On Oct. 3, students at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School participated in a book tasting event designed to spark their interest in reading and help them discover new favorite genres and authors.

Transforming the room into a cozy café, reading teacher Ms. Kaulfers set up tables with a variety of books from different genres — including informational, fairytales, fables, fiction and animals. First grade students, working with their third grade buddies, “sampled” each book by spending a few minutes reading, jotting down their first impressions, and reflecting on whether they’d like to “check it out for the full course.”

The event encouraged students to step outside their reading comfort zones while practicing critical thinking and discussion skills. Many students left excited to continue reading their “top picks” from the tasting.