As students enter high school, it can be tough to find the time and energy to read books purely for enjoyment. This was the case with senior Emily McClung. However, this year she decided to join the Virginia Reader’s Choice Award Book Club.

“I’ve enjoyed getting back to reading books other than just ones for school,” said McClung.

The Virginia Reader’s Choice Award Book Club is a school club that meets about once a month to read books off a list created by the Virginia Reader’s Choice Program. At the end of the year, students across Virginia vote to decide which was their favorite.

McClung described, “This is a club where members gather to discuss books and vote to nominate the best one for the Virginia Reader’s Choice Award. This is an amazing experience for students who enjoy reading young adult books.”

This year’s collection of ten books nominated for the award consisted of: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram, Frankly in Love by David Yoon, How We Became Wicked by Alexander Yates, Jackpot by Nic Stone, Rules for Vanishing by Kate Alice Marshall, The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee, The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming, Three Things I Know Are True by Betty Culley, and With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo.

“My favorite book that I’ve read is Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi,” said McClung. “It is a fantasy novel that is also inspired by Tomi Adeyemi‘a Nigerian Heritage.”

Senior Karena Richmond is another member of the VA Reader’s Choice Book Club this year.

“I’ve enjoyed reading the Rise and Fall of Charles Linburgh,” said Richmond. “It’s fascinating how this one tycoon of American society met his downfall due to circumstances in his control.”

Richmond continued, “I’ve enjoyed all the insightful conversations that have been sparked by these amazing books. You can tell the love and passion is there from all the authors and readers.”

If you’re looking to join next year, the Virginia Readers Choice Program has already released the titles for next year’s nominations, which includes: All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat, Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang, Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger, Furia by Yamile Mendez, Hold Back the Tide by Melinda Salisbury, Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles, The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, This is My America by Kim Johnson, This Light Between Us: A Novel of World War II by Andrew Fukuda, and You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson.

“This would be a good experience for other students, as it encourages reading and insightful conversation,” said Richmond.