Hilltop students develop taste for reading at ‘Book Bistro'

Sparta -Much to the delight of Hilltop Country Day School’s upper school students, the school library was recently transformed into a bistro, providing an unusual forum for sharing independent reading. Although students were aware there would be a “book sharing event” in the library, they were not told it would also include delicious food and fun conversation. Based upon an article in the American Library Association’s magazine, Book Links, Nan Katzenbach, Hilltop librarian thought a “Book Bistro,” where students share their reading among a small group of their peers, would be an enjoyable and relaxing way for upper school students to present their book reports. Landa Leavy, language arts teacher, loved the idea and the bistro became a collaborative effort between the two teachers. Together they planned, modeled the structure of the activity for their students, and assigned the student groups. Hilltop library parent volunteers helped create the ambiance by decorating the library, providing the food and drinks, and designing invitations for administrators and faculty. Kathleen Malon coordinated the volunteer effort, assisted by Janice Ernsting, Maggie Novak and Kathy Scarpa. Art teacher SuzAnne Pacala created a sign, complete with a checkered awning, welcoming patrons to the bistro. The bistro was open for two sessions, one for a group of fifth and sixth graders, and one for seventh and eighth graders. Tables for four or five students were decorated with a fall theme as class members came prepared to speak for two to three minutes to “sell” his or her book though the technique of “booktalking.” Giving a “taste” of the book without giving too much of the plot away, each student began with a “hook” to grab listener’s attention, named the author and title of the book read, included a description of the main character, described problems but not the solutions, and ended with another “hook” to get the listeners to want to read the book. After each booktalk, students were given the opportunity to ask questions. At their next language arts and library classes, students were asked to complete separate reflections of their experiences. Fifth grader Jeremy Joachim echoed the feeling of many when he said, “It was something I won’t ever forget.”