Nick Miller, a Collision Repair senior from North Ridgeville, reads a Dr. Suess book to JVS preschooler Zachary Crawford from Elyria. Zachary is a student in the JVS preschool program.

January 8, 2010 -- Students in Michael Brandyberry's Exploration of Literature Class took a field trip to the Half Price Book store in North Olmsted and purchased 77 books to add to the class library-thanks to a grant from the Lorain County JVS Educational Foundation.

"Most students will admit that they were not big readers when beginning my class, but many have found some type of literature that they enjoy," commented Brandyberry. John Moore, a senior from North Ridgeville, has read all of Dan Brown's books, including the new Lost Symbol, while Jake Tansey, a senior from Firelands, has found interest in John Grisham crime novels.

Brandyberry encourages his students to read all forms of literature. Students are allowed to select almost any book they are interested in reading, although titles do have to be submitted to Brandyberry for approval. Students read the books they've selected 3 days each week and are assessed with a daily reading goal. They frequently choose to research books similar to the books they have enjoyed and have class discussions about their favorite selections. "Military history and crime novels are two of the most popular topics with my students," said Brandyberry. "Additionally, every student is required to have a library card so that they have wide variety of books to choose from."

Each month the class completes a project about the book they are reading or participates in an activity that promotes the importance of reading to others. A recent project had students select their favorite books from their childhood and read them to the students in the JVS Preschool.

The students' goals for the second half of the year include compiling their own class "Best of Awards," broadening their horizons in literature, and reading 50,000 pages as a class.