Junior Great Books

Junior Great Books is an extracurricular program where students in the 5^th through 8^th grades read and discuss classic works of literature with their peers.  The program is specifically designed, both in content and technique, to challenge intellectually gifted students. 

There are no grades, no credits, nor exams in this program.  Junior Great Books is neither a literary club nor a book report clinic.  It is an activity that provides a forum for the participants to learn to think for themselves, to learn to express their ideas, and to truly listen to their fellow participants so that the students can challenge each other’s ideas and defend their own.

The adult leaders in the group are catalysts for the discussion.  They are trained in the Socratic method of questioning. They are NOT teachers.   They are guides who will ask questions that will encourage the participants to think about what they have read and offer their own opinions about what happens in the story and how it relates to our world today.

Students are invited to Junior Great Books after recommendation from their teachers. 

 If you have any questions, please contact Monique Dinkel at 303-791-3338.