The One Community One Book program wants to get families reading together, and 1,100 families in the area will be reading Slacker by Gordon Korman over the month of January. School families in St. Paul’s, Columbia, Yorkdale, Dr. Brass, MC Knoll, St. Michael’s and Invermay Schools will be taking part in the program.
Slacker takes place from the perspective of a young man who is concerned with playing video games in the basement and little else, with a jolt to the system coming when the fire department has to intervene after dinner starts on fire.
St. Paul’s School has participated in One School, One Book for the past 11 years, and principal Quinn Haider said it’s an integral part of what they do at the school, and they’re happy to see more schools on board.
“As an educator, I think it’s wonderful because the more opportunities we provide for not only students but for families to engage in literacy and engage in learning together the better. I think it’s just wonderful how it’s growing.”
The book selection involves the different schools involved working together to make the final choice, explained Haider.
“We always do our best to choose books that will appeal to kids and families.”
Even after 11 years of the program, it’s still possible to have firsts. Korman is the first Canadian author that St. Paul’s has read for the program. He’s also an author with a lengthy career which began when he was 12, or about the age of many students who will be reading his book. Slacker was written much more recently, inspired by Korman’s son.
“Finding role models and inspiration for kids is always important, and if we snag a few kids that we normally wouldn’t, that’s an added bonus.”
The Painted Hand Casino, Old Dutch Saskatchewan Literacy Network and SaskTel have sponsored the program this year, and Haider thanks them for their support.
At St. Paul’s, the month will end with a Family Literacy Night on Jan. 30.
