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Tolkien's Hobbit now required reading...in Seattle

June 03, 2002 at 01:26:15

An innovative summer reading program for Seattle students requires them to read one book over the summer. The Hobbit made the list.

Bellevue district students will be required to read novel this summer

Summer may not be as carefree as summers past for Bellevue middle and high schoolers, who will head home next month with a new book in their backpacks.
The Bellevue School District is, for the first time, requiring every student in sixth through 12th grades to read one novel over the summer — and to be tested on it the first day back.

For the most part, students in each grade will read the same book.

While most schools send home suggested reading lists before summer, no other school district in King or Snohomish counties requires students to read over the summer.

Bellevue Superintendent Mike Riley sent home a letter notifying parents of the new requirement last week. Since then, district officials have heard from a few rattled parents.

While many parents say they see the value in requiring reading for kids, several others say summer is for families and that schools shouldn't invade that time. Others were ambivalent.

"Summer is freedom for kids," said parent Cheryl Grant. "Reading is good, and I guess it's better if the district makes them read rather than me, but I'm torn because I know my son probably won't like the book they pick, and then it will be a struggle for him.

"If kids could pick their own books, then I'd have no issues with it."

English teachers in the district chose the book list. It includes "Bloomability" by Sharon Creech, "Deathwatch" by Robb White, "April Morning" by Howard Fast and "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien, for grades six through nine, respectively.

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