1 Book 1 School

It is almost summer time, and Hoffman Estates High School students will again be reading together. This summer, for Hoffman Reads 2008, the students may choose from I am the Messenger , by Marcus Zusak, and Small Steps , by Louis Sachar. Both books have positive themes based on Self-Esteem and Self-Respect, and both are award-winners.

The Australian author of I am the Messenger won a 2006 Printz Award in Young Adult Literature from the American Library Association and a 2006 Outstanding International Book for Grades 9-12 from the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY), founded to promote international understanding and good will through books. Small Steps is the sequel to the novel Holes , which you may recognize from your student's middle school reading, and won the Schneider Family Book Award for Teens for works that convey artistic expressions of disability experiences.

As in years past, we have arranged with Barnes and Noble to offer the books at 20 per cent off and without sales tax. Both books will be available for $ 9 each at the Media Center May 19 until the end of the school year, and in Room 46 during summer school. Young adult literature designed to appeal to teens may be offensive to some -- if you do not wish your student reading questionable language or about adult situations, you may wish to recommend Small Steps .

An assessment (or test) for the book your student reads will be taken in the fall when students return to school -- after a great reading summer!

2008-2009 - E329/429 Summer Reading Lists