Hudson Harford

Read It! The bookshelves of the McAnally Middle School library are full of books. The two books that have been read by the book club so far are both among the many books in the library.

   The book club was founded by 7th grader Kinsley Pavelka, while she and some of her friends were hanging out at a pool in August of this year. “I’ve always liked reading, so I thought it was a good idea,” said Pavelka. Along with being the founder of the club, Pavelka is also the first and, so far, only president of the club. “I kind of had a vision, so I wanted to make it happen.” Pavelka told us.

   The club has so far only read books in the realistic fiction genre, but Pavelka said that she has had many club members say that they want to start doing fantasy books. The club has finished one book, Ban This Book by Alan Gratz, and they are currently reading a second, Alone by Megan E. Freeman. “I really enjoyed in book club when we read Ban This Book by Alan Gratz.” Pavelka said.

   One of the club members, Addisyn Hogue, has been with the club since the very beginning, and has read all of the books the club has read. She says that there is something special about books. “I just love all books and love the idea of reading the same book as someone else.” said Hogue. Contrary to Pavelka’s opinion, Hogue said that her favorite book that the club has read was Alone by Megan E. Freeman, because the main character in the book goes through a lot of trouble, and Hogue says that she is able to relate to that.

   Mrs. Buck, the MMS librarian, was asked if she would be the teacher sponsor for the book club so that they would be able to make it an official school club, and Mrs. Buck agreed. She told us that when she was asked, she felt very excited, because the students at her school were wanting to start a book club. “I’ve done book clubs in the past, and it was a lot to put together by myself, so partnering with [Pavelka and the other members] made it easier.” Mrs. Buck said.