Past projects 2
Sunset Park-One Book-One New York-Book Club
Funded Apr 5, 2017Thank you for your generous donations and for supporting our "Americanah" book club. We are able to use the class set of books for another round of book club reading. This book gave our students an opportunity to discuss themes and issues that are current, relevant, and resonate with them.
In addition to discussing the book, the book club gave students an opportunity to discuss Ms. Adichie's comments regarding trans-women. This was a great conversation and the students really delved into the complexity of the issue and the disappointment they had when they disagreed with Ms. Adichie's stance. The students enjoyed playing with the idea of differing viewpoints and wrestled with what feminism is and what it can be.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kavanagh
Life Sucks, But This Library Book Club Doesn't
Funded Nov 25, 2009As a new librarian in a building that hasn't had a consistent librarian for several years, I wanted to find a fun way to increase literacy in the schools in my building. I chose a graphic novel with which to start a book club. This proved to be effective because many students were interested in the graphic novel and I was able to circulate the book widely.
Unfortunately it's difficult to find a common time for students to meet for an event like a book club because each of the 6 schools I serve have a different start and end time for school. I signed students up for the book club but only one student stuck with the club through the end of the project.
I plan to use the materials and books again next year for another book club to be held during several lunch periods. The groups will be smaller, but the impact will be just as important.
The positive is that I was able to introduce students to a graphic novel, and students who don't normally borrow books at all were drawn to this book. I was also able to work with a student and she created an amazing original comic book.
Thank you for your generous donations. I have learned plenty from this experience and I am confident that this project will be successful when I implement it next year.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kavanagh
This classroom project was brought to life by Perry & Donna Golkin Family Foundation and 9 other donors.