Webb Bridge Middle School Students Make An Impact In “Their Own Voices”
Webb Bridge Middle School Students Make An Impact In “Their Own Voices”
“In safeguarding the freedom to read, we cultivate the architects of our future -- a future that thrives on diverse ideas and critical thought.”
That insight comes from Webb Bridge Middle School (WBMS) eighth grader Anukth Gasikanti – one of six students recognized in the “Exemplary Essays” category in the 2024 Freedom to Read Georgia contest. All six students are eighth graders at WBMS.
This was the fourth year the school participated in the event. WBMS Media and Educational Technology Instructor (METI) Nan Brown says WBMS students have received recognition in the category each year.
Brown says Freedom to Read Georgia focuses on the importance of students, “having access to lots of materials with the only guardrails being their own families.” The key, she says, is giving students the power to speak, “in their own voices.”
In her exemplary essay, Amelia Laake wrote, “removing a book from a library is like closing a portal of opportunity for a young mind.”
Often, that “portal” is a way for students to seek safety at a tumultuous time in life. By inviting middle schoolers to share their voices, Brown says the goal is to make sure they know they are heard at a time in their lives when insecurities can run rampant.
“Sometimes, it’s easier to read about it in a book than to ask questions about it,” says Brown.
When reflecting on “The Catcher in the Rye” Alexandra Fadeeva wrote, “it reminds readers that everyone struggles with something internally.”
Brown says books are a source of “emotional safety.” It was a theme echoed in the student essays.
“Real safety comes from knowledge and information,” wrote WBMS eighth grader Aanya Nagar.
Fellow WBMS student Akshan Srivastava wrote about “Lord of the Flies” and what he says is “the significance of confronting fear… to promote safer and wiser decisions.”
The power of books to inspire change was a common thread. In his essay, Ashrith Thatiparthi wrote about the comfort he finds in the “Harry Potter” series.
“Much like me,” Thatiparthi says, “Harry has overcome his shy nature and learned to be braver as he forms new friendships.”
Sharing that impact through Freedom to Read Georgia helps students to “see themselves,” says Brown. “We’re not telling you how kids think,” she says. “Kids are telling you how kids think.”