Lit Circles They’ll Love – OKC book clubs for tweens and teens

Getting tweens and teens to put down their phones and pick up a book isn’t always easy. But what if reading felt more like hanging out with friends than homework? That’s the magic of these OKC-area book clubs specifically designed for older kids — they turn reading into an engaging social experience.

Centered around popular, youth-friendly titles they won’t typically encounter in school, these clubs give kids a chance to explore new stories and big ideas in a low-pressure, peer-supported space. And when it’s time to gather and talk books, tweens and teens get more than just a literary discussion — they practice critical thinking, build confidence and connect with new friends.

The case for book clubs 

Reading is more important than ever. A 2023 report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed that only 14 percent of U.S. 13-year-olds read for fun every day, down from 35 percent in 1984. Plus, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that the percentage of 13-year-olds who “never or hardly ever” read for fun has risen nearly 10 percentage points over the decade.

This decline means many teens are missing out on opportunities to reinforce what they’ve learned in school and develop a lasting love of reading. Strong reading skills are the foundation for learning across all subjects — and they’re essential for future success, whether in college, trade programs or the workplace.

Forever Young Book Club

Best of Books, Edmond

bestofbooksok.com

Best of Books has been an Edmond institution for decades, but their Forever Young Book Club is brand new this year. The club focuses on young adult books and is open to teen and adult readers. Meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month.

Tell the cashier you’re joining the book club when you purchase your book, and you’ll receive a 15 percent discount. The store also often hosts signings for bestselling authors as well as other fun events.

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Kid Book Club

Second Story Books, OKC

secondstorybooksokc.com

Many independent bookstores have popped up around Oklahoma City in the past few years, but I find Second Story Books to be the most cozy and magical. Their Kids Book Club is open to ages 8 to 11 and is usually held on the first Saturday of the month. Check their pinned posts on their Instagram account (@SecondStoryBooksOKC) to see what the Kids Book Club will be reading next.

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Shelf Indulgence Book Club

Northwest Library, OKC

metrolibrary.org/locations/northwest

Northwest Library’s Shelf Indulgence Book Club is open to adults and teens 14 and above. The club is held once a month and focuses on a different young adult book genre for each meeting. Registration is required, so make sure to sign up on the library’s website to hold your spot.

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Bricks and Books

The Village Library, OKC

metrolibrary.org/locations/the-village

Designed for readers ages 9 to 13, Bricks and Books combines book club with Legos. Attendees discuss the book of the month while also completing a related Lego challenge. Registration is required and closes the day of the book club. Reading the book beforehand is recommended but not required.

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Emma Retellings

Norman West Library, Norman

library-connect.services.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/patron/events/details?id=65

What better way to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday than to showcase all the books her writing has inspired? The Norman West Library’s Jane Austen Book Club meets the first Tuesday of the month. In August, they’ll discuss Emma retellings. Registration is requested.

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Looking for more OKC book clubs for tweens and teens? Check your local library’s events calendar or your favorite bookstore’s website and social media feeds to see what other book clubs are available for younger readers.