Book Boffz Decide Which way Adventure Lies

The Merchant Taylors’ Library houses a small but growing collection of these immersive and interactive books, which allow readers to make choices that affect the story’s outcome. The Book Boffz first examined the unique features of Choose Your Own Adventure books, such as the rare use of the second person, the presentation of different options (or jumps) for the reader which create a non-linear structure, and the inclusion of multiple endings (sometimes as many as 40, 50, or even more).

We read an example from the genre aloud, debating and making collective decisions about the path taken through the book. The group were then challenged to use a template to write their own short Choose Your Own Adventure story, each featuring four possible endings.

As always, the Book Boffz rose to the challenge, writing and then reading their stories to the group. These tales featured desert islands, royal babies in need of rescue, dragons’ lairs, sea monsters, dangerous snakes, hand-built rafts, quicksand, exploding caves and many other obstacles. The endings aligned with the general concepts of Choose Your Own Adventure, where the reader may emerge as a victorious survivor who has successfully completed a quest, a survivor changed by their experiences, or, may (unfortunately) meet their final demise!

The Book Boffz meet weekly on Fridays in the Junior Library at 3:45pm. Thirds and Upper Thirds are welcome to join. The library’s collection of Choose Your Own Adventure books are available for anyone to borrow; please ask for assistance if you need help locating them in the Junior Library.