Tween Book Club: The Insiders

Middle school readers (ages 11-13) are invited to participate in a special book club with an art component.  Participating tweens will receive a copy of The Insiders by Mark Oshiro to keep, a journal, basic school supplies, and materials to complete the Collectively You portrait art project which will be displayed at the New Children's Museum. 

At this first meeting we'll distribute supplies, read aloud together, and make plans to meet on Friday, August 12 to discuss the book and create our art projects.

Book description: Three kids who don’t belong. A room that shouldn’t exist. A year that will change everything.  San Francisco and Orangevale may be in the same state, but for Héctor Muñoz, they might as well be a million miles apart. Back home, being gay didn’t mean feeling different. At Héctor’s new school, he couldn’t feel more alone.  Most days, Héctor just wishes he could disappear. And he does. Right into the janitor’s closet. (Yes, he sees the irony.) But one day, when the door closes behind him, Héctor discovers he’s stumbled into a room that shouldn’t be possible. A room that connects him with two new friends from different corners of the country—and opens the door to a life-changing year full of friendship, adventure, and just a little bit of magic.

Since 2014 Words Alive's Art & Lit collaborative project has engaged teens to create art that helps deepen understanding and develop emotional awareness through a connection with reading, art, and their world.  Inspired by collage and self-portraiture, and developed in collaboration with The New Children’s Museum, this year’s project - Collectively You portraits – helps students develop mindfulness habits and explore the theme authentic voices.  This year’s anchor texts feature characters navigating challenges and friendships on their journey to discover and celebrate their authentic selves. As students read about characters who face challenges with resilience, courage, and kindness they develop their ability to reflect on their own tribulations and sharpen their coping skills.