Sunshine State Young Readers Book Club for Upper Elementary
Is your goal to read all of the 2025-2026 Sunshine State Young Readers books for grades 3-5? Come join a reading club designed to help students understand literary elements within the novels while enjoying some great conversation.
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
2-4 hours per week. Students are expected to read the book before arriving at the discussion.Class Experience
Calling all young book lovers! In this engaging every-other-week book club, readers will dive into the exciting titles from the Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award (SSYRA) Grades 3–5 list, designed to promote a love of reading among elementary students. Each session focuses on one SSYRA book, allowing learners time to read and reflect between meetings. During our live class, students will: - Participate in lively discussions about characters, plot, and themes - Share opinions, predictions, and favorite moments - Practice comprehension and speaking skills in a friendly environment - Build confidence as they connect with other readers This club meets throughout the school year and is perfect for students who want to read at their own pace while staying motivated. Whether you're preparing for your school’s Battle of the Books or just love a good story, this class supports reading growth and deepens book appreciation. 💡 Books are selected from the official SSYRA Grades 3–5 2025–2026 list. Learners must read the book prior to each class. Families are responsible for obtaining a copy of the books. Novel Schedule: 📅 Date | 📖 Book Title & ✍️ Author(s) Aug 12, 2025 | The Adventures of Invisible Boy by Doogie Horner Aug 26, 2025 | Always, Clementine by Carlie Sorosiak Sep 9, 2025. | The Amazon by Roland Smith Sep 23, 2025 | Battle for the Park by H.D. Hunter Oct 7, 2025 | Benny Ramirez and the Nearly Departed by Jose Pablo Iriarte Oct 21, 2025 | The Callers by Kiah Thomas Nov 4, 2025 | Clementine Fox and the Great Island Adventure by Leigh Luna Nov 18, 2025 | Dogtown by Katherine Applegate & Gennifer Choldenko Dec 2, 2025 | The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat Dec 16, 2025 | Lightningborn by Julie Kagawa Jan 13, 2026 | The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass Jan 27, 2026 | The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsay Currie Feb 10, 2026 | Peril at Price Manor by Laura Parnum Feb 24, 2026 | Trex by Christyne Morrell Mar 10, 2026 | The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry by Chad Morris & Shelly Brown
Learning Goals
Read and respond to a variety of high-quality, age-appropriate chapter books
Analyze story elements such as character development, plot structure, and theme
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Sunshine State books are selected for their wide appeal, literary value, varied genres, curriculum connections, and/or multicultural representation. The SSYRA committee is comprised of 20 qualified school librarians located throughout the state of Florida, subdivided into two committees- grades 3-5 and grades 6-8. However, it is imperative that parents review the content of novels before allowing their child to read them to ensure they align with the values and beliefs you wish for your child to be exposed to.
Pre-Requisites
Students must acquire a copy of the novel on their own, whether they purchase it or check it out from the library.
Supply List
Students will be required to have a copy of each novel being discussed for that particular class. You may choose to purchase the books or borrow them from your local library. Digital books and audiobooks are also great options!
Teacher expertise and credentials
Florida Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in English from Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Central Florida
I have been a certified teacher in the state of Florida for over 20 years, teaching all subjects, but specializing in elementary and secondary English.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly1x per week
55 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
2-9 learners per class