Freshmen at Hastings High School embarked on an exciting collaborative reading experience this school year, selecting both a book and a reading partner of their choice.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation, in partnership with the Barry, Branch, and Calhoun Intermediate School Districts, the Hastings High School English Department was able to stock its shelves with more than 120 brand-new, engaging titles for students to explore during independent reading.
These new additions offered a diverse range of genres, reading levels, perspectives, and topics, allowing students to find stories that genuinely resonated with their interests. Students were enthusiastic about having a voice in their reading selections, and many especially enjoyed the opportunity to choose a book with a partner—turning reading into a fun and collaborative experience.
As a culminating project for their “book buddy” novels, students showcased their creativity by designing original board games and posters inspired by their books, bringing their reading journeys to life in imaginative and interactive ways.