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Upper Grand reads ‘The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B’

MEDIA RELEASE
May 13, 2016

With summer just around the corner, there is no better time to sink one’s teeth into a good book – and that’s exactly what students in the Upper Grand District School Board are doing.

WHAT IS UG READS?

The Upper Grand Reads program (UG Reads) is a literacy initiative where all high school students in the UGDSB are encouraged to read the same novel – this year The Unlikely Hero Of Room 13B by Toronto author Teresa Toten. The goal of the program is to engage students in reading and to get them talking about books and sharing ideas – all while improving their literacy skills. The initiative includes a website, and the program will culminate in a series of author visits across the Board.

WHAT IS THE STORY ABOUT?

This year’s novel, The Unlikely Hero Of Room 13B, tells the story of fourteen-year-old Adam who meets Robyn at a support group for kids coping with obsessive-compulsive disorder – he is drawn to her almost before he can take a breath. He’s determined to protect and defend her – to play Batman to her Robyn – whatever the cost. But when Adam’s everyday problems of dealing with divorced parents and step-siblings are supplemented by the challenges of OCD, it’s difficult for him to imagine himself falling in love. How could he have a “normal” relationship when his life is so fraught with problems? And that’s not even to mention the small matter of those threatening letters Adam’s mother has started to receive.

HOW DO STUDENTS GET BOOKS?

There are several copies of The Unlikely Hero Of Room 13B in our Board library system, in addition to the many copies that are available in the municipal library system. There are also digital and hard copies of the book available through the Terry James Resource Centre. Hopefully, there also will be some students who purchase their own copies of The Unlikely Hero Of Room 13B from their local bookstores.

WHEN ARE THE AUTHOR VISITS?

From May 16 to 18, Toten has agreed to visit the UGDSB, and will host one-hour-long author readings, discussions about mental wellness, question-and-answer sessions, and book signings at six schools across our district. Neighbouring schools are welcome to contact the teachers below to inquire about the possibility of bringing students to meet the author.

School visits:

Upper Grand Reads 2016

Categories: Media Releases