First, we’re having a GREAT time with the One School-One Book program…. Getting “thank you” notes from parents already about how it’s “forcing” some family reading time that they seemed to have lost over the years.
— Paul Marinko - Principal at St. Paul's Lutheran School - Fort Wayne, IN
Since last spring, our entire school has excitedly embraced the One School, One Book Program. We will soon begin our spring selection: A Cricket in Times Square -- the third book we've adopted since the spring of 2010!

We are so thrilled with the positive impact this program has had on our students, families, and staff
— Laurie LaRue - First Grade Teacher at Edgewood School - Bristol, CT
I think the OSOB program is brilliant. My seven year-old attends Orleans Elementary in Massachusetts and they (we) are reading Masterpiece. Since the grades levels range from one to five at this school, finding a book to suit all is difficult. My daughter can follow the big picture somewhat but we have to reinforce what we’ve read because it’s a lot to take in for her.
— Glenn Krzeminski - Parent of student at Orleans Elementary - Orleans, MA
The One District, One Book program promoted by Read To Them...is a powerful way to systemically address and promote a culture of literacy throughout the entire school system.

My school actually adopted a hamster and even used it as “pet therapy” for many of the behaviorally challenged children in our school.
— Kenny Moles of West Virginia

Island of Blue Dolphins

by Scott O’Dell (1960)

Island of the Blue Dolphins tells the amazing true story of Karana – a native of the Chanel Islands off the coast of Calfornia – marooned by her departed tribe – who survives for eighteen years – all by herself.

Karana’s story is told with O’Dell’s simple, beguiling, elegant prose. In this story, Nature is a main character as Karana has to brave the elements. She manages wild dogs and sea elephants, hunts for abalone, masters her island, navigates and explores its mysterious caves via canoe, and even confronts an earthquake and tsunami.

Karana evinces a personal spirit and resourcefulness that has inspired several generations of readers. It stil speaks to moderrn audiences via O’Dell’s special, rare prose. And its mysteries can still provoke an unexpected conversation in your school about survival and fortitude and resourcefulness.

(You can even see a plaque commemorating Karana’s accomplishment if you visit the old Spanish Mission in Santa Barbara.)

There are five supplementary resources for Scott O’Dell’s Island of the Blue Dolphins:

a sample letter home to parents
a sample reading schedule
a Trivia Bank
a list of suggested activities
suggested assembly ideas

As a participating member of One School, One Book you may have access to all of these documents. Here are some samples: