The Woodland Hills High School Library Media Center and the Office of Curriculum and Instruction are proud to announce this year's One Book, One District selection: Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi.

Nigeria is a teen raised in a Black separatist group led by her father. Homeschooled, vegan, and part of traditional rituals, Nigeria's life shifts dramatically when her mother vanishes. Forced to care for her baby brother, she discovers her mother had secret dreams for her children, including a life beyond the Movement. Defying her father, Nigeria attends a Quaker school, where she begins to explore new perspectives. Her quest to find her mother unveils shocking truths that challenge her beliefs, sparking a journey of self-discovery and personal revolution.

Ibi Zoboi is a New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist. Nigeria Jones won the Coretta Scott King Award from the American Library Association. Ms. Zoboi will interact with us remotely for this project on March 5, 2025. This presentation will be livestreamed on YouTube. We are planning school and community events during the month of February to discuss Nigeria Jones. Our hope is to involve as many students, teachers, parents, and community stakeholders as possible.

Stay tuned for details on how to get a copy of the book!

On November 6, we hosted author Jolene McIlwain for the Woodland Hills Interaction Series. McIlwain is the author of the short story collection Sidle Creek, which was named a Best Book of the Year by NPR and Library Journal. We also welcomed librarians from around the county to experience what kind of author opportunities we bring to our students!

Last month, Honors English 11 classes explored the Heinz History Center to begin their Junior Research Project. The students selected a research topic from the Pittsburgh Innovations exhibit and then had the opportunity to experience a private visit in the archives to work with primary source documents. The students were able to touch real letters, papers, and photographs from Pittsburgh legends such as Fred Rogers, Rachel Carson, and August Wilson. Then, the students explored the Special Collections floor for a creative writing activity.

Mr. McGuire's work with Out of This Furnace and teaching students and area educators about Thomas Bell was featured in the University of Pittsburgh's annual Impact Report.

We held a wonderful Read-a-Thon Day on November 22. Over 500 students were in the library throughout the day to hear students and teachers read excerpts from their favorite books.

"School libraries are learner-centered environments that foster inquiry and critical thinking."

Source: American Association of School Libraries.

Kevin McGuire is the Library Media Specialist at Woodland Hills High School.

Email: mcguke@whsd.us
Location: 2550 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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