Book Group Programs at Family Focus
Literature for All of Us

Making sense of the world as they are making sense of the word is the simple, yet powerful, principle at the heart of the Book Group Programs at Family Focus. This holistic literature program for preadolescent and teen girls living in Evanstonís disadvantaged neighborhoods uses weekly book group circles and poetry writing as a means to encourage thoughtful explorations of their life experiences.

Literature for All of Us created this program to give young women, especially those coping with economic challenges and early motherhood, an opportunity for the type of creative expression and reflection necessary for personal growth and successful parenting. Participants are predominantly African-American and Latino girls. Professional book group leaders facilitate weekly sessions for 5th and 6th graders, junior high students, and teenaged mothers. The meetings include reading, discussion, and poetry-writing exercises. In using works by authors whose writings are relevant to the participantsí own experiences, the program enables the girls to see their lives reflected in the literature and evaluate the world and themselves.

Each month the girls receive personal copies of several books to read and discuss in their group. They are also given a journal, to encourage them to reflect and write outside the group. During the session, the participants analyze such texts as The Color Purple by Alice Walker, The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, and A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines. By the conclusion of the yearlong program, participants have created a poetry anthology of their own writing that they can share with family, friends, and other book group members. In addition, participants have the opportunity to present their poetry in public readings throughout the community.

The teen mothersí book group makes an even greater impact on the lives of these young women by creating a legacy of literacy in their community. Since literate mothers raise literate children, these participants also receive a new childrenís book each month. These bonus books enable the young moms to build a library at home and to nurture a lifelong love of reading in their own children.

For the preteen and teen girls in this program, literacy includes understanding their society and their role in it. Book Groups at Family Focus introduces participants to relevant literature and gives them supportive and creative outlets to express themselves through words. On this foundation, the program builds bridges to learning, leading to success in all aspects of these young peopleís lives.