Posted December 2, 2011

Students taking part in discussion both with their peers and librarian Sara LePore, principal Annette Trapini and Assistant Superintendent Kathy Skeals.

All it took was a talk from librarian Sara LePore on a recently released book entitled Wonderstruck to get Blue Creek students throughout the building buzzing.

LePore’s initial book discussion was so impressive that there was a huge waiting list of students to get their hands on the five copies of Wonderstruck that Blue Creek had.

Wonderstruck, written and illustrated by Brian Selznick is a book about two characters, Ben and Rose, who secretly wish their lives were different. Set fifty years apart, these two independent stories - Ben's told in words, Rose's in pictures - weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry.

Because of the overwhelming demand for this book, the district ordered an extra 20 copies to help meet the need.

Since then, students have been signing up voluntarily to come in during their lunch period and have peer group discussions on the book.

“We had 127 students on a waiting list just to take part in one of these discussions,” LePore said. “It’s been unbelievable and so exciting to see.”

The students partake in in-depth discussions about some of the more interesting and intriguing parts of the book and everyone in attendance has something to say.

“When I read the text portions of the book, there were times when I felt like I was looking at the pictures,” sixth grade student Isabella Mein said.

LePore explains that this is a trait of a tremendously skilled writer, when he or she can bring to life the words off a page and make you see what they are writing.

LePore, along with Blue Creek principal Annette Trapini and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Kathy Skeals, held a book-discussion luncheon for the students on Friday, December 2. Throughout their lunch periods, students filed into the library, eager to talk about their favorite parts of the book.

“I am thrilled to see the passion our students have for this book and reading in general,” Skeals said. “It’s a wonderful book and it’s great to listen to the opinions they all have about it.”

Many teachers and staff members have asked LePore if Wonderstruck is meant for children only or can adults enjoy it as well.

“I tell them it’s for everyone, it’s that good,” she said. “It can really transcend generations because of the way it has been written.”

Wonderstruck is currently being discussed as both a Newbery Medal contender as well as a Caldecott Medal contender. Author/Illustrator Brian Selznick received the 2008 Caldecott Medal for The Invention of Hugo Cabret.