Students loved sampling the entrees at "Book Tasting"

Ninth and tenth grade students started the year by sampling dozens of books at a “Book Tasting” hosted by Special Education Teacher Sarah Anderson. The tables were set with red tablecloths, placemats, and flickering artificial candles to simulate an Italian feast. The serving platters, however, were piled high with engaging young adult books, memoirs, biographies and classic literature.

Students sat together and enthusiastically selected books to read silently for four minutes each, and then briefly shared and rated them for their groups. They rotated to different tables, so each student was exposed to a dozen or more books during the event. The Book Tasting inspired students to choose what books they will read this year. All Whittier students are required to read independently as part of the English curriculum.