FURTHER INFORMATION: This summer, students and staff can select ONE of the following books that center around the theme of community. There is an independent proposal option this year as well if students do not like any of the choices. In the fall, all students and staff will participate in a BMR community day that will consist of workshops, activities, and projects that all center around community outreach in some way.
2018 Summer Reading Selections:
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Deals with bullying and appreciating people’s differences.
The Finest Hours by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman
A true story of how the Coast Guard supported their local community.
Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals
Story of the integration of Central High School in Little Rock, told by the one of the students.
Friday Night Lights by by H.G. Bissinger
Story of the Permian Panthers football team of Texas who helps keep the hopes and dreams of this small, dusty town going.
Short stories of young people coming out and their communities reactions whether supportive or not.
Complete an independent proposal (book of your choosing that centers around the theme of community) If you want to do an independent proposal, see Mrs. Shaughnessy in B202 before the end of the school year.
We are happy to announce that BMR students, faculty, and staff will be participating in a One School One Theme summer reading endeavor. This year’s theme is community. Through an inclusive process of book selection, and the ultimate decision to give the kids a choice between five highly popular books, we have come up with the options of Wonder by RJ Palacio, The Finest Hours by Michael J. Tougias, Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Patillo Beals, Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger, and Am I Blue by Marion Dane Bauer. This year, students will also have the opportunity to submit an independent proposal for a book of their choosing that centers around the theme of community. To do this, students must submit their proposal to Mrs. Shaughnessy in the English department before the end of the school year. It is our hope that this approach will generate the greatest possible participation. Upon return to school in the fall, BMR students will participate in a ½ day of workshops devoted to community building at BMR. This experience is intended to be a celebration of the great community here at BMR, and of local outside organizations. Students will also complete an exploratory project in their assigned English class in the fall. This project will also center around the importance of community in individuals’ lives.
THEME: COMMUNITY
Requirements for students:
-Read ONE of the five summer book options or submit an independent proposal to Mrs. Shaughnessy in B202 before the end of the school year. (email: [email protected]) -Have a good working knowledge of the plot, characters, and theme of community presented in the book. -Be prepared to participate in discussions, activities, and create an an exploratory project about communities at the beginning of the year in English class.
Please be aware that, since some of these books are centered on teenage protagonists, or take place during times of racism in history, readers may come across occasional strong and/or offensive language, which is intended to realistically reflect young adult discourse and accurately portray the historical times presented. Please trust that while the strong language exists, it by no means distracts from the larger and more important thematic issues and serves a purpose in the narratives.
We thank you for your support and hope our students enjoy this year’s summer reading! Sincerely,
Nicole Shaughnessy ([email protected]) English Department Head Blackstone Millville Regional High School