Author visits Lethbridge to talk School District 51 reading project

The author visited students in Lethbridge today, May 1, and spoke with media at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute about the reading project.

“Today was just absolutely breathtaking. I literally cried three times,” she said.

“I found myself thinking, ‘isn’t it beautiful that a book, when read by a ton of people can bring you together in such a meaningful way?’”

She explained that when she wrote the book, she was in a “very bad mood” regarding the current state of affairs of her country (the United States), and writing “Wishtree” helped her cope.

“We were being very unkind to each other…I just wanted to write about it (and) I felt frustrated,” Applegate noted.

“I did want to make it accessible to very young readers, so I thought if I did a kind of fable, that would make it helpful.”

“Wishtree” is told from the perspective of a red oak tree that surveys the neighborhood it lives in.

The tree has seen a lot over the years and finds it difficult to understand why a family that’s new to the neighbourhood is not being accepted.

“I particularly like writing for middle grade students. I find them idealistic and accepting and wildly enthusiastic, and if they don’t like your book, they will tell you,” she said with a laugh.

Applegate said she’s proud of how the One District One Book project turned out.

“I really think I would have become a reader then a writer a lot earlier if I had had a huge event like this, bringing so many people together to read. It just changes the experience, I mean, crossing guards are reading it, the principal is reading it and for a child, that says books are important,” she added.

“To do it on this magnitude and with this level of coordination, the volunteers who put this together, I can’t say enough good things about how beautifully it’s pulled together.”

Applegate explained that her team was approached by School District 51 to get involved with the campaign, nothing she was thrilled to talk with students and share the story of “Wishtree”.

Students, staff and faculty received a copy of the book with a special cover designed for the challenge. The book package also included a bookmark so students could keep track of their progress.

One District One Book committee member Michelle Dimnik was beaming when speaking about Applegate’s visit and the reception for the project and book itself.

“Having Katherine Applegate here is like the cat’s meow. I couldn’t have imagined a better way to wrap up what has been a hugely significant community event,” she said.

“Her story, her words, this project has brought our community together over the love of an amazing story that has the ability to change the next generation and influence this generation – how we treat others, how we want to be treated…we all play a role in that and I couldn’t be happier.”

A few years ago, when three schools within the district came together to read the same book, that book was Applegate’s “The One and Only Ivan”, which won a Newbery Medal.

“We fell in love with her (Applegate) then and knew the power of her message,” Dimnik said.

“It’s a wish come true for this district to embrace this project, for this community to come together, and only a wish tree could have done that.”

Dimnik added that the story touched many lives in the community, sharing a story that the taxi driver who drove Applegate’s publicist to her hotel this week was speaking about the book. It turns out his three children took part in the reading project.

“It’s everywhere and it’s something that creates conversation and gives everyone an opportunity to learn and grow from this experience.”

Dimnik said she’s hopeful the project will continue for many years to come.

As for what’s next on tap for Katherine Applegate, she said she’s working on what’s called an ‘early chapters book’ that involves an old dog and a younger dog and will be completely written in rhymes.

“I think it’s very dangerous to go into writing thinking that you’re going to be delivering a message, because kids can smell that a mile away,” she said.

“I think you go in telling a good story and if there is a message hidden in there that makes its way into their hearts, that’s great.”

For more on the One District One Book initiative, visit 1d1blethbridge.wixsite.com/1d1b.

by Justin Goulet

Author visits Lethbridge to talk School District 51 reading project

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