Why 60 Students Will Lock Themselves In Waltham High's Library

WALTHAM, MA — Next Friday night, some 60 students will lock themselves in the library to for 24 hours to save the high school. Okay, maybe not save the school, more like help it. But if the image of students in the library overnight had you thinking it seemed like a scene out of a novel, well, that's the point. The 60 students will read their way through about 16 books and listening to podcasts to help choose which one the school should read for the its "One School, One Story," selection.

“One School, One Story” is Waltham High School’s annual community reading initiative. All students and teachers read the same book over the summer and discuss it together in the fall. The high school often brings the author to speak to students about the craft of writing.

About 80 students applied to be part of the read-a-thon.

"They have to be in good academic standing and were asked a number of questions about why they wanted to join and what they would bring to the table," said program committee member Emilie Perna.

On March 22, the 60 students will narrow the field of 16, selected by a committee of teachers and librarians, pitting book against book in a March Madness-style tournament until just four remain. They'll then create materials to introduce the Final Four books to the student body for a school-wide vote. They'll also have the opportunity to talk with five of the authors via Skype chats.

This year’s selection of books range from nonfiction texts to realistic Young Adult literature and also include two podcast and a graphic novel. (In 2015, the school got national recognition for selecting the podcast sensation "Serial.")

Local businesses donate food, community members volunteer to read with students and the school staff plans high-energy breaks to keep them motivated and excited for the 24-hour cycle.

Books on the list include "Fearless," "Gym Candy," "Here to Stay," "I Have Lost my Way," "Distance Between Lost and Found," "Monday's not Coming," "Darius the Great is Not Okay," "Hey, Kiddo," "Dreamland Burning," "Every Falling Star," "Born a Crime," "The 57 Bus," "This Side of Home" and the podcasts, "More Perfect" and "Start Up: Success Academy."

Past selections include "All American Boys," "Speak" and New York Times best-selling novel "Scythe."

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Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).