When the Project LIT Book Club gets together at Horizon West Middle School, dozens of fifth and sixth graders come together to discuss books. They try to relate the book to their lives and experiences to learn more about themselves and others. This month, special guests from the MHS Basketball team joined their discussion.
For the club’s late February meeting, the students read “Crossover” by Kwame Alexander, a book about two basketball-playing students. To discuss this book, seven Moorhead High basketball players—Nae Adedokun, Claire Danuser, Aubrey Haag, Lauren Hagen, Isabelle Lockhart, Ellie Rossland and Hayden Rudnick—joined these fifth and sixth graders. The athletes led small group discussions of the Coretta Scott King Honor and Newbery Medal Award winning book.
"Seeing these amazing young adults join our younger students in community, discussion and learning was an absolute joy," said Dan Dooher, Horizon West learning resource strategist. "I was so impressed by these student athletes and their willingness to both connect with their younger peers and provide leadership through this unique literacy opportunity."
The book, written in a variety of poetic forms, tells the story of identical twins Josh and Jordan Bell as they navigate middle school, relationships, team dynamics and family—while they are writing and learning the rules of life on and off the basketball court.
“It’s really great to see our student athletes connect with the younger generations of Spuds,” added Dean Haugo, activities director at Moorhead High School. “It’s really important for athletes to be able to get out to Horizon, and also our elementary schools, to let these younger students who look up to them see them in a different light. It’s particularly special when it’s in an environment where they’re discussing books because it shows how important learning is to their lives, too.”
Students ended the book club by participating in a small group trivia competition about the book. Project LIT members read four books throughout the school year and meet to exchange thoughts and ideas about those books. Meetings are very well-attended, often with more than 100 students participating.
Any Horizon West student interested in joining Project LIT should speak with Mr. Dooher in the media center.