Malden Reads Introduces 2016’s Companion Books

Malden Reads is excited to offer this year’s companion books, a large variety of books for the youth of Malden to read, all of which commend the adult book choice of the year, The Martian by Andy Weir. The selection of companion books reflects the various topics and themes presented in the adult book choice of the year. This year the companion books demonstrate the topics of space exploration, scientific progress, cross-cultural collaboration and the classic tale of survival through situations with unfeasible odds.

With Malden being such a diverse community, the book selection committee felt it was fitting for the subjects of space exploration and humans overcoming the impossible to be discussed around the city. Co-facilitator for Malden Reads, Anne D’Urso-Rose, explained that the companion books display themes of “perseverance, curiosity, bravery and overcoming adversity.”

In order to deliver a more fun and diverse experience with the companion books, Malden Reads will be offering a varied selection of events for youth that wish to involve themselves more in the world of these books. They will be hosting a martian crafts activity where students will have the opportunity to create their own “space-inspired art” that will be “display[ed] in a Mars-themed window at MATV,” stated D’Urso-Rose.

The Community Garden will also be carrying a poster contest on “what would a garden look like on Mars,” revealed D’Urso-Rose. One of the other thrilling events to soon be held by Malden Reads will be a free night at Boda Borg for anyone ages seven and up.

D’Urso-Rose explained that “many communities across the country have community reading programs, but it is rare to find one that engages all ages in the community as much as Malden Reads.” “[They] are so pleased to have the involvement of youth in the One City, One Book program.”

The companion books for 2016 are the following:

• Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce, selected for Grades 6 to 8
• Welcome to Mars: Making a home on the red planet by Buzz Aldrin and Marianne J. Dyson, selected for Grades 3 to 8
• You are the First Kid on Mars by Patrick O’brien, selected for Grades 1 to 4.
• Mars: Worst Case Scenario by Hena Kahn and David Borgenicht, selected for Grades 4 and 5
• Mousetronaut Goes to Mars by Mark Kelly and C.F. Payne, selected for K to Grade 3
• The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers, selected for K to Grade 2
• Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker, selected for Pre-K
• Looking Down by Steve Jenkins, selected for Pre-K to Grade 3

About the Author

Megan Downer

Contributor

Senior Megan Downer has been in the Blue and Gold since her freshman year and is now the newspaper’s Editor-In-Chief. Before coming to Malden High, she went to Ferryway for middle school. When Megan has any free time she likes to motivate herself to either read or write. Writing for her is an “outlet for raw emotions” which is what motivates her to pick up some paper and a pen and let the words flow. Megan’s other hobbies include hiking and being outside. She also enjoys watching shows such as Pretty Little Liars and One Tree Hill. She is part of Malden High’s varsity field hockey team as lucky number 7. If she could only eat one meal for the rest of her life it would “probably [be] some good chicken, mac and cheese and a biscuit.” and if she had to wear only one color for the rest of her life, she would choose maroon or black because it “goes with everything.” After high school, her goals are to finish college, become a successful writer and to go into a career that helps others.

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