According to a release from Penns Valley Area School District’s social media page, Third Grade Book Clubs, led by teacher Shelley Feltenberger, is funded through a grant by the Penns Valley Education Foundation and encouraged by the district’s administration.

“Following a successful 2024-2025 grant project in which students honored U.S. veterans by researching and writing tributes, this year’s initiative shifts its focus toward fostering a love of reading and shared learning experiences,” the release said.

Through the PVEF grant, the school was able to purchase 10 copies of 12 different book titles, allowing students to choose a book that best matches their interests. Selected titles include “Sideways Stories from Wayside School,” “The Boxcar Children,” “Odder, Pocket Bear,” “They Call Me No Sam!” and “The Kids of Cattywampus Street” among others.

The book clubs take place each month, in which students can invite a family member, friend, neighbor, coach or another reader to become a Book Buddy.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Various third graders at Penns Valley are pictured with their Book Buddies.

“Students read their chosen book in the classroom, while Book Buddies receive a copy to read at home. From January through April, students and Book Buddies meet once each month to discuss the book, share insights, and celebrate reading together,” according to the release.

January’s Book Club session featured general book discussion questions, the sharing of student-selected book projects and a collaborative Buddy Challenge.

For this challenge, student-Book Buddy pairs were asked to design a t-shirt inspired by their book, including a graphic or drawing and words that represent the story’s main character or central theme. The activity encouraged creativity, deeper comprehension, and meaningful conversation between partners.

“January’s meeting also welcomed a wide range of Book Buddies, including Mr. Dustin Dalton and recently retired Dr. Sherri Connell, as well as grandmas, grandpas, moms, dads, family friends and a beloved babysitter — highlighting the strong community support behind student learning,” the release said.

“By connecting students with families and community members through literature, the Third Grade Book Clubs program promotes literacy, creativity and lifelong learning, while demonstrating the powerful impact of community involvement in education,” the release concluded.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Various third graders at Penns Valley are pictured with their Book Buddies.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Various third graders at Penns Valley are pictured with their Book Buddies.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Various third graders at Penns Valley are pictured with their Book Buddies.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Various third graders at Penns Valley are pictured with their Book Buddies.