Students at Woodland Regional High School typically do not enjoy reading. Whether a student must read a certain amount of books or take notes, summer reading could be quite a drag for some students in school. Because of this Woodland Regional High School has recently introduced optional book talks bringing the excitement back to reading.

Although the books are read during the summer, the actual discussion portion of book talks happens in September. Taking place during the twenty minute advisory period on September 29th, book talks allowed students who enjoy reading to talk with those who share comparing and contrasting views on books they read. Book talks also offer extra credit that applies to English classes, if a student participated.

Library Media Specialist, Kate Smith, a huge lover of book talks, helped to explain the idea of book talks. Smith revealed that book talks have been going on for four or five years now. She believes that the book talks have grown in popularity throughout the years.

Finally, she said that she thinks the kids really enjoy it, and that she certainly looks forward to it. “I am very excited for the book talk discussions.”

The new optional tradition of book talks is growing on the students. While some students do it for the love of reading, and others do it for the extra credit points that come with it, book talks seem to be worth it for all students.

“I do the book talks for both my love of reading and the English extra credit points,” said Kyle Egan, who read Five Total Strangers over the summer.

Book talks are a very successful program in Woodland, and will keep growing in popularity as time goes on. The impact of books on students is also an important idea that will continue to grow and develop.