In a heartwarming celebration of literature and love, students at Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School found unique ways to express their affection for the diverse collection of books at their school library this Valentine's Day. The lesson, organized by seventh grade ELA teachers, encouraged students to write love letters to their favorite books and, for those ready to part ways, break-up letters to books that didn't quite capture their hearts.
Students spent time in the Media Center pouring their hearts out onto paper, professing their admiration for the characters, stories, and worlds that had touched them deeply. The atmosphere buzzed with creativity and emotion as students eagerly shared their heartfelt sentiments.
Seventh-grader Hailey, an avid reader of graphic novels, expressed her love for "Enemies" in her letter, writing, "Dear Enemies, I thought at first you may not live up to the other books in your series, but you took me by surprise. I knew I was in for a wild ride from the first page together. The journey we went through, 219 pages read without losing touch with one another. I knew we were meant to be together forever."
Similarly, seventh-grader Ariel penned a touching letter to "Beginners Welcome," stating, "Dear Beginners Welcome, I love the way my eyes shined while I read the pages. You caught my eye and didn't disappoint. The way the words are written is just fantastic. At first I wasn't so sure about you, but now I would check you out anytime. The main character may be invisible, but it doesn't feel that way to me. You know how to make my emotions come alive!"
However, not all relationships were meant to last. Some students bravely decided to bid farewell to books that failed to capture their interest or no longer resonated with them. Seja, in her break-up letter to a realistic fiction novel, wrote, "Dear The Bridge Home, I tried to like you, but it's just not working. You are too boring and your true colors really showed. 194 pages is just too much for me right now. This means I am breaking up with you."
The lesson provided a platform for students to reflect on the impact of literature in their lives and to celebrate the diversity of voices and stories represented in the school library. Ms. Maan, expressed her delight at seeing students engage with books in such a meaningful way. "It's heartwarming to witness the passion and enthusiasm our students have for reading," she said. "Events like these remind us of the power of stories to inspire, educate, and connect us."
