English 1 students are starting an annual project, book clubs, in which a small group of students meet in class together to discuss a book they’re reading.

“We did lit circles when I was in English and I always thought that they were kind of fun,” English teacher Shelby Neary said. “I thought it made it easier when we had roles and such because we each had something to work towards. We did them in college too and I always enjoyed them, especially because when we read we work with someone else and I think it’s easier to follow because if you don’t understand something you can ask your group mates.”

For freshman Charita Degulapet, book clubs are a time when she is able to collaborate with her other classmates.

“I think it’s nice to hear other people’s ideas when we’re all discussing as a group. And it’s nice to hear what everyone thinks about it,” Degulapet said. “I also think that being in a book club is very collaborative and it’s not like you’re doing everything by yourself.”

This year, English 1 students have six book choice options: I Am Malala, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hate U Give, March: Book 1, The Poet X, and Animal Farm.

“I think the books deal with real-world issues, which I believe is important for all students to know about them,” Neary said. “So I appreciate that it’s being involved in schools.”

According to freshman Tanishi Sagar, the book selections this year are good options for 9th graders.

“I have a good feeling about the book selections this year,” Sagar said. “I definitely didn’t expect to get Animal Farm but I think it’s a really interesting book that will challenge me and I’m excited to read it.”

Once English 1 students finish reading their books, Neary hopes that students will begin to read more.

“I hope my students will enjoy these books,” Neary said. “I hope it also instills more of a passion for reading because I know not everyone loves reading.”