FAIRFIELD—In a school-wide assembly today, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School unveiled this year’s One School, One Book™ title, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by award-winning author-illustrator, Grace Lin. The reveal was accompanied by live goldfish, an elaborate hand-made dragon sculpture, posters and other decorations throughout the hallways celebrating the story’s main characters. The One School, One Book™ festivities conclude with the author’s visit on Tuesday, March 26.
St. Thomas’ school librarian, Adrienne Wilson, introduced the all-school book club as a creative means to encourage family reading. “Reading together is a fun, worthwhile activity. We have selected a title that can be followed, understood and enjoyed by younger children, but will still captivate and stimulate an older audience.” Older students are encouraged to read to their younger siblings. Keeping up with the reading schedule is important, as students are incentivized to be prepared for daily contest, games, activities and book trivia questions.
Mrs. Wilson has been a fan of Grace Lin for many years, saying “Grace Lin’s writing appeals to so many age groups from picture books like The Ugly Vegetables; early readers, Ling & Ting, Not Exactly the Same!; to novels, including Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, which is the first of an engaging 3-book series that is part folk-lore, part fantasy.”
Principal, Jo Mathieson commented “Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Spring, our Literacy Specialist, chose this book because not only is it a delightful story that is beautifully written and illustrated, but has important overarching themes of faith and love. Our patron, St. Thomas Aquinas taught that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend. Minli, the protagonist, sacrificed her own mission for the benefit of her friend, the dragon. She performed the truest act of friendship, by putting a friend ahead of herself. Themes of this book are especially poignant as we enter the liturgical season of Lent. Lent is a journey, similar to the journey taken by Minli. When faced with challenges that test our faith, we do not retreat in defeat.”
Grace Lin will visit St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School on Tuesday, March 26th. All local preschoolers and their caretakers are invited to a special story time event at 8:45 am. Ms. Lin will present her newest Caldecott Honor book, A Big Mooncake for Little Star. Contact Julie Wallace, JuWallace@stasonline.net by 3/22 to register.
Advance copies of her books for signing may be ordered through the Fairfield University Bookstore, 1499 Post Road, Fairfield.
About St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, pre-k3-8th grade, has been conveniently located in the heart of downtown Fairfield at 1719 Post Road for nearly 100 years. For additional information please contact Barbara Turner, Director of Admissions, at 203.255.0556 x.225 or Barbara.turner@stasonline.net
