Over the summer, students were asked to select and read an additional summer reading book from a list compiled by Jackson Prep’s faculty. These books included all types of material, fiction and non-fiction. 

When the students signed up for their books, they did not know which teacher had placed which book on the list.  This Tuesday, August 27, students met with that teacher and their peers who had selected the same book.

English teacher Mr. Richard Younce, the coordinator of One School Many Books, said that the program has two goals: “allowing students to read, discuss, and hopefully enjoy a book while showing students that all teachers, not only English teachers, read a wide variety of books.”

Teachers led discussions of the books, going over the plot, deeper meanings, and the significance of the book in the modern world. Most teachers assigned their groups a short quiz to be included with the students’ English grades.

Ms. Anna Griffin, 11th grade AP English and Precis teacher, stated that she hoped through One School, Many Books “students would have more choices, so they can read something they’re actually interested in.” One of the further benefits Ms. Griffin believes stems from One School, Many Books is that “students to get to interact with faculty that they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to.”

After the 45 minute discussion, students were treated to ice cream on Patriot Avenue as a reward for completing their book.