I first created a book tasting menu, based on the menu that was created by Jo of The Book Bug. I then planned on two dates to hold the book tasting, and I created invitations inviting 3rd - 5th grade classes to attend.
I was so excited to hold the book tasting and present students with book choices that they might normally overlook. On the day of the book tasting, I set the tables with serving trays, place mats, and menus. I placed a book on each place mat and 4-6 books on each serving tray- depending on how many chairs were at the table. I also played jazz music to make the environment feel more like a restaurant. I explained what a book tasting is and reviewed the menu with them. They would review the book (Book 1) that was sitting on their place mat and fill out their menu for that book. After 5 minutes, everyone would choose Book 2 from the tray. If they liked Book 1 that they had just reviewed, they would keep it next to their place mat so that they could check it out once we were done with the book tasting.
I feel like this was one of the most successful activities that I have done with the students! Many of them found books that they were really interested in and decided to check them out. Pictures from our event are below.