Murray told the audience that the Little Free Library is a \u201ctake-a-book, return-a-book gathering place where neighbors share their favorite stories and literature.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn its most basic form,\u201d she explained, \u201ca Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone in the community may stop by and pick up a book and return it, as well as bring back their own books to share.\u201d<\/p>\n After noting that such libraries are registered in all 50 U.S. states and more than 40 countries, Murray announced to the audience, \u201cWe are excited to add another Little Free Library to the map in honor of the teachers and students in our community who love to read.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur students spend their eighth-grade year in English exploring the concepts of the heroic figure in literature,\u201d explained Hayes.<\/p>\n Hayes and Leuke were awarded a Virginia Beach Education Foundation (VBEF) grant funded by Jake\u2019s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que to support the innovative learning project, including the purchase of materials to construct the LFL.<\/p>\n Library design and construction was student-centered as well. \u201cStudents wrote a proposal for their idea, figured out a budget and explained how they\u2019d source the materials. They drew the design to scale like blueprints,\u201d said Hayes.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was hard to choose one [of the 20 proposals],\u201d admitted Hayes, \u201cbut Natalie [Kasmarek] and Corey [Comba] really impressed us with their artistic vision, their preparation and their attention to detail.\u201d<\/p>\n Before the student team\u2019s turquoise-painted library with bamboo roof was ready for its first book, KLODS eighth-graders wanted to hear from younger readers they hoped would visit the LFL with family and friends.<\/p>\n They conducted small-group interviews with KLODS fifth-graders to learn more about their reading interests and the book needs of the community.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was never quieter in this cafeteria than the day the eighth-graders interviewed fifth-graders. They were all so interested in the discussion,\u201d said Luecke.<\/p>\n Next, the eighth-graders researched and wrote essays about the books they thought best represented the heroic ideal and presented their work to convince peers and younger students that their selected books belonged in the LFL.\u00a0After reviewing all of the options, KLODS fifth-graders and eighth-graders voted to determine the books to share with the community.<\/p>\n Eighth-grader Alexa Garcia\u2019s book, The School of Possibilities<\/em> by Seth Parkkola, was among those chosen. \u201cThe main character is very relatable to a wide range of kids. He\u2019s going through a rebellious stage, and he\u2019s having trouble with his parents,\u201d Garcia explained.<\/p>\n The Kissing Hand<\/em> by Audrey Penn was recommended by eighth-grader Katie O\u2019Connell. This children\u2019s story about a baby raccoon worried about going to school for the first time led O\u2019Connell to research separation anxiety in children. \u201cLove and compassion are important,\u201d she said. \u201cI researched studies that show love and compassion help children\u2019s brains to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Joseph Mastrullo and Julia McCullough identified The Giving Tree<\/em> by Shel Silverstein as a must-have book for the new LFL. \u201cThe heroic ideals taught in The Giving<\/em> Tree<\/em> are universal\u2026the Little Free Library would be incomplete without it,\u201d the eighth graders posted on their book\u2019s display board.<\/p>\n \u201cI recommended The Giving Tree<\/em> because it shaped my childhood. It is the first book I ever read. It taught me about love, compassion and generosity,\u201d recalled Mastrullo.<\/p>\n![\"IMG_0349](\"http:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/IMG_0349-stacking-books1.jpg\")
<\/a>However, the LFL\u2019s inventory is expected to change as quickly as the Kemps Landing\/Old Donation School (KLODS) eighth-graders stocked it. That\u2019s the goal, according to eighth-grade student Evelyn Murray who helped introduce the new library during a school celebration.<\/p>\n<\/a>The students\u2019 selection of books for the new LFL was not random. As part of the Heroic Books Project KLODS eighth-grade English teachers Adrian Hayes and Karen Luecke facilitate, students spent months researching and selecting books they believe best teach to young readers the values of heroism, leadership and citizenship.<\/p>\n<\/a>