It’s National Reading Month and a time when Kalamazoo Public Schools hosts literacy activities throughout the schools. It’s also a time when we engage in the annual ritual of asking: What are you reading? So just what are you reading these days?
Here’s what some Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo (CIS) staff are reading …
[Note: Book titles link to the Indie Bookstore Finder. Should a book peek your interest, this allows you to learn more and easily obtain the book from one of our fabulous independent bookstores.]
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. First published in 1970, this is a story about a little girl that thought if she had blond hair and blue eyes her life would be perfect. This book is also on the American Librarian Association’s challenged book list!!! I am determined to read every book on that list!!!
Missy Best, Senior Site Coordinator, Milwood Magnet Middle School
Right now, I’m reading Educated by Tara Westover. It’s a story about a woman pursuing her education despite adversity she is facing at home with her family, her upbringing, and gender expectations.
Angelina Degasperis, CIS Site Coordinator, Linden Grove Middle School
My bookclub is currently reading Innoxent by BlaccTopp.
I am excited about the FX Series Kindred based on the novel by Octavia E. Butler (My book club has read that book in the past). I am on the search for a professional/inspirational/goal-focused book to start as well.
Artrella Cohn, Senior Director of Community Engagement and Student Investment
I just started reading The 5 Languages of Apology by Gary Chapman (on the weekends while enjoying my morning coffee.) So far, it’s been interesting to learn that we all express and receive apologies in different ways.
It is not only the “sincere” act of apologizing as an expression of regret, but how effectively we achieve “forgiveness and reconciliation.” Interesting stuff!
Nazlhy Heredia-Waltemyer, CIS Success Coach, Loy Norrix High School
The book I have just finished reading is Cosechando Esperanza, La Historia de Cesar Chavez. That translates to Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez and is written by Kathleen Krull.
Caroline Rodriguez, Site Coordinator Assistant II, El Sol Elementary, Parkwood Upjohn and Woodward
I’ve recently started reading A Ligature for Black Bodies written by local poet and artist Denise Miller. Winner of the 2020 Sexton Prize for Poetry, this book is a hard but necessary read.
Jennifer Clark, Special Projects & Initiatives
I am currently reading The Hate U Give written by Angie Thomas. This book offers food for thought and raises awareness on many important social issues. [Find out what a few of our students said about this book in this 2019 post.]
Rachel Spalvieri-Kruse, Reengagement Coordinator, Loy Norrix High School
Itching now to pick up one of these books? Check it out from the Kalamazoo Public Library or visit one of our fabulous independent bookstores in the area: Michigan News Agency, Kazoo Books, and this is a bookstore/Bookbug.
Tags: Books, CIS, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, literacy, National Reading Month
