Do you want families to read together? Making family memories inspired by books is a beautiful thing. For four years we have been sharing monthly Family Dinner Book Clubs.
Last year we traveled the world through books and for 2018 we have a new focus. Each month we are going to focus on a character strength. We want you and the families that you know to join us. And, don’t forget to print out your FREE Family Dinner Book Club planner below to help map out your year of reading.
What is a Family Dinner Book Club?
Each month:
- On the first of each month, we provide all the details for your dinner.
- Sarah from Chef Sarah Elizabeth will share a themed menu to compliment the theme for the month.
- Laura from Sunny Day Family will share an activity and a family service project.
- And, I will share a book list that compliments the themes plus conversation starters.
Here’s a little bonus tip…
Do you need a holiday gift for a family? Print out the FREE planner, grab a few or all of the books on this list, and you have the perfect holiday gift!
If you are a teacher or librarian….
I created a letter that you can send home with families introducing the Family Dinner Book Club and inviting families to join in 2018. Click HERE to download, print, and pass out the letter to families. You can also print and display page two (the monthly booklist) in the free printable planner below to display.
You can also set up a monthly display in the library featuring the printable booklists and books that go with the theme.
Family Dinner Book Club Line-Up
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
NEW FOR 2018: We’ve listed a featured book for each month. But, we will be sharing an entire book list on each character strength on the first of each month. You don’t have to read the featured book. You will be able to read any or all of the books on the list. The menu, activity, family service project, and conversation starters will all be centered around the character strength of the month.
I tried to select books that would be appropriate for young children as Family Dinner Book Club is geared to families with kids ages 4-8. All of these books feature the character strength of the month. Each month I’ll be sharing other titles for this age group too.
January- Teamwork
Swimmy shows his friends that working together as a team can lead to great accomplishments in Swimmy by Leo Lionni.
CLICK HERE FOR THE TEAMWORK BOOK CLUB DETAILS
February- Persistence/Determination
The Winter Olympics are in February and are focusing on persistence and determination.
Thirteen women who changed the world are featured in She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton.
CICK HERE FOR THE DETERMINATION/PERSISTENCE DETAILS
March- Fairness
New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer sheds light on the inequalities of the world when a young girl is refused service because of the color of her skin.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FAIRNESS BOOK CLUB DETAILS
April- Love
There is one bond stronger than any other and that is love. Enjoy the soon to be released (January 2018)Love by Matt de la Pena.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LOVE BOOK CLUB DETAILS
May- Citizenship/Responsibility
Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth by Nicola Davies is a beautiful book with a powerful reminder to take care of what we have on earth.
June- Honesty
It’s time for the emperor to choose an heir in The Empty Pot by Demi. Turns out that honesty is greatly rewarded.
July- Creativity
Based on a true story, Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy shines a light on how creativity can have a great impact on a community.
August- Curiosity
Meet Zoey in Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro. She is a super curious young scientist on a mission to help magical creatures.
September- Bravery/Courage
Meet a very courageous woman in Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai. Malala believes that all girls have a right to an education and she continues to be brave and speak her mind.
October- Respect/Inclusion
Meet a talking tree that has seen quite a lot in Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. Through the perspective of the tree, we learn some big lessons about respect and inclusion.
November- Appreciation/Gratitude
Sometimes it is the most simple things we are most grateful for in When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant
December- Kindness
Meet a little boy who is ordinary and extraordinary in We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio. I great lesson in choose kindness.
Family Dinner Book Club FREE Planner
The very talented Laura from Sunny Day Family has put together a fantastic Family Dinner Book Club planner for you. This FREE resource comes with a book list, a planning guide (grocery list, supplies, needed, etc.), and a tracking chart.
Click the button below to get your FREE 2018 Family Dinner Book Club Planner
Click Here to Get Your Planner
Clicking the button above will take you to a screen to enter your email address. The planner will be emailed to you immediately. You will also receive the weekly Growing Book by Book newsletter.
All of the fun begins on January 1, 2018. We will have your themed menu, easy activity, conversation starters, and family service project ready for the character strength of teamwork on Growing Book by Book, Sunny Day Family, and Chef Sarah Elizabeth. Plus, you can follow along and get more ideas at our Family Dinner Book Club Facebook Page where families share pictures of their dinners and we share bonus resources.
PIN IT!
where do i find the recipes and activities to go with the monthly book?