Small-group reading enrichment for rising 4th–6th graders. Real books. Real discussions. Real fun. 🎉
Enrichment, not interventionTEKS-alignedMax 6 studentsIn-person & virtual
🗓️ Summer 2026 Snapshot
4Books
8Weeks
6Max kids
2Tracks
✓ Books provided for in-person students
✓ Book launch, discussion & celebration every cycle
✓ Weekly Zoom check-in
✓ Ongoing Remind support for kids & families
✓ Parent recap after every session
✅ What to expect
✓ A fun, energetic book club for curious kids
✓ Enrichment that keeps sharp minds engaged all summer
✓ TEKS-aligned for the year ahead
✓ Led by an experienced educator who makes reading genuinely fun
✓ Open to all readers — any level, any interest
📌 Good to know
→ This is enrichment, not remedial tutoring
→ It's a supplement to school, not a replacement
→ No test prep, no worksheets, no pressure
→ Every reading level is welcome
🔍
Looking for tutoring support instead?
Julie also offers private 1:1 remedial tutoring at $50/hr — reach out to discuss availability.
Choose Your Track
Two Tracks. One Amazing Summer. 📚
Students pick their track at registration. Both read the same schedule — just pick what fits your reader!
🔍😄
Mystery & Humor
For kids who love laughing, sleuthing & outsmarting the plot
🔍 From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
E.L. Konigsburg · Jun 2–13
😄 The Phantom Tollbooth
Norton Juster · Jun 15–26
😄 Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Chris Grabenstein · Jun 29–Jul 10
🔍 The Westing Game
Ellen Raskin · Jul 13–24
✨🐉
Fantasy & Magic
For kids who love other worlds, magical powers & epic quests
✨ Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan · Jun 2–13
🦁 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
C.S. Lewis · Jun 15–26
🌀 Gregor the Overlander
Suzanne Collins · Jun 29–Jul 10
🐉 Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy
Tui T. Sutherland · Jul 13–24
How It Works
Every Book Has Its Own Arc 🗓️
Six sessions over two weeks — Mon/Wed/Fri rhythm. In-person 10–12 AM on Mon/Fri, and virtual for all programs on Wednesdays 10–11 AM & 2–3 PM.
Week 1 · Monday🚀
Book Launch
Kick off the book with excitement, context, and reading homework.
📍 In-person 10–12💻 Virtual 2–3 PM
Week 1 · Wednesday💬
Check-in
Guided discussion, questions, and predictions. Virtual for all programs.
💻 Virtual for all · 10–11 AM & 2–3 PM
Week 1 · Friday🧠
Thinking Work
Touch base and kick off deeper thinking — discussion and creative tasks.
📍 In-person 10–12💻 Virtual 2–3 PM
Week 2 · Monday🎨
Project Kickoff
Launch the culminating project — timeline set, creativity begins.
📍 In-person 10–12💻 Virtual 2–3 PM
Week 2 · Wednesday💬
Q&A & Support
Check-in, project help, and office hours. Virtual for all programs.
💻 Virtual for all · 10–11 AM & 2–3 PM
Week 2 · Friday🎉
Book Celebration
Presentations, reflections, and celebrating the book — then on to the next!
📍 In-person 10–12💻 Virtual 2–3 PM
Spots Are Filling Fast! 🏃♀️
Groups cap at 6 students — register today to secure your reader's spot for Summer 2026.
Meet Your Educator
Hi, I'm Julie Bowles! 👋
An educator and avid reader based in the DFW area. I created Beyond the Book to give kids a space where great books come alive through conversation, curiosity, and community.
Credentials & Experience
Why Families Trust Julie 🏆
⏰
Experienced educator
Over 15 years teaching upper elementary across multiple subjects
🏫
Learning Coach
Coaches educators daily and knows exactly what teachers expect from students
🏆
Teacher of the Year
Campus Teacher of the Year honoree and multi-award recipient
🎓
Trained for all learners
Certified and trained in differentiation, GT extensions, ESL, and special needs support
📚
Multi-subject
Teaches across subjects and understands your child as a whole learner
🎯
TEKS expert
Every session is TEKS-aligned so kids are ready for what's next
Julie's Story
Hi, I'm Julie Bowles!
I'm a classroom educator based in the DFW area, and also an avid reader — I set yearly reading goals and belong to two book clubs of my own. I created Beyond the Book because I wanted to offer kids something genuinely worthwhile over the summer: small-group book clubs with great books and real conversation.
After years in the classroom, I know how much momentum kids can lose over summer — and I know how much the right book at the right time can spark a lasting love of reading. Beyond the Book is built around that idea: thoughtfully chosen books, lively discussion, and a small group where every reader's voice matters.
Whether your child already loves reading or is still finding their footing, I'd love to have them join us!
Everything you need to know about what we offer, how it works, and what it costs.
Now Enrolling
☀️ Summer 2026 Book Club
Our flagship program! An 8-week summer enrichment experience for rising 4th–6th graders. Two book tracks, flexible packages, and a schedule built for summer families. In-person in the DFW area or fully virtual — you choose! In-person location will be confirmed based on where registered families are located (most likely a Cozby Library).
📅 Starting Summer 2026📍 DFW Area & Virtual👥 Max 6 students
4
Books
8
Weeks
6
Max kids
2
Tracks
Schedule
Every Book's 2-Week Cycle 🗓️
Six sessions per book. In-person at 10:00–12:00 PM on Mondays and Fridays. Wednesdays are virtual for all programs — 10–11 AM and 2–3 PM slots. Same rhythm every two weeks!
Week 1 · Monday🚀 Book Launch
Intro to the book, build excitement, assign reading homework.
📍 In-person 10–12💻 Virtual 2–3 PM
Week 1 · Wednesday💬 Check-in
Guided discussion, questions, and predictions. Virtual for all programs.
💻 10–11 AM & 2–3 PM (virtual)
Week 1 · Friday🧠 Thinking Work
Touch base and kick off deeper thinking — discussion, creative tasks, group work.
A wacky genius locks kids in a library and turns it into a game. Funny, puzzle-packed, and full of references to other great books — perfect for a book club!
📗 Accessible for all readers — fast-paced and engaging, great for reluctant readers too
Both tracks run simultaneously on the same dates. In-person sessions meet 10:00 AM–12:00 PM on Mondays and Fridays. Wednesday sessions are virtual for all programs — 10–11 AM and 2–3 PM slots. ⚠️ Note: Book 3 Week 1 Friday moves to Thursday July 2 (no session July 3).
Book 1 · June 2–13🔍😄 Mixed-Up Files | ✨ Percy Jackson
Tue Jun 2
🚀 Book Launch
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Thu Jun 4
💬 Check-in
10–11 AM & 2–3 PM (virtual)
Fri Jun 6
🧠 Thinking Work
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Mon Jun 9
🎨 Project Kickoff
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Wed Jun 11
💬 Q&A & Support
10–11 AM & 2–3 PM (virtual)
Fri Jun 13
🎉 Book Celebration
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Book 2 · June 15–26😄 Phantom Tollbooth | 🦁 Lion, Witch & Wardrobe
Mon Jun 15
🚀 Book Launch
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Wed Jun 17
💬 Check-in
10–11 AM & 2–3 PM (virtual)
Fri Jun 19
🧠 Thinking Work
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Mon Jun 22
🎨 Project Kickoff
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Wed Jun 24
💬 Q&A & Support
10–11 AM & 2–3 PM (virtual)
Fri Jun 26
🎉 Book Celebration
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Book 3 · June 29–July 10😄 Mr. Lemoncello's Library | 🌀 Gregor the Overlander
Mon Jun 29
🚀 Book Launch
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Wed Jul 1
💬 Check-in
10–11 AM & 2–3 PM (virtual)
Thu Jul 2 ⚠️
🧠 Thinking Work
Moved from Fri Jul 3
Mon Jul 6
🎨 Project Kickoff
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Wed Jul 8
💬 Q&A & Support
10–11 AM & 2–3 PM (virtual)
Fri Jul 10
🎉 Book Celebration
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Book 4 · July 13–24🔍 The Westing Game | 🐉 Wings of Fire
Mon Jul 13
🚀 Book Launch
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Wed Jul 15
💬 Check-in
10–11 AM & 2–3 PM (virtual)
Fri Jul 17
🧠 Thinking Work
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Mon Jul 20
🎨 Project Kickoff
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
Wed Jul 22
💬 Q&A & Support
10–11 AM & 2–3 PM (virtual)
Fri Jul 24
🎉 Book Celebration
In-person 10–12 AM · Virtual 2–3 PM
📍 In-person sessions: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM · Location TBD based on enrollment — most likely a Cozby Library
💻 Virtual PM sessions: time TBD at registration
⚠️ No session Friday July 3 — moved to Thursday July 2
Pricing
Flexible Packages for Every Family 💰
Join for one book or the whole summer. Bundle discounts available!
What's included per book club
✓ Book Launch — 2 hrs in-person
✓ Wednesday check-in — virtual
✓ Thinking work session — 2 hrs in-person
✓ Project kickoff — 2 hrs in-person
✓ Q&A & project support — virtual
✓ Book celebration — 2 hrs in-person
✓ Parent recap after every session
✓ Ongoing Remind communication
✓ Book provided (in-person students)
In-person rate
~$29/hr
per student · max 6 kids
Virtual rate
~$18/hr
per student · max 6 kids
Small-group enrichment with an experienced educator — groups capped at 6 students.
📍 In-person
Books provided
1 Book Club — 2 weeks
$175
2 Book Clubs — 4 weeks
$330save $20
3 Book Clubs — 6 weeks
$475save $50
⭐ Full Bundle — 8 weeks
$600save $100
💻 Virtual
Families provide books
1 Book Club — 2 weeks
$110
2 Book Clubs — 4 weeks
$205save $15
3 Book Clubs — 6 weeks
$295save $35
⭐ Full Bundle — 8 weeks
$375save $65
💛 Sibling discount — ask!
➕ Optional 1:1 check-ins — $15/session
🔍 Private tutoring — $50/hr
⏰
Registration deadline: May 23, 2026
Register by May 16 to secure your spot. Program begins June 2 — spots are limited to 6 students per group.
Ready to Jump In? 🎉
Spots are limited — register today!
Register for Summer 2026 🎉
Secure your reader's spot in Beyond the Book's Summer 2026 program — June 2 through July 24. Groups cap at 6 students, so don't wait!
Rising 4th–6th gradersMax 6 per groupIn-person & virtual⏰ Deadline: May 23, 2026
📋 Complete the form below to register. You'll receive a confirmation email from Julie within 24 hours!
Say Hello! 👋
Have questions? Julie would love to hear from you. Reach out any way that works!
Everything you want to know — click any question to expand it.
Why does it cost what it costs?
The pricing reflects the time and preparation that goes into each book cycle. Every session is planned and led by an experienced educator, groups are kept small (max 6 students), and each cycle includes multiple sessions, virtual check-ins, ongoing Remind support, and a written parent recap. That works out to roughly 8 hours of direct instruction and support per book. It's a meaningful investment — and it's designed to be worth it. See the full pricing breakdown on the Programs page →
What makes this different from just reading at home?
Reading alone is wonderful — but it's only half the experience. Beyond the Book gives kids something they can't get on their own: rich discussion with peers, guided questions that push thinking deeper, creative response activities, and the accountability of a community. The library is a great place to find books — Beyond the Book is what happens after you open them.
My child isn't a strong reader — is this still right for them?
All readers are welcome — from voracious bookworms to kids who haven't found their book yet. The books were hand-picked to be engaging and accessible for this age group. I create a space where every kind of reader can participate and contribute. If your child needs targeted reading intervention rather than enrichment, I also offer private 1:1 tutoring at $50/hr — just reach out separately.
How do I know my child will engage on Zoom?
Virtual sessions are intentionally kept to 1 hour and are structured, not passive. Kids aren't sitting and watching — they're discussing, responding, creating, and interacting with each other. I keep groups small (max 6) so every child participates.
What does a typical two-week cycle look like?
Every book follows the same rhythm. Week 1 Monday: Book Launch — Julie introduces the book, builds excitement, assigns reading homework. Week 1 Thursday: 30-minute Zoom check-in — reading progress, questions, predictions. Week 2 Monday: Deep discussion — TEKS-aligned activities and creative tasks. Week 2 Friday: Book Celebration — wrap up, reflect, bridge to the next book. Throughout, Julie is available via Remind and families receive a written recap after every in-person session.
What grades is this for?
Rising 4th, 5th, and 6th graders — students who just completed 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade heading into the fall. Mixed-grade groups spark richer discussion — older kids model deeper thinking, younger kids ask questions that push everyone to explain ideas more clearly.
What's the difference between in-person and virtual?
In-person sessions meet at a local library and run 2 hours — books provided! The extra time allows for dedicated sustained reading built into the session, which helps build reading stamina and independence in a supported setting. We also build in time for snacks and the natural rhythm of being together in person. Virtual sessions run 1 hour on Zoom and are more focused on discussion and instruction — independent reading time is expected to happen at home between sessions. Virtual families provide their own books (available on Amazon, Half Price Books, or through the library). Both options follow the same schedule and read the same books.
Can we join for just one book or sign up mid-summer?
Yes! You can register for just 1 book club (2 weeks) and see how your reader likes it. Joining mid-summer depends on group availability — reach out to Julie directly to check openings.
What if we miss a session?
Life happens — especially in summer! Reach out to me directly at beyondthebookreads@gmail.com and I'll do my best to keep your reader in the loop.
Do you offer a sibling discount?
Yes! Reach out to me at beyondthebookreads@gmail.com to ask about sibling pricing.
How do I pay?
Payment details will be shared at registration. Full payment is due before your child's first session. Questions? Just reach out directly.
Is this available year-round?
Summer 2026 is the launch! Based on demand, Julie plans to expand to monthly book clubs, after-school sessions, and a year-long reading challenge. Reach out at beyondthebookreads@gmail.com to get on the interest list.
Still have a question? Julie is happy to help!
Future clubs 🔭
Big things are coming to Beyond the Book. Here's a sneak peek at what Julie is planning next.
Coming Soon
More Ways to Read Together 📚
Summer 2026 is just the beginning. Julie is developing new programs for readers of all kinds — get on the list!
📅
Monthly book clubs
Year-round monthly gatherings to keep the conversation going beyond summer.
🏆
Year-long reading challenge
A goal-oriented reading challenge across a full school year — with milestones, celebrations, and community.
🍂
After-school clubs
Fall and spring after-school book clubs for enrichment throughout the school year.
📬
Want to be first to know?
Email Julie to get on the interest list. No commitment — just first dibs!
Targeted, one-on-one support for readers who need a little extra help — separate from the book club.
Private Tutoring
Sometimes Kids Need More Than Enrichment.
Beyond the Book is designed for enrichment — keeping readers engaged and building on existing skills. But if your child needs more targeted, foundational reading support, Julie offers private 1:1 tutoring separately.
Julie brings years of classroom experience to every tutoring session, helping readers build the foundational skills they need — at whatever pace works for them.
Every session is built around your child's specific needs, not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
✓ Trained for all learners
Julie has experience working with a wide range of learners and meets every kid where they are.
✓ Available year-round
Tutoring is available beyond summer — reach out to discuss scheduling and availability.
✓ Not the same as book club
Many families do both — book club for the joy, tutoring for the foundation.
Parent resources 📬
Helpful guides, tips, and materials to support your reader all summer long.
Coming Soon
Resources are on the way! 🎉
Julie is putting together a full library of parent resources — digital guides, reading tips, book previews, and more. Everything will live here and be available to registered families. Check back soon!
📖
Book previews
Content notes, age guidance, and what to expect for each book.
💡
Reading tips
How to support your reader at home between sessions.
📋
Program guides
Everything you need to know about the summer program.