Cambria County One Book, One Community Reading Program
The One Book, One Community Reading Program began in Cambria County in 2004. Starting with just an adult title, in 2006 a middle school title, "The Breaker Boys" by Pat Hughes was selected.
All middle school students in Cambria County were invited to a one-day event at the Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS to participate in log hewing, stone cutting, a mule demonstration, and to meet the author. At this event 6 school districts and 575 students participated. http://www.pennhighlands.edu/library/onebook/alpophotos.htm
Encouraged by the response, in 2007, the middle school program was expanded to a two-day event and the title of the book selected was "Hoggee" by Anna Myers. Again the event was held at the Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS and included a wagon train, mule demonstration, women's presentation, and again students met the author.
Over the two-days, 986 students from 14 public and private schools and 3 home school groups participated in the event. http://www.pennhighlands.edu/library/onebook07/pictures.htm
In 2008, the middle school title selected is "Dear Austin: Letters from the Underground Railroad" by Pennsylvania author, Elvira Woodruff. One Book. Over the 2-day event over 1,270 students participated in activities.
Thanks to you...the 2009 event was the biggest yet! Over 1,400 students listened to author, Patricia Reilly Giff, talk about her book, "Nory Ryan's Song" the title selected for this years event. Students also got to learn about the potato famine, the Irish in Cambria County, and the Mexican War. Check out photos from the event... http://www.pennhighlands.edu/library/onebook09/msphotos.htm