About Us
The Club Book & Joy was founded by Dr. Mo Jones, who has dedicated his fifteen years to literacy education and effective communication. He currently teaches persuasive communication at Boston College (tenured) and is a leading researcher in the field. Going through the pandemic, he realized that real-time online tools could offer the highest level of Boston education for kids from anywhere in the world. The Club Book & Joy was founded to offer the best education time for kids to:
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Critically engage with must-read stories, classics, and award-winning novels.
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Learn how to present their own ideas and effectively communicate with others.
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Become a book lover and habitual reader.
Our debating topics and weekly writing assignments encourage our kids to become intelligent thinkers and effective communicators. Our team, consisting of professor networks and college students (e.g., from Harvard, NYU, BC, and UC Berkeley), makes its best efforts to design the best curriculum.
​WHY CLUB BOOK & JOY?
JOIN
The Boston-based online book club that provides everything all at once.
(reading, debating, and writing)
WITNESS
The phenomenal growth of our kids’ literacy skills through
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Monthly performance reports
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Captured moment videos
MEET
The best curriculum team (professors and top-ranking college students)
and book club teachers (No.1 MA public school teachers in the U.S.).
Mission
Our utmost goal is to let our kids know
“Reading and Learning is an enjoyable, fun experience.”
Motto
Today’s reader is a future leader.
The Club Book & Joy
Our Teachers
Ashlie Swicker
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Master of Education
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Contributing writer to Book Riot
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Current librarian in elementary school
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Previous classroom teacher (17 years of experience)
I have been an early childhood educator for 17 years and am passionate about connecting young readers to great books. I firmly believe that all reading "counts," that audiobooks and graphic novels are excellent sources of literature, and that reading for pleasure is as important as academic reading. I love discussing plot, theme, and character motivation with my students and children at home. I can't wait to dive in and share stories with new readers!
Catherine Jreije-Knowlton
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Master's in Elementary Education
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Current public school teacher in MA (10 years of experience)
One aspect that has consistently resonated with me is the power of fostering a love for reading in children. As a strong advocate for literacy, I am committed to unlocking the doors of imagination through the written word. Guiding young readers towards a world of limitless possibilities is an unwavering dedication to nurturing curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking. After all, it is within the pages of a book that a child discovers not only the richness of language but also the boundless realms of their own potential!
Julie Rondinelli
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Masters in Special Education from Boston College
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Current special education teacher in a co-taught classroom in MA (13 years of experience)
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Certified Wilson Teacher
As a dedicated special educator I am committed to fostering the joy of reading among students. With a passion for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments, I am devoted to empowering all students to not only acquire literacy skills but also cultivate a genuine enjoyment of books. I strive to make reading an accessible and fulfilling experience for every student under my guidance.
Heidi Bisso
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Master's in Applied Linguistics
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Current ELE Teacher in MA public school (24 years of experience)
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Certified in English as a Second Language & Wilson Reading System
As a multilingual language teacher and Wilson phonics instructor, I love sharing my passion for reading, linguistics, and discussion and debate with young people. I encourage all of my students to find their voices, make connections, and share what they think and know about the world around them.
Liz Garden
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Master's in Child Development, Early Childhood Literacy
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Current Elementary Principal with 16 years of experience
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MFA Program for Creative Nonfiction Writing
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Previous classroom teacher
I remember spending most of my time in 1st grade reading my way through the school library, and I believe I have been in love with reading ever since. Now I get to spend my days as a literacy leader encouraging all of the young readers in my school. I truly believe that there is no such thing as a child who doesn't like reading; that child simply hasn't found the right book yet. Books make us better humans. I can't wait to connect with your reader!
Lisa Kapnis
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Masters in Education from Lesley University
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Current third grade elementary teacher in MA (25 years of experience)
My favorite part of teaching is leading book discussion groups. During whole class lessons, students mostly listen to the teacher deliver instruction, and while there are opportunities to share and discuss, it is primarily teacher-led. In book clubs, I have the opportunity to guide a small group of students to discuss books together. I listen and observe how well they work as a group, and I teach them new ways to discuss. But ultimately, it is the students who start and keep the conversation going about the book. Book clubs are an amazing tool to help students see how books relate to their lives, explore who they are, and understand different viewpoints. These discussions have an impact on students' ability to think critically, love reading, and make a difference in the world.
Sheila M. Plifka
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Masters of Education: Consulting Teacher of Reading
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Reading Specialist for Two Decades in the
Massachusetts Public Schools
A school ends. Reading never does. The more types of books children are exposed to- the more likely students are likely to discover a favorite author or a new genre that keeps them motivated. I encourage all my students to be readers, writers and thinkers. I can’t wait to see if your child falls in love with reading this year!
Erin J. Welch
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Master’s in Education
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Special Education Teacher in MA Public School (8 years)
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Previous first-grade teacher (8 years)
There are many ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all." This quote from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis has always resonated with me as a special education teacher, passionate about sharing my love of reading with my students. I enjoy the new worlds that books continue to open up for me and am excited to guide this discovery with young readers so that they may gain a lifelong love of reading.
Kelly Lavoie
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​Bachelor's in Special Education
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Current 5th grade Special Education Teacher in NH
I am a fifth-grade special education teacher excited to share my love for reading with others! I look forward to discussing so many amazing books and fostering a love for reading discussion. I have enjoyed reading a variety of different genres since I was young, and I can't wait to share my experience with my students!
Nazaret Molina
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PhD Candidate, New Technologies & Physical Activity
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Spanish Immersion Teacher, 3rd Grade (7 years of experience)
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International Master in Bilingual Education
As a bilingual educator, I bring my passion for literacy and language learning into the classroom every day. I am dedicated to helping students discover the joy of reading, not only as a means to learn a language but also as a way to explore diverse perspectives and develop critical thinking. By creating engaging, student-centered discussions, I encourage my students to connect deeply with the texts and share their insights. I can’t wait to inspire your readers to love books as much as I do!
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Jessica Bridle
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Master’s in English as a Second Language from Bucknell University
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Current ESL Teacher in MA (9 years of experience)
As a teacher of multilingual learners, I am committed to teaching literacy and oral language skills while fostering a love of reading. There is no greater feeling than being completely immersed in a book and developing a deep connection with the characters and their adventures. Through books, we have the opportunity to experience the world around us in such meaningful ways. I look forward to exploring new stories with your child, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and nurturing a lifelong love of reading.
Pony Stacpoole-Gilmartin
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MBA (Boston College)
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MA in Applied Linguistics
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Certified Orton Gillingham teacher
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Current ELE teacher in MA (10 years of experience)
I have a long-held belief that strong reading skills are an integral part of both student confidence and educational attainment. Allowing students to find the joy in reading will hopefully put them on the path to become lifelong readers. This has long been part of my teaching strategy; to make reading fun not something to be avoided. There is no better way to do this than by introducing books that engage, books that show them other times and places, books that take them on adventures. Book clubs are the perfect way to allow students to immerse themselves in a teacher lead but student-centered environment. I look forward to supporting your child on their reading journey!
Elizabeth E. Casey
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Master’s in Teaching: Secondary English
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Current Middle School Teacher Librarian in MA
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Previous English Language Arts Teacher, Grade 8 (2007–2021)
I strongly believe that everyone has the potential to fall in love with reading--they just need to be connected to the right book. Once students find a book they enjoy, their attitude about reading changes. In my eighteen-year career as a middle school English Language Arts teacher and middle school librarian, I've seen the power that increased reading has on students. When students read more they improve their vocabulary skills, writing skills, and thinking skills, and, best of all, they build their academic confidence. Reading can also build empathy and help students connect to the world around them. I am excited to have the opportunity to help foster and develop a love of reading with the students I'll work with in this program.