Reading experience bonds community

Due to the success of last year’s Hewlett-Woodmere Community Book Club, participants met on Monday with hopes of continuing the growth of learning for students, parents, and faculty. The school district encouraged people to read this year’s book, “A Long Walk to Remember” by Linda Sue Park, and attend the event in the cafeteria of Woodmere Middle School to discuss the novel.
Park’s book, based on a true story, alternates between two 11-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985, whose lives intersect to form a greater meaning. The girl, Nya, walks two hours to collect water from a pond twice everyday, while the boy, Salva, is a refugee who searches for shelter with other survivors. Salva proves he is a strong survivor after he experiences loneliness, an attack from armed rebels, and contact with killer lions and crocodiles. Through their hardships, these characters’ stories link and form senses of appreciation and hope.
Discussion participants spoke about what they could learn from the book’s message. Although a historical children’s book, attendees of all ages thought the story is a powerful one. They agreed that the story spreads a theme of appreciation for the things and opportunities commonly taken for granted. People also enjoyed the new historical information the book presented within the roles of the characters.
In addition, Jeff Kaplan, a school district parent and co-founder of the Water Trust, a nonprofit organization, was the guest speaker. Kaplan’s group works to improve water, sanitation and hygiene in East Africa. They have been working in Uganda with local communities to combat disease and poverty. Those in attendance appreciated learning about his experiences in that part of the world.
The event allowed readers to identify what they can take from the story and incorporate that in their own lives. The Hewlett-Woodmere students — fifth-graders through high school — benefitted by meeting community members and sharing their views with adults, some of whom were pleasantly surprised by the knowledge acquired by the students who read this book. The Community Book Club is a great way for the school district to bring together different people with a shared desire to learn.