One of the primary reasons we started this organization was to build empathy in the next generation of helpers and volunteering is only one of the ways in which we are addressing this goal.
We have partnered with local bookstore BookPeople and Bookopolis, an online kids’ book recommendation site, to host a book club for 3rd-8th graders! The books we select will tackle issues that our children face every day--from struggles in school to bullying to learning to love and accept themselves and others just as they are.
Some of the books we discuss contain heavier topics. We recommend parents read the book’s summary and explore reviews from sites like Bookopolis and Common Sense Media to make sure it’s a good fit for your child.
Meetings are held on the fourth Saturday of each month from 1-2pm in the 2nd floor Kids' Amphitheater at BookPeople. We’ll discuss the book and work on a volunteer activity benefitting one of Austin Allies’ nonprofit partners.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Our Next Meeting!
Register for our next meeting!
Saturday, April 27, 1 - 2pm, BookPeople Kids’ Amphitheater (2nd Floor)
All young readers are welcome for an engaging discussion about THIRST by Varsha Bajaj on Saturday, April 27th from 1-2 pm.
In honor of Earth Month, we'll be reading this NYT bestseller that centers around a heroic young girl who fights for her belief that water should be for everyone.
Recommended for 3rd-8th grade readers.
See a full summary here and explore reviews on Bookopolis to see if it's a good fit for your reader.
When purchasing your Book Club books at BookPeople, mention Austin Allies at the register for 10% off or enter “BOOKCLUB” when checking out online!
Complete this form to stay up-to-date about all things Book Club!
Previous Book Club Selections
We LOVE author visits!
Anti-Racist Reading Lists
Austin Allies stands together with the Black Lives Matter movement and the AAPI Community. We remain committed to our mission of building and encouraging empathy in our young members and standing up for racial equity and justice. We believe that all people are worthy, deserve respect, and should be treated with dignity.
We recognize the difficulty, but also the extreme importance, of having discussions about anti-racism with your family. And we know that many of you are likely looking for ways to have these crucial discussions and support the black community.
There are many incredible works of literature and non-fiction out there that can assist parents in talking about race, racism, equity and other critical topics - if you are looking for guidance, please visit our Book Club page on our website to find lists that have been compiled by experts, activists, literature groups, and more.
Austin Allies list (books to promote diversity)
Coretta Scott King Book Awards (to diversify your bookshelves)
Tiffany M. Jewel (anti-racist educator)
Rachel Cargle (activist and lecturer)
Pretty Good Blog (a resource guide for talking to your kids about race)
Teaching Tolerance (teaching website with tools parents can use)
New York Times Reading List (adult selections)
*If you have additional resources we can add to this list, please contact us at info@austinallies.org