Thanks to funding from the BEF’s Brandt Family “Read for Life” Endowment Fund and DARN approximately 175 books were distributed to eight graders on the last day of school. The gift book program provides a free book for every “rising freshman” to read over the summer months. Students select their books from a list compiled by BHS English teachers of works of fiction, non-fiction, biographies as well as graphic novels.
Two of the most popular books selected by students this year were Becoming by Michelle Obama and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. Other popular selections included: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Ready Player One, One of Us is Lying and The Sun Is Also a Star.
“The freshmen gift of a summer reading book is an amazing opportunity for us to welcome incoming freshmen to the high school. In having the students pick their own book, we convey how much we value reading for pleasure. We want students to find reading enjoyable and not consider it a chore. Each student can find something that speaks to them thanks to the Brandt Family’s support of the gift book program,” said Dr. Michelle Rogers, Chair of the BHS English Department.
The Brandt Family “Read for Life” Endowment was established in 2014 by Bexley High School graduates, Barbara and David Brandt. The endowment also funds activities for educators as part of the annual Caldecott Read-In at the Bexley Public Library.