Malden Reads is excited to offer this year’s companion books, a large variety of books for the youth of Malden to read, all of which commend the adult book choice of the year, The Martian by Andy Weir. The selection of companion books reflects the various topics and themes presented in the adult book choice of the year. This year the companion books demonstrate the topics of space exploration, scientific progress, cross-cultural collaboration and the classic tale of survival through situations with unfeasible odds.
With Malden being such a diverse community, the book selection committee felt it was fitting for the subjects of space exploration and humans overcoming the impossible to be discussed around the city. Co-facilitator for Malden Reads, Anne D'Urso-Rose, explained that the companion books display themes of “perseverance, curiosity, bravery and overcoming adversity.”
In order to deliver a more fun and diverse experience with the companion books, Malden Reads will be offering a varied selection of events for youth that wish to involve themselves more in the world of these books. They will be hosting a martian crafts activity where students will have the opportunity to create their own “space-inspired art” that will be “display[ed] in a Mars-themed window at MATV,” stated D’Urso-Rose.
The Community Garden will also be carrying a poster contest on “what would a garden look like on Mars,” revealed D’Urso-Rose. One of the other thrilling events to soon be held by Malden Reads will be a free night at Boda Borg for anyone ages seven and up.
D’Urso-Rose explained that “many communities across the country have community reading programs, but it is rare to find one that engages all ages in the community as much as Malden Reads.” “[They] are so pleased to have the involvement of youth in the One City, One Book program.”
The companion books for 2016 are the following:
- Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce, selected for Grades 6 to 8
- Welcome to Mars: Making a home on the red planet by Buzz Aldrin and Marianne J. Dyson, selected for Grades 3 to 8
- You are the First Kid on Mars by Patrick O’brien, selected for Grades 1 to 4.
- Mars: Worst Case Scenario by Hena Kahn and David Borgenicht, selected for Grades 4 and 5
- Mousetronaut Goes to Mars by Mark Kelly and C.F. Payne, selected for K to Grade 3
- The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers, selected for K to Grade 2
- Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker, selected for Pre-K
- Looking Down by Steve Jenkins, selected for Pre-K to Grade 3
