GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Each year, fifth graders across GRPS embark on a shared journey through One Book, One City, an initiative that brings them together to read the same book and meet its author.
This annual tradition is made possible through a partnership with the Grand Rapids Public Library. This year’s featured book, Playing the Cards You’re Dealt by Varian Johnson, captivated more than 1,200 scholars in more than 60 fifth-grade classrooms across the district.
“I love when everyone kind of has a shared book to read,” Johnson said. “We have all these different kids reading it with all these different backgrounds. They're bringing their own experiences into it and then they're sharing it. It's really just an honor that this book gets to be the vehicle for that.”
As they read the book, scholars engaged in classroom discussions and shared their thoughts through blog posts for each chapter.
“The posts are relevant,” said Nanette Hersberger, ELA Curriculum Supervisor. “They're meaningful, and they take a lot of time to connect to the story.”
Playing the Cards You’re Dealt explores important themes such as toxic masculinity and addiction.
“It’s really all about figuring out who you are, who you want to be, and realizing that it’s okay to ask for help,” Johnson explained.
The program’s impact extends beyond the pages of the book, fostering a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.
“It really does foster that deep sense of the love of reading,” Hersberger said. “It’s something that they’ll remember forever.”
Each year, One Book, One City continues to create a powerful, district-wide reading experience, uniting scholars and sparking meaningful conversations.
