Exploring Young Readers' Favorite Books at the 2025 STEM LA Maker Faire

In this bonus edition of the Book Club for Kids podcast, host Kitty Faldi takes her microphone to the 2025 STEM LA Maker Faire. Amidst the robots and rocketeers, she engages young attendees in a discussion about their literary preferences, uncovering a diverse range of genres and motivations that drive their reading habits.

The Appeal of High-Stakes Adventure and Survival

For many students, the allure of a book lies in its intensity and pacing. Jaylin, an eighth-grader, highlights The Maze Runner series, noting that it is "really exciting and like fast paced," which perfectly matches her preferred reading style. She values the deep connection she forms with the characters, emphasizing that it is a "really cool series."

Similarly, Naya, a seventh-grader, finds excitement in survival narratives. She identifies Canyon's Edge as her favorite because of the setting and the stakes. As she explains, "it takes place in the desert" and revolves around a protagonist who "gets lost in the desert" and must "find her dad before it’s too late." Naya appreciates the psychological layer of the story, noting that the character must "escape like this monster in her mind," which adds a compelling, albeit occasionally "scary," element to the narrative.

Relatability and Family Dynamics

Literature often serves as a mirror for personal experiences. Abigail, a fourth-grader, chooses Sisters by Raina Telgemeier because "it shows how sisters act towards each other." Despite being an only child, she finds the depiction of sibling relationships fascinating. This sentiment is echoed by others who look for books that reflect everyday life or relatable scenarios, such as Mianna, who enjoys The Babysitter's Club because of its multi-media presence in shows and movies, expressing a future interest in becoming a babysitter herself.

Humor, Graphics, and Interactive Storytelling

For younger readers, visual elements and humor are primary motivators. Bruce Roosevelt, a second-grader, is a fan of Dogman specifically because "there’s a lot of graphics." He finds the slapstick humor, such as a scene where the character gets inside a "blow-up" and flies into a police station, landing on the "Chief's new couch," to be "pretty silly" and engaging. Noah, another second-grader, keeps his choices light, citing My Weird School and Magic Treehouse simply because "they’re funny."

The Book vs. Movie Debate

An interesting theme that emerged during the interviews is the critical comparison between literary sources and their screen adaptations. Ramone, a student at Rosemary Kennedy Elementary, champions Harry Potter. He asserts that "the book is way better than the movie because it has more details," reflecting a common sentiment among young readers who appreciate the depth that only a book can provide. Meanwhile, Adrian, a sixth-grader, bridges his interests in gaming and reading by choosing Fazbear Frights, noting that he enjoys the series because "I like the games and I like to learn more" about the lore behind them.

Conclusion and Future Engagements

This segment of the Book Club for Kids serves as a vibrant testament to the varied tastes of young readers today. From the fast-paced thrills of dystopian series to the humor of graphic novels and the depth of fantasy adaptations, these children demonstrate a genuine passion for reading. The host concludes by inviting listeners to visit the "Books We Love" page at BookClubForKids.org and encourages fans to meet her at the upcoming LA Times Festival of Books to share their own favorite reads.