When students arrived at the Heritage Middle School library, they were welcomed into a coffee shop environment by the media specialists turned barista book masters.  

The students were supplied with hot chocolate and popcorn to enjoy while they ‘tasted’ different historical fiction books. Each student was given a booklet where they recorded their thoughts plus gave the book a rating based on their interest level.  

The activity was inspired by a similar activity Terra Vista Middle School media specialists shared with Heritage through a collaborative visit. Heritage media specialists brought this idea back and the reading teachers loved it. 

“It’s a perfect way to encourage students to branch out and try new books,” said Chara Brown a Heritage Media Specialist. “It allows students to gain background knowledge and have a choice in what they read while covering the same skills and standards as their on-level counterparts.”  

All of the students loved the activity, asking if they could do another book tasting. Even students in other grades asked about the possibility of joining in on the experience.  

It’s moments like these that remind us of the magic of reading, the power of collaboration, and the joy of simple pleasures.