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The Piedmont Highlander

The Piedmont Highlander

READmont launches third year, features Wes Moore

READmont+launches+third+year%2C+features+Wes+Moore

This year’s READmont project will encourage Piedmonters to read The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore.

“We chose this particular book because it can be read by several age groups. Students in not only high school but even middle school or elementary school could participate,” said Stutzman.

The Other Wes Moore explores the lives of two kids with similar histories and the same name. One grew up to be a Rhodes Scholar, decorated veteran, White House fellow, and buisness leader. The other went on to live his life behind bars after committing an armed robbery that left a police officer and father of five dead. The author Wes Moore visits the other Wes Moore in prison and the two share stories in order to understand why their lives took such different paths.

“Ultimately we want READmont to bring the community together as well as introduce reading as a way of collaboration,” said Librarian Susan Stutzman.

Stutzman has been working to help organize READmont in its third year. READmont is a reading project aiming to bring together the community through literature. PHS students, staff, parents, and other community members are recommended to read the novel and participate in community book discussions scheduled later in January.

“I think students should participate in READmont in order to feel included in the community,” said junior Aden Kinne.

Kinne took part in last year’s READmont , reading When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka and participating in the community forums. Through the project, she was able to meet other community members as well as discuss the novel with fellow readers. Kinne found the experience rewarding and was inspired to continue to read and learn about unfamiliar topics.

“The book topic this year sounds fascinating, ” said freshman Jasmine Qi.

Qi hopes to be able to participate in READmont in order to become more involved in the community and learn from the different perspectives of fellow readers.

“It’s a neat way to connect with people,” said English teacher Mercedes Foster.

Foster, who presented the previous READmont novel as an independent reading choice to her students, will offer the new READmont book as extra-credit in her English classes this year. She hopes to encourage her students to be able to connect with each other through literature.

“We have tried to create easy access to the book for students who want to participate in READmont 2013,” said Stutzman.

A limited number of books will be available for students to check out in the PHS library. A Great Place for Books in Montclair will also be offering a 20% discount on the title.

“I believe it’s always good to read another book, even if you end up hating it, at least you can say you read it,” said Kinne.

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