These students from Charles Dickens school love to dive into a good book. They participated in Dickens Reads, which was launched in 2020 to expand literacy and help students pass Ohio’s 3rd grade reading test. Volunteer tutors work with students to improve their skills – and along the way many grow a passion for reading.
As school ends and we move into summer, Signal Cleveland asked a few students who have participated in the program to share some of their favorite books and novels.
Percy Jackson “The Olympians” by Rick Riordon
Tahlia Boone, an 8th grader, said they identified with the Percy Jackson, the main character in the series, who is the son of Poseidon, a Greek god. Tahlia hopes to write a book one day.
People might like this book if they like Greek mythology”
Tahlia Boone
Dairy of a Wimpy Kid: “Hot Mess” by Jeff Kinney
Isabelle Grace, a 4th grader, has read a lot of books in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and suggested the book number 19 “Hot Mess” mostly because it’s funny. The main character, Greg, has a family that is “a little weird” and the kids at school bully him and his little brother bites him.
“I think other kids out there should read it, too.”
Isabelle Grace
I Survived: “The Great Molasses Flood of 1919” by Lauren Tarshis
Tayden Baldwin, a 3rd grader, said he read the historical fiction series and got “all into” the stories and kept asking to go to the store to buy more.
“I hope y’all can get this book.”
Tayden Baldwin,
Junie B. Jones: “Aloha-ha-ha!” by Barbara Park
Fifth graders Kairi Fletcher and Kaelynn Phillips both love this book about Junie’s trip to Hawaii (really they like like all of the books in the series). Kaelynn, who has read 28 books in the series, recalled how June became homesick. Kairi says “you really need to read the book to get to know her.”
“It’s really funny,”
Kairi Fletcher
Check out books that have stuck with a few of our Signal staff members
Higher Education Reporter Amy Morona read “The Royals” by Kitty Kelley in the summer of 1998, sparking a fascination (obsession?) with the British Royal family.
Audience Engagement Specialist Floco Torres still hasn’t shaken Goosebumps “Night of the Living Dummy.”
Economics Reporter Olivera Perkins read “Native Son” by Richard Wright the summer following 5th grade – it was the first book that really left an impression on her.
Health Reporter Celia Hack liked The Penderwicks series, and Education Reporter Michael Indriolo dug into The Spiderwick Chronicles.
Associate Editor Frank W. Lewis still holds rabbits in high regard after reading “Watership Down” by Richard Adams.
