Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia One Book, Many Voices to feature author Kelsey Timmerman
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
Some text some message..
 

One Book, Many Voices to feature author Kelsey Timmerman

August 30, 2012 | 445 views

Over the past five years, Floyd County’s One Book, Many Voices reading initiative has brought a series of renowned authors to our community. This year is no different as schools, book clubs and other local organizations build programs around Kelsey Timmerman’s novel, “Where Am I Wearing?”

“We all get dressed every day and probably take for granted the items we wear on our backs. Kelsey Timmerman, however, did notice his clothing labels and decided to pursue their origins,” said Melinda Holmes, director of library services at Darlington School and member of the One Book, Many Voices Committee. “His book details his travels to Latin America and China as he explores where his T-shirt, underwear and flip-flops were made.  His search not only reveals unfavorable factory conditions, but also tells the story of the young people who are employed in these manufacturing facilities.”

Modeled after similar initiatives throughout the nation, One Book, Many Voices is designed to encourage reading, spark discussion and bring the community together through the reading of one great book.

“Organizers encourage local book clubs, schools, civic organizations and churches to host opportunities for discussion so that the entire community rallies around one great story,” Holmes said. “Darlington School is proud to be a sponsor of this community endeavor.”

This summer, Darlington’s rising ninth-graders read “Where Am I Wearing?” as the required summer reading book.

“The Summer Reading Committee selected this book hoping to expose students to world issues that they might not have thought about before,” Holmes said. “The story is powerful and inspiring and yet it’s written in a way that should motivate students to want to read about issues outside of Darlington. Now that we have returned to school, each advisee group is creating a digital project that will teach group members new technology skills while also allowing individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the book.”

Students will have an opportunity to connect with the author in person when Timmerman speaks to the community on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. at Pepperell High School. Darlington ninth-graders are required to attend and the school will provide each freshman with a complimentary ticket. Anyone else who would like to attend may purchase tickets at the McCallie-Kennedy Library for $5 beginning Sept. 4. Tickets are also available at the Rome/Floyd Library and Kroger. 

Area students are also encouraged to enter a writing contest sponsored by the Rome News-Tribune that is based on their experience reading “Where Am I Wearing?” The deadline to enter is Sept. 14. Click here for more information on these and other upcoming One Book, Many Voices events.

For more information about Timmerman and his book, visit www.whereamiwearing.com.

Visiting authors from previous years have included Maya Angelou, Sherman Alexie, Paul Rusesabagina, Jay Asher and Kristin Kimball.