Connecting Students Through One Read

This March I decided to promote One Read for our school of the graphic novel, They Called Us Enemy, by George Takei. (This book was selected by Read Across America for the month of March, and is our local library's Read One Book selection for the year.). Fortunately, our public library has hoopla, which allows students to check out unlimited copies of the same book. It did require students to have a public library card and create a hoopla account, and several students discovered this unknown resource--yay! But I wanted to include all students (especially because I was offering incentive rewards of In and Out burger certificates and a baby Yoda bookmark from ALA for reading!) So, in talking with a colleague I discovered Comics Plus, a database subscription offered through MackinVia. Unfortunately, they don't offer trials, just a demo, but after some pleading, they agreed to allow our students to try it out for one month so I could provide feedback for my district.

Students are starting to get on the bandwagon and read the book--I'm putting their names on display in the library window to get other students motivated (I hope) to read the books as well. I'm not sure how many will actually read the book, but if nothing else, this is a great way to begin a tradition of encouraging the whole school to read one book, and even get science and history teachers on board assigning graphic novels as part of their curriculum.

Have you ever promoted a One Read at your school site or district? I'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGBxYZTrVLI