A book tasting is when you bring kids in for a three course "meal" where they get to explore different types of books that are of interest to them.
I began to research how I wanted to do this tasting. There are many options available out there, but I really needed something simple and easy. Follow this link to a very helpful site: https://www.bubbleupclassroom.org/home/a-delicious-literary-treat-everything-you-need-to-host-a-book-tasting-for-your-students.
I have nine tables, so I decided that I would present 9 genre options to the students:
I have nine tables, so I decided that I would present 9 genre options to the students:
Realistic Fiction
Science Fiction
Romance
Sports Fiction
Graphic Novels
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Mystery
Survival/Adventure Fiction
I decked out the library to make it look like a restaurant, even printing fake placemats with table settings for each seat (these I save and reuse). My library theme is "Say Aloha to a Good Book" so I went for a Seaside Cafe type of look using beach towels for table cloths. We played soft luau music in the background and I wore an obnoxious Hawaiian shirt and lei for my role as maitre d.
I pulled at least 4 of each genre for the tables and put a book on each placemat. Further, I stacked some extras in the center of the table in case one of those caught their eye more than the one in front of them.
The students came in and were given a trifold menu. I started with one I had found online, and then decided to make one myself that met our particular needs. We explained to them they would be experiencing three courses. For each course, they were to choose a genre. They would get 5-7 minutes to complete the short questionnaire in their menu for that course.
And what's a book tasting if you don't have any actual food? Feeding large groups on the cheap seems to be a superpower of mine. For the first course, we served "Luau" punch which is blue Hawaiian punch/7 up mixed together with a little Swedish fish floating in it. For the second course, students were served a small cup of pretzels. For the last course, we served an assortment of chocolate and other individual candies.The food wasn't necessary, but the kids loved Mrs. Thomas and I being their waitresses and it allowed us to pass by the tables and answer any questions and keep kids on task. Most were very engaged in the task and very thankful for the treats.
After students were able to rotate through the three courses (I always encourage them to break out and try a genre they wouldn't ordinarily try for their last course), The students then had a list of several books to keep in their English binders that they can come and check out. When I have several book tastings in one day, I give kids a time that they can come back and check the book they want out. They are always worried someone will get to it before them. I remind them they now have three to choose from. Some like more than one from a table and I have them write the other book titles on the back of their paper so they will have even more to chose from later.
One thing that really struck me throughout this process is that kids still love books and they still love to read. So many times they are simply too busy throughout the day to have time to come and really browse. Freeflow kind of gets lost at the high school level, at least at my school. It has been very fulfilling to see that when we make time for kids to really find something they might like to read...they will actually read! Mrs. Thomas and I have had several exclaim that they were on page 50 of a book and they haven't read that much in ages.
Because of the success of this endeavor, Mrs. Thomas and I are planning to do at least one book tasting per 9 weeks.
Until next time,
Amy Hutto, LMS
South Side High School
