The Value in Books 

The best books are the ones that change us.  After we shut it and put it back on the shelf we have learned something. Each one of us takes away something different from the same book, but we’re all  different people than we were before we opened the novel. Books challenge stereotypes and unveil truths about humanity. Stories share secrets about ourselves and others, These are the stories that changed members of the Friends Academy Community.

Despite being challenged in several school districts, William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is an important book. It  has as much value now as when it was first published.  Peter Saunders, a theatre teacher, sees the book as revelational, as  it shows how easy it is to give  in to darkness. This classic novel follows a group of young boys stranded on a deserted island, who are driven to violence. They  are between the ages of six and thirteen years old. The island on which they are stranded is idyllic, with plentiful food and water. The boys are  naîve and  haven’t finished school, but they’ve all lived long enough to understand what is morally right and wrong. These aspects of the situation don’t stop them from trying to kill each other. Without the influence of society the boys’ behavior becomes erratic and careless, culminating in two forest fires and three (nearly four) boys dead. 

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling is well loved by many and is one of the most best-selling books in the world. The magical world is one readers can escape into. Nicole Magee, one of our librarians, treasures the relationships between the characters. The friendships the main characters share are endearing and realistic, reflecting connections the reader has to the people around them. The character’s personalities are relatable, leaving no person unable to connect to the story. Many of the teachers at Hogwarts also serve as role models, handling tough situations in a mature and reasonable manner, and not hesitating to protect those around them. Certain character’s quotes also impart wisdom that has relevance in everyday life.  Though they are a middle grade series, themes present can guide people through their lives years after reading the books. 

Being serially released since 1997, One Piece  is one of the longest currently running manga series. The series follows a boy with supernatural powers as he forms a crew and finds companions on his journey searching for a mythical treasure. Armon, a student at Friends, values the messages conveyed in the comics. Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist, organizes a pirate crew in order to fulfill his childhood dreams of becoming a pirate. He makes valuable friends along the way, but also meets powerful enemies. He faces many hardships along the way to find a treasure called the One Piece, but never turns back. He is determined to follow his dreams no matter what and continues to do so. 

Stay tuned for coverage of the books people value!