Abstract
- The proposed project will encourage students to read and consequently build literacy skills even as they engage in some friendly school competition. The project will also build community across grade bands in accordance with the school’s kinship model. The books that D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy students will read as part of the March Book Madness (MBM) (http://marchbookmadness.weebly.com) event, there is no official theme this year other than, "Happy Reading with some great books!". They have continued with the tradition of selecting titles that introduce students to diverse identities, communities, and cultures. We also want to take advantage of North Carolinians’ love for NCAA March Madness basketball even during these usual times. Throughout the project, teachers at D.C. Virgo will work with the UNCW Randall Library Education Liaison Librarian to coordinate special activities related to March Book Madness. March Book Madness and associated events at D.C. Virgo will instill confidence in struggling readers, provide an opportunity for cooperation between the school and Randall Library, and help D.C. Virgo achieve its overall educational goals and fulfill its mission.