We are pleased to announce the official launch of Readmont 2024, Piedmont’s community read project, now in its fourteenth year. This year, all Piedmonters are encouraged to read “Accountable” by Dashka Slater. Slater is the New York Times–bestselling author of “The 57 Bus.” Now she delivers a thought-provoking new young adult narrative nonfiction book about the revelation of a racist social media account that changes everything for a group of high school students and begs the question: What does it mean to be held accountable for harm that takes place behind a screen?
This year’s book choice follows the Fall PADC event that hosted the author who discussed her work. This book is an excellent read for middle school students through adults.
Readmont will be hosting a community discussion featuring a panel of experts related to social media on Mar. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Piedmont High School library. We encourage all people who are interested in discussing the book, as well as the topic of accountability in today’s world, to attend the evening event. English department member Beth Black will also lead additional discussions during academy periods on Mar. 6 and 8 for anyone interested.
Books are available for check out at each of the Piedmont school libraries, including the high school, middle school, and three elementary schools. This year, our books are funded through generous support from the PHS Parents Club. A Great Good Place for Books in Montclair is also offering a 20% discount on this title. We hope this common reading experience will forge positive connections among students, staff, parents, and community members as well as encourage reading as a medium of collaboration.
Please join the community in reading our 2024 Readmont book.
Address questions to Kathryn Levenson, Teacher Librarian for Piedmont High School klevenson@piedmont.k12.ca.us, 510-594-2781, or Beth Black, PHS English Department member, at bblack@piedmont.k12.ca.us