These Level Grove Elementary School students participated in this year’s One Book Habersham kickoff. They are, Kate Trotter (kneeling) and from left to right: Lily Geiger, Nolan Penick, and Aubrey Frost.
He pranced like a peacock and they cackled like hens: Four Level Grove Elementary School students brought to life scenes from Lester Laminack’s book Three Hens and Peacock during this year’s kickoff for One Book Habersham, Together We Read.
Local educators and business leaders joined renowned children’s author Carmen Agra Deedy at Level Grove on January 27 as she unveiled Laminack’s book as this year’s featured title for the community-wide reading campaign. The book is illustrated by Henry Cole. Organizers describe it as “a colorful, crazy book on the theme of accepting our own gifts.”
Building community through stories
Now in its second year, One Book Habersham is part of a national movement aimed at building community and improving literacy in towns and cities across the United States. It brings together people of all ages, races and backgrounds and provides them with opportunities to bond over a book and get to know one another.
“Laminack and Cole’s hilarious book reveals what happens when some foolish farm animals decide to trade roles and discover just how hard it is to do someone else’s job.” ~ Peachtree Publishers
Agra Deedy’s book Martina the Beautiful Cockroach was featured last year. One Book Habersham organizers say at least 4,000 people read her book during the three month long campaign. That’s approximately 10% of the county’s population.
How can you participate?
This year, like last, hundreds of books in English and Spanish will be distributed throughout the community for people to read, enjoy and share with others. Books can be found in local restaurants, doctor’s offices, the health department, nursing homes, public and school libraries. You’re encouraged to read the book, sign it and pass it on.
In addition, you’re invited to attend book discussion groups and special events that will be held throughout the county in February and March.
The campaign culminates April 7 and 8 when Laminack visits Habersham. He’ll speak with local school students and hold one big event for the general public to attend. (Visit onebookhabersham.org for dates and details.)
A community partnership
Official One Book Habersham T-shirts are now on sale for just $10 at all Habersham County public schools. Proceeds go to support the program.
Sponsorships are still available to businesses and organizations that would like to support One Book Habersham’s mission.
One Book Habersham is a community partnership between the Habersham County School System, Volunteers for Literacy, Habersham County Libraries and Piedmont College with support from local organizations and businesses.
