Great Stories CLUB "New Horizons" theme books

Great Stories CLUB

The Great Stories CLUB is organized by the American Library Association Public Programs Office (PPO), in cooperation with the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Major funding for the Great Stories CLUB has been provided by Oprah’s Angel Network.

The Great Stories CLUB is a reading and discussion program that targets underserved, troubled teen populations. The program reaches teens through books that are relevant to their lives, inviting them to read and keep the books, and encourages them to consider and discuss each title with a group of their peers. It seeks to show that reading can be a source of pleasure, a tool for self-exploration, and a meaningful way to connect to the wider world. Its ultimate goal is to inspire young adults who face difficult situations to take control of their lives by embracing the power of reading.

Since the program’s inception in 2006, ALA has made more than 800 grants to libraries for implementation. Four theme-based series have been developed: Facing Challenges, Choices, Breaking Boundaries, and New Horizons.

Libraries interested in developing and hosting their own Great Stories Club programs with local support may wish to review program materials related to past themes. Each Great Stories Club theme includes a central reading list for a three part series, supplementary reading list, and discussion questions for each book. A Great Stories Club Planning Guide also includes tips on working with at-risk teens, facilitating a Great Stories Club discussion, and partnering with juvenile justice agencies.