For the past several years, Burns Middle School has participated in a “One Book, One School” project in which all students and staff members read one book together as part of a shared learning experience about the lessons and messages that the book provides.
This year, all 850 BMS students and the entire staff started reading “House Arrest” by K.A. Holt. The book, uniquely written in verse, tells the story of a boy named Timothy who finds himself on house arrest for one year.
Timothy has to check in with a probation officer every week, keep a journal – and stay out of trouble. But when Timothy has to find a way to help his grieving mother and sick brother, he discovers that staying out of trouble might not be so easy.
BMS media specialist Elizabeth Muster said “House Arrest” was selected for this year’s One Book, One School project because of the important lessons it imparts to students.
“This book has a powerful message,” Muster said. “Doing the wrong thing results in consequences, but good can come even from negative situations.”
Muster invited author K.A. Holt to visit the students on Tuesday, Nov. 13 as the culmination of One Book, One School. Holt spent the day with BMS students of all grade levels for several “Poetry is Never Boring” sessions, including a lunch and autograph session.
Overall, Muster said the students were able to learn a lot from the experience as Holt shared her journey to becoming an author, her previous books and engaged in a question and answer session.
