Saratoga Reads to Offer February Programs for Young Readers
Saratoga Reads will present a number of events in February specifically designed for young readers and their families. All events are open to the public free of charge.
The activities are related to this year’s Saratoga Reads book of choice, And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini, and to the Saratoga Reads junior companion books selected for young readers.
The programs will begin on Thursday, Feb. 6, with a junior book discussion, Part 1, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Room. Students in grades 3-6 are invited to join students from Saratoga Springs High School and Skidmore College in a discussion of Extra Credit by Andrew Clements. The book explores an unlikely pen-pal relationship between Illinois sixth-grader Abby Carson and Sadeed Bayat, the best English-language student in his Afghan village.
A second discussion session for Extra Credit will also be offered on Feb. 13. Students should select one night. The snow date will be Thursday, Feb. 27. Register by emailing kids@saratogareads.org.
The line-up of events will also include a Lego contest to be held at the Division Street Elementary School in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, Feb. 8. Open to all grade levels, the contest challenges students to build an original Lego model inspired by a favorite book. Students may work on their own, or with family and friends. Contest participants will bring in their pre-built models between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., with judging beginning at 10:30. Prizes will be awarded at each grade level. A special prize will be given to the “most Saratoga Reads” entry. For contest rules and registration go to SaratogaReads.org.
Saratoga Reads will team up with the Tang Museum at Skidmore College for a family art activity on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 10-11:30 a.m. at the museum. The group will talk about the junior book The Sandwich Swap, written by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and illustrated by Tricia Tusa, and will engage in a related art project for ages 6 and up. Participants are urged to read the book before attending. Space is limited so call the Tang Museum for reservations, 580-8080. Those attending the Tang event are invited to have lunch in Skidmore’s Dining Hall and to meet Skidmore chefs. The cost is $7 per person. Call 580-8008 to reserve a space for lunch.
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the public is invited to join K-12 students at a special event celebrating their literary and artist talents featured in the “Expressions of Determination” journal. The event will take place at Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6-7:30 p.m.
Essay contest
Saratoga Springs Public Library and Saratoga Reads are pleased to sponsor an essay contest that will award two area high school students with tickets to attend “An Evening with Khaled Hosseini” at the Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College, on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Contest winners will also be invited to a continental breakfast with Hosseini at Northshire Bookstore on Thursday, Feb. 13 8:30-9:30 a.m. The breakfast will be an intimate event, limited to about 25 people.
Contest entrants should have read at least one of Mr. Hosseini’s books. To enter the contest, students are asked towrite an essay using the following prompt:
Tell a heartfelt fable or story about a sibling pair. Write about the unique dynamics of sibling relationships and the interesting challenges and gifts they present. This can be a piece of fiction or a non-fiction essay but each entry should have a definite conflict and lesson that the sibling pair learn and experience together.
For more information on the contest, contact the teen librarian at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 518-584-7860, ext. 268