to do this by buying books using bulk discounts and sales, and through the generosity of members who select Community Booster and Community Builder memberships.
Which Pay-What-You-Can option should I choose?
If you can comfortably cover your basic living expenses (rent, food, bills), consider paying for a Standard Price Membership ($15 per month) or contributing to the Mossbooks community through a Community Booster Membership ($5 more per month) or a Community Builder Membership ($10 more per month). This will help cover the costs for members who need Community-Supported Memberships.
If you are struggling to cover basic living expenses, consider paying a reduced rate with a Community-Supported Membership ($5 or $10 per month).
I have offered Pay-What-You-Can Memberships for the past few years and this model generally works. I do not require you to provide proof of need.
How long is the meeting?
The youngest readers chat for about 20 minutes, and the 11-12 year olds chat for about 30 to 45 minutes and the teenagers tend to chat for about 45 minutes to one hour. Your reader will get the full experience and probably make new friends if you plan for them to hang out in the park for a bit afterward.
What about the weather? How do you meet outside year-round?
We meet in parks with sheltered areas - either picnic shelters, rock walls, gazebos, or large trees. Disposable hand warmers are provided to the kids. Often readers will bring blankets for their laps or to sit on. Afternoon meetings at dusk are held in parks with lights and readers are provided with glowsticks.
For the youngest group, the sitting portion of the meeting is relatively short, then they’re up running and playing. Teens who have longer discussions will sometimes walk-and-talk if they’re feeling cold. Starting this year, there will not be a meeting in January.
Is this group only for homeschoolers?
This group is for everyone who wants to come - it doesn’t matter if your kid goes to private school, public school, homeschools or unschools (or any combo of these)! If our current club times don’t work with your schedule, sign-up here to receive updates when more clubs are added.
Can I drop my kid off at the park?
If your reader is 13 years old or older, they may be dropped off.
If your reader is under 13 years old: This is not a drop-off activity. I will be at the park but I do not consider myself responsible for your children. The kids hold their own discussion, without an adult facilitator, so I supervise from a distance. You should communicate with your child about where you will be during book club - whether that’s hanging out in the park or sitting in your car. In case of emergency, you should be able to respond to your child.
Can we try the group before committing to the year? Can we choose which months to attend? What is your cancellation policy?
Many kids have never participated in a group like this before and it can take one or two meetings for kids to become comfortable to fully participate. You may need to try the group for up to three months to get a true picture of what it will be like for your kid. Coming to a meeting once-in-a-while is not likely to give your kid the full experience that comes from a high level of comfort with each other. While a commitment is required when you sign-up, you can cancel your membership anytime with 30 days written notice. If you have a book at home that isn’t going to be read, feel free to drop it in a little free library in your neighborhood.
How will I receive the first book?
You’ll receive the first book in the mail approximately one month before the first meeting in October. The package will be addressed to your kid - it is so exciting for them to receive mail! You’ll receive a welcome email with details about the year letting you know that the book is on it’s way.