This past week was crazy in the library. We are in the middle of setting up for the book fair (if I say anymore about that I will start to whine. . .), it's the end of the trimester for elementary and it was Valentine's week. In the middle of this, we hosted an "Our Community Reads" lunch in the library.
I love this program. We had 22 High School students and 17 adults from our community signed up. Marty (public library director) and I chose five books. The adults and students are matched by the titles they choose. In the past, we have had all types of books: sci fi, historical fiction, non-fiction, bios and YA lit. This time around we decided to focus on social justice issues - something that is near and dear to the hearts of our Love Alliance group. It was so cool to look around the library and see teens and adults, many of whom had just met, discussing issues and the books they are reading. Several of the adults and students are planning on reading more than one title. Success!
The Books (the issues):
The Soloist by Steve Lopez (mental health and homelessness)
Sold by Patricia McCormick (Sex trade, slavery)
Irresistible Revolution: living life as an ordinary radical
by Shane Claiborne (social justice, poverty)
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson (literacy, education)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Holocaust)
Words cannot describe the joy I felt I as listened to students and adults talk about these issues and wrestle with ways they can change the world around them. I am so proud of our students and community. So, I am going to encourage you to take a moment this month to educate yourself about a social justice issue. Warning: It may change your life.
3 comments:
THANK YOU for caring SO MUCH about our students and introducing such important ideas to them. You do so much more than just check books in and out...your HEART is in this job! Our school - and community - is so fortunate to have you.
Leslie
Very cool, Gretchen.
I finished The Soloist.
Which one would you recommend next from this list?
Sold is very powerful and a quick read. Irresistible Revolution is not quick but thought provoking. . . Mom has a copy of that. Book Thief would be unlike anything you have read lately. . . how's that for not committing?
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