Grandma’s Book Club: Why Every Kid Needs One, and How to Start

What is Grandma’s Book Club? Exactly what it sounds like: a loving grandma running a summer book club for her grandkids. Is it one of the best literacy ideas ever? Yes. Was it my idea? No—but the second I heard about it, I had to learn more (and, with her permission, share it).

I’ll get into the logistics, but first, here’s why this idea deserves attention.

One. Kids are often more receptive to grandparents.
Parents are a constant chorus of reminders, directions, and suggestions. Grandparents, on the other hand, feel novel. So when a grandparent recommends a book, kids are more likely to follow through. And when it comes to reading, motivation is everything.

Two. It strengthens the grandparent–grandchild bond.
More shared time means deeper connection. As Michaeleen Doucleff writes in Hunt, Gather, Parent, child-rearing used to be a multigenerational effort. Today, with families more spread out, kids miss that regular interaction. Whether this book club happens over Zoom, in person, or both, reading the same book creates meaningful, shared experiences across generations.

Three. Book clubs boost comprehension and engagement.
They naturally lead to discussion, reflection, and deeper understanding. Add in the grandparent perspective, and it becomes something even more powerful. Kids begin to see their grandparents as full people—with ideas, opinions, and stories—not just as doting figures. That builds empathy.

Four. It helps prevent the summer slide.
Kids lose reading progress over the summer—this is a simple, joyful way to keep their skills sharp. Think of Grandma as a disguised reading tutor.

And honestly, there’s more: parents are burned out, and this is one meaningful thing they don’t have to carry alone.

So how does it work? Here’s what the grandma whose idea this was shared with me:

First, the books.
She considers ages, interests, and reading levels, then proposes a few options. The kids weigh in, and together they choose two books for the summer, deciding the order as well. She pre-reads them and prepares discussion questions.

Next, the structure.
Since they live in different parts of the country, they meet over Zoom throughout the summer. Then, when they’re together in person at the end of the season, they hold a final, in-person book club.

Then, the incentives.
In her words: “My big thing is rewards.” Sometimes that means cash, but often it’s more creative and tied to the book itself. When a story involved making superhero comics, she mailed blank comic books and small themed toys. When they read Summer of the Monkeys, she sent monkey-themed water bottles. The rewards make it fun—and memorable.

Inspired yet? I am. Maybe also a little intimidated by this rockstar grandma.

To be fair, she was a math teacher, so lesson planning is her thing. But you don’t need to go that big to start. See below for here to begin.

Always start simple.
For older kids, pick one chapter book and meet three times over the summer. Set clear reading goals for each meeting (for example: page 50, page 100, then finish). For younger kids, choose a shorter book for each meeting. Most importantly, involve the kids in choosing the books—that buy-in matters.

I’m so grateful a friend shared this idea with me. It’s exactly the kind of simple, meaningful literacy practice worth passing along. Let’s keep our kids reading this summer—and connected to their grandparents.