Community-Wide Reading Program Returns to South Brunswick

Following the success of last year's community-wide literary trip to Oz, the South Brunswick School District and  is teaming up once again, this time is headed for Wonderland.

The South Brunswick Reads program is returning to encourage the entire community to read the same book at the same time, while fostering closer relationships between students and parents, and improved literacy in 2012. After last year's program was a success with "The Wizard of Oz," this year's selection is Lewis Carroll’s classic "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland."

"We believe that one way to bring a diverse community together is to read the same piece of literature," said Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Joanne Kerekes. "It's kind of like a community-wide book group, which pushes each of us to sample, revisit or read deeply a time-honored tale and a literary classic, and to then have cross-community and cross-generation conversations about the story, the characters, etc."

Participants in South Brunswick Reads are asked to read the book, and to participate in various events related to the reading experience at the SBPL and in the classroom. The program will begin in February and run through the spring.

"When we started this last year we realized that working with classic literature is best when trying to involve the whole community because it's relatable to all ages," said Library Director Chris Carbone. "At the library, we're going to be running different projects and programs geared for all the different age groups."

The Carroll classic was agreed upon by the school district and library because certain themes of the book tie into the curriculum and core values of the district.

"Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland" reinforces assertion when Alice becomes much stronger over time and is eventually able to speak out against the proceedings and injustices in the Queen’s court. 

It teaches empathy when Alice changes size, and so does her ability to see the world differently, as she is able to gain perspective.  

It also preaches self-control, when in the beginning of the novel Alice has difficulty maintaining composure to keep from crying.  But by the end of the story, she is self-possessed. 

The title was also selected for its life lessons, humor and the use of math and logic. Alice's journey includes the use of 21st century skills for adapting and curiosity, and the book is filled with puns and riddles.

Kerekes added that last year's choice of "The Wizard of Oz" was able to engage students, parents, and community members on many different levels.

"The Wizard of Oz truly came to life in our district last year--from the early childhood classrooms to the high school students," Kerekes said. "All over the district, Oz influenced us--musically, artistically, theatrically, in our writing, in our study of history, and in our reading."

Student artists went as far as to use the inspiration of "The Wizard of Oz" for many of the pieces that were included in 

The public and school libraries plan on celebrating "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland" with a variety of contests, riddles, playing cards, and more.

"We are in the process of working on this but we anticipate several community-wide contests held in every library in the community, home-grown riddles, and a few un-birthday celebrations," Kerekes said.

The program’s interactive web page will be the place to find upcoming South Brunswick Reads events.  Find it at southbrunswickreads.pbworks.com. 

"For out first attempt (last year) I thought it was really good with a lot of schools doing different things through art projects and activities," Carbone said. "This is a nice way for us to partner with the district and have a common theme with a lot of programs and events. We learned from last year and from that we will grow and continue with South Brunswick Reads this year."