What is a Book Taster?

Book Tasters introduce to students a broad selection of reads that they might otherwise not explore on their own.

Book Taster events encourage wide and extensive reading by offering students the opportunity to discover new titles or genres that pique their interest.

Book Tasters may be conducted before a school term break or as part of a reading assignment. These events leave students with a list of books that they can immediately use during their school holidays or in preparation for the assignment.

Pre-event:

• Students should prepare a list of titles to recommend their peers, and bring the actual copies of the titles to the event.

• • Students could prepare a “recipe” for the book they are recommending. This “recipe” would include highlighting elements of the book(s) of their choice that would appeal to the palate of their peers, drawing their peers’ attention to particularly interesting excerpts by identifying them with sticky notes or bookmarks. On the sticky notes, students may wish to annotate what their peers should take note of when reading those extracts.

• • The selection of books at the event could include teacher recommendations.

• • Full participation is encouraged. Depending on their readiness, students could offer fewer or more recommendations.

  • Students can recommend books of any length and genre as long as the content is age-appropriate (i.e., based on the text selection guidelines for extensive reading).

• Create a fun and restaurant-like ambience. Play classical music and include props such as dining tables, plates, utensils and napkins. Consider setting up the event at a spacious venue, be it the canteen or library.

• • Each table can have a platter of books, enough utensils and furniture to accommodate a certain number of students per table.

• • The books can be selected and arranged according to a theme or genre per table.

During event:

• In a party-style setting, students sit in small groups to sample books and fill up their “menu” customized to their reading palate. While sampling, they refer to the “recipes” created by their teachers and peers.

• Students could be given a blank “menu” with three sections: appetisers (books we want to sample), main course (books that are longer reads), and desserts (books that are light reads).

• Students read excerpts from the books placed on their tables.

• They move on from one table to another at timed intervals to preview the rest of the books. This can be down as freely or as structured as preferred.

• Students are also given a worksheet or a blank 'menu' where they can jot down titles that appeal to them at any time during the entire event.

After event:

• At the end of the event, students would have “tasted” a good variety of books and filled their “menu” of most desirable reads.

• Students should walk away with a fresh list of titles they wish to borrow from the library.

• If possible, they may borrow a copy from their peers or teachers immediately.