×

News

A Holiday Gift and a New Library

Stéphane Samuel and 8th graders and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Stéphane Samuel with our 8th grade students, who all received a copy of Sherman Alexie’s book about a Native American teen.

In a world dominated by social media, let us not forget to READ BOOKS. Reading is the basis of all learning.

This is a message we deliver to our young men in many ways.

Stéphane Samuel is developing our tutoring program’s English reading and writing skills component. Beginning next month, our young men will be able to borrow books from the Foundation library on a wide range of topics.

Meanwhile, we had a special present for all of our students before the holiday break. For the eighth graders it was a copy of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.

The story of a Native American teen on the Spokane Indian Reservation is about as far from Harlem as you can get, but the main character faces many challenges that are sure to resonate with our young men. The themes of identity, inclusion, friendship and family are universal, and Alexie’s accessible narration is sure to engage our eighth graders and prompt lively discussions.