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Local students review books at library discussion group

By Frances Borsodi Zajac 4 min read

Author Joan Bauer’s book “Backwater’ received a bashing at the recent launching of a new book discussion group for youths at Uniontown Public Library. “I didn’t like it. I didn’t think it was very exciting,’ said Erik Kiatt, 13, of Menallen Township, an eighth-grade student at Ben Franklin School in the Uniontown Area School District.

“It was OK for the most part, but it didn’t hold my attention,’ said Katie Chambers, 13, of Menallen Township, a seventh-grade student at Geibel Middle School in Connellsville. “It wasn’t a page turner for me.’

“I think the author jumped around a lot,’ commented Megan Sanders, 14, of McClellandtown, a ninth-grade student at Albert Gallatin High School, who later commented, “She developed this character and then let it go. There’s so much they could do to make it better.’

While Bauer may not have been pleased, officials were happy with comments from the group, which also included Kiersten Hile, 13, of Uniontown, an eighth-grade student at Laurel Highlands Middle School, Ben McCarty, 13, of Chalk Hill, an eighth-grade student at AJ McMullen School in the Uniontown Area School District, and Kelsey Reed, 10, of Uniontown, who is entering sixth grade at Laurel Highlands Middle School.

The youths learned about the discussion group through the library. Many were members of the library’s annual reading competition for youths.

“Backwater’ is the story of a young girl named Ivy growing up in a family of authors who goes on a wilderness search for her Aunt Josephine. The youths decided their next book would be “Tangerine’ by Edward Bloor, the story of a legally blind boy who moves with his family to Tangerine, Fla., where he is determined to excel in school.

Lauren George, who will begin teaching English at Uniontown Area High School this fall, and Suzanne McMonagle, a registered nurse, as well as librarian Christy Fusco, lead the discussion group.

“I want to thank you for trying the program,’ said McMonagle.

“We’ll keep it laid back and talk about the book,’ said George. “There are no wrong answers. Did you like it? Didn’t you like it? Why?’

Once learning they didn’t have to like the book, the youths felt more at ease. The leaders worked to draw remarks from the participants and they talked more as time went by.

Since this was a book about family, McMonagle and George later eased into a discussion of genealogy, sharing different methods the youths could use to chart their own family history.

Finally, the youths relaxed over a luncheon that included wrap sandwiches, a tray of fruit and juice. They talked about how much they enjoyed reading and what they like to read.

McCarty said he liked Lemony Snicket’s “Series of Unfortunate Events’ series. Kiatt enjoyed “The Lord of the Rings.’ Sanders likes “Harry Potter.’ Fusco recommended they bring books they like to the next discussion.

Later, Fusco said the library decided to start the youth discussion group because “We don’t have a lot of teen things and we do have a lot of kids who like to read.’

The next book discussion meetings are slated for Monday, July 24 and Monday, Aug. 21.

Meanwhile, Uniontown Public Library is continuing its summer children’s program with the theme “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales.’ In addition to the incentive reading program, there are a number of programs scheduled.

They include:

Dog Walk on Thursday, July 6 at 1 p.m. along the Rotary Walk on Fayette Street. Participants will meet at Dr. Sobol’s office although they are asked to park away from the building. Children and their dogs must be accompanied by an adult. The dog must be on a leash and must play well with others. Participants are asked to bring a bottle of water for themselves, a bottle of water for their dog and a plastic bag for “poop scooping.’ Bean-bag dogs are available for those who don’t have a dog. The walk will last approximately a half hour.

Other Thursday programs will take place in the library, located at 24 Jefferson St., including: Woodland Zoo Traveling Wild Animal Exhibit on July 13, Doc Dixon’s Magic Show on July 20, Dr. Sheppard’s Animals, July 27, Stuffed Animal Pet Show, Aug. 3 and Boy Scout Carnival, Aug. 10. All these programs begin at 1 p.m.

On Mondays at 6:30 p.m., the library offers programming at Uniontown Firemen’s Social Hall. Programs include Mike Dibert, July 10 and Family Craft Night, July 31. There will be a Back-to-School Ice Cream Social at the library on Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Stories in the Park is being held Tuesdays at Bailey Park through Aug. 1, beginning about 10:30 a.m.

The library also hosts a Scholastic Book Fair July 27-29, Aug. 3-5 and 10-12.

For more information, contact the library at 724-437-1165.

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