Every month, the Media Center decides an overarching theme to promote unique books. For this month’s theme of “Staff Picks,” over 40 faculty members recommended their favorite books that are currently being displayed in the library’s foyer. Here are some favorites among staff members on campus:
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
Science teacher Rachel Tashima’s pick was this classic historical fiction novel about four young sisters navigating 1800s American society. She appreciates its valuable moral lessons, feel-good writing style and inventive plot. Her favorite sister is Beth.
“I definitely admired certain sisters more than others because of their kindness, courage and gentleness,” Tashima said. “In this day and age when kindness and gentleness is seen as weakness, this book is a reminder that those things are still valuable.”
“James” by Percival Everett
An avid fan of Twain’s work since childhood, assistant principal Eric Keith recommended a modern retelling of “Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain set from the perspective of Jim, an enslaved Black man living in the antebellum South, during their journey down the Mississippi River. According to Keith, reading “James” reinforced his belief in the importance of analyzing stories from multiple angles, a skill he hopes students can develop by comparing “James” to “Huckleberry Finn.”
“It took a bit to remember the story of ‘Huck Finn,’ but as I went further along, I started to remember aspects of that story,” Keith said. “To see it from the perspective of a slave at the time is an interesting perspective on society and America.”
“Ishmael” by David Quinn
History teacher Bryan Hoang chose a novel that explores the history of human civilization through a loose conversation between a man and Ishmael the gorilla. Its alternative framing, presenting human history through the eyes of a gorilla, encouraged Hoang to challenge dominant historical narratives.
“It was the first book I’ve ever read from cover to cover; I didn’t even sleep at all,” Hoang said. “It’s one of those books that changed how I understood things and viewed the world.”
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
English teacher Tom Spoth recommended the heart-wrenching story of a blind French girl and an orphaned German boy during Nazi-occupied France, that explores themes of morality and human nature. Spoth believes that Doerr’s novel is a powerful lesson on historical empathy.
“I hope students can learn more about history, any parallels there might be to modern day and how we can prevent some things that were happening at that time from happening again,” Spoth said.
If you would like to check out the recommended books, visit the Media Center from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during school days.
