Students Talk Books at Summer Reading Extravaganza

The Levittown Public Library hummed with discussion on Chris Grabenstein’s “Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” as 87 Wisdom Lane and Jonas Salk middle school students gathered for the Levittown School District’s first Summer Reading Extravaganza.

The event was one of three summer book discussions designed to not only promote literacy in the Levittown community, but further build a community of learners and inspire readers of all levels.

“Literacy can bring us all together,” Director of ELA and ESL Kerin Slattery explained. “Reading the same book creates a bond and collaboration among the students by giving them something similar they can discuss.”

During the spring, the district purchased Grabstein’s popular novel for each student entering and enrolled in grades 6-8 as well as faculty and administrators, to read over the summer. The students are required to read the book prior to returning to school on Sept. 2, when they will engage in curriculum-based activities. The author will also visit the schools in October. The book discussion events on Aug. 5 and Aug. 26 are designed to engage the students in close reading analysis and discussion and writing activities designed to excite students about reading. There is also a dynamic web page on the school websites with video clips of staff discussing the book, a student opinion blog, a link to the author’s website and opportunities to upload poems and to play games and puzzles to enhance reading.

To register for the scheduled August book discussion events, please contact the Levittown Public Library at 516-731-5728.

Submitted by Levittown Schools