Fifth graders across the Franklin County School District are reading signed copies of “The Guardian Test” as they prepare to meet author Christina Soontornvat in December.
The district announced the reading initiative Wednesday, saying funding from the Franklin County Pen Foundation provided every fifth-grade student with a personal copy of the fantasy novel, individually signed by Soontornvat.
The book is the first installment in her “Legends of Lotus Island” series. It follows Plum, a young student at an academy where children learn to become magical creatures charged with protecting the natural world.
Students began the district-wide study with a recorded video message from Soontornvat introducing the story and previewing her upcoming visit, according to the district.
During the December visit, she is expected to discuss the book, explain her writing process and answer students’ questions. Fifth-grade classrooms are reading the novel in preparation.
“This initiative gives our students not only the thrill of owning a signed book, but also the rare opportunity to connect directly with the creator behind the story,” said Amy Greer, the district’s elementary supervisor.
Greer thanked the Pen Foundation and Soontornvat for making the experience available to all of the district’s fifth graders.
Soontornvat is a three-time Newbery Honor recipient whose work includes picture books, novels, nonfiction and “The Tryout” graphic novel series. Her official biography also describes her background as an engineer and educator.
The district’s announcement did not specify a date for the December visit.
