Everything was on the menu for second graders at the Juicy Genre Café held in the Stevens Room on Thursday, September 26. This event, which began in 2018, compliments the second grade reading program, with a focus on helping boys to develop a love for reading and to expand their book selections.

Led by second grade teachers Allie Aiken, Karen Cooper, and LJ Shapiro, with support from the Lower School library team, the Juicy Genre Café gives students the opportunity to browse tables filled with books and answer questions about them to help determine their genres.

“It was truly amazing! I loved every minute,” said Reading Resource Teacher Diane Baird, who worked at the science fiction table. “Some boys were so engaged in reading they forgot to fill out their menu. This is such a great event to get the second grade excited about reading!

Mystery table volunteer Pat Franz said, “I found that with very few exceptions the boys were excited to pick their book in the mystery genre,” noting that many expressed an interest in fantasy and realistic fiction as well. Franz commented on how well-organized and smoothly the event ran. 

“I cannot think of a café anywhere that gives out gifts,” said Shapiro with a smile. “The bookmarks and stickers were a hit, and the brochures will be an invaluable resource for the boys, especially with their book projects.”

Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success!
 

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