Book clubs have become increasingly popular in all age groups. There are "Mom's" book clubs, school book clubs, religious group book clubs; even bookstores are organizing their own groups.

Why not make a book club a kid-friendly family activity? You can start a club with the kids in your family, and even invite some of your kid's friends. Their parents will love you for it! You can choose a format that best suits your particular group.

In a traditional book club, every member of the club reads the same book. The group meets on a regular basis, typically once a month. At that time, the members share their thoughts and opinions about the book, and choose the book the group will read next.

But there are other ways to run a book club. In some circles, book clubs are more like a book "share." Each member brings a book, or more than one book, that he or she enjoyed reading, shares thoughts about the book, and other members can borrow the book until the next meeting when the books are swapped again. Variations of either of these formats will work with kid's group.

Here are some ideas to get you started on your own kid's book group:

Ask your local librarian, bookseller, or teacher for ideas of popular books in the age range of your group. You can also browse Amazon.com for book ideas and reviews.

If your group is reading the same book, create some age-appropriate discussion questions.

If your kids are under twelve, keep discussions brief.

Provide a guideline for kids who share thoughts about a book others have not read.

Be sure to serve tasty finger-food snacks.

Encourage kids to do some creative activities relating to the book they have read, but make it fun - not too much like a book report. Such as:

Use your imagination - you'll have the neighborhood reading in no time!