A large, engaged crowd of Fairmount students gathers in the library, eagerly talking about words and pens and something called a “frindle.” They hush, captivated, when the day’s guest speaker, Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli, opens a book and begins reading.
“Chapter 5, The Report. By lunchtime the next day, Nick had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach,” Dr. Cremascoli begins reading.
During the month of February, all of Fairmount School is reading “Frindle” by Andrew Clements, as part of their One Book, One School program. The children’s book tells the story about a fifth grade boy who invents a new word for pen, called “frindle,” in an effort to break the norms.
“Not only can the book be understood by a kindergartener, it’s also very relatable and interesting to a sixth grader,” said LRC Teacher Liz Levy. “It was a challenge to find a One Book, One School book that could be enjoyed by the entire K-6 age group. ‘Frindle’ is unique in that it can be relatable to kids of all ages.”
Students read one chapter at home each night, but in case they forget or would like to hear it again, a guest reader visits Fairmount at lunch each day to read it aloud.
“Our guest readers are drawing huge crowds!” said Fairmount PTA One Book One School Chair Samantha Dulles. “Every day at lunch time, students of all ages file into the library, eager to learn what happens next.”
While waiting for the reading to begin, some Fairmount students shared their early reviews of “Frindle.”
“It’s about a boy with good ideas. I really like it,” said Ryan, a fifth grader.
“The main character is funny,” added Allison, another fifth grader.
“I love ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ and this books reminds me of that,” said Lucas, a first grader.
“It’s a really creative book. Nick, the main character, has really creative ideas and makes up new words for things, like ‘frindle’ for pen,” said Edith, a first grader.
In conjunction with the book, the Student Council is leading a Frindle Donation Challenge, asking students to donate school supplies to support a school in need. The classroom that donates the most supplies will win a surprise. The Frindle Donation Challenge runs through the end of February.