Public Broadcasting Service promotes literacy in a variety of ways. Starting this month and running through October, the Great American Read focuses attention on 100 popular novels written from the 1600s through the 21st century. NEHS chapters may find the series an excellent way to prompt discussions about the books and may encourage students to read widely. From the PBS website:
THE GREAT AMERICAN READ is an eight-part series that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey). It investigates how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 different books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience.
The television series features entertaining and informative documentary segments, with compelling testimonials from celebrities, authors, notable Americans and book lovers across the country. It is comprised of a two-hour launch episode in which the list of 100 books is revealed, five one-hour theme episodes that examine concepts common to groups of books on the list, and a finale, in which the results are announced of a nationwide vote to choose America’s best-loved book.
The series is the centerpiece of an ambitious multi-platform digital, educational, and community outreach campaign, designed to get the country reading and passionately talking about books.
Tune in to PBS weekly through October for new episodes. While you’re there, make sure to vote for your favorite book (who can choose just one?). Finally, join in the conversation on Twitter and Instagram with #GreatReadPBS.
More from NEHSXpress: September 18, 2018
NEHS Intellectual Freedom Challenge
Advisor Grants
New Position Statements from NCTE
