Are you concerned that we have already seen the last generation that "loves" books? Do your students shift impatiently in their seats as you try to persuade them of the rewards of books? Is it their first impulse to rush to the computer (without even considering print sources) whenever it is time to begin a search for information? Do your high school students tell you that they have "no time" to read for pleasure after they have finished their assigned reading? Would you like to balance this trend and widen their horizons? Would you like to implement a program that marries technology with an appreciation of literature?

The material that follows outlines a reading program with both of the above components. This program has been offered successfully to high school students at Hereford High School in Baltimore County Maryland. It is based on the Maryland Black-eyed Susan reading list (10 books) for high school students.
The Black-Eyed Susan Book Award honors outstanding books, chosen annually by Maryland students. The purpose of this award is to promote literacy and lifelong reading habits by encouraging students to read quality, contemporary literature.

Note: This lesson will work equally as well for any other specified reading list. It can easily be translated and/or adapted universally to other grade and ability levels.

Mary Jane Daley, Library Media Specialist Michelle Vance, English Teacher © 2001 Daley and Vance