TUNKHANNOCK — As Wyoming County Reads invites adults to read and discuss acclaimed books each year, a new program at the Dietrich Theater invites middle school students to read a book by a writer they can meet.
Readers Meeting Writers is a new venture to introduce middle school readers to local authors, who will share their books and personal journeys to become writers. The program is partnership of the Wyoming County Cultural Center at the Dietrich Theater and the Tunkhannock Area Middle School.
The first author students will meet in 2016 is Jeanne Moran, of Nicholson, Pennsylvania. Her book “Risking Exposure” will be given to all students who wish to participate in free after school discussions and activities with the author from 3 to 5:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 24, March 2 and March 9, with a weather make up date, if needed, on March 16.
Moran’s “Risking Exposure” is a story set in Munich, Germany, in 1938 at the time of the rise of Hitler. The Nazis are in power and all children are obligated to become members of the Hitler Youth. Fourteen-year-old Sophie is a valued member because she has a camera and is an amateur photographer. After she is stricken with polio, however, and she becomes disabled, she is at risk, an outsider and a target of Nazi scorn. Her only weapon is her camera. Can she use it to record the truth?
Students will learn how the author researched details to include, why she chose this subject, how she wrote the book, and more. Moran relates that she is energized by challenges. As a physical therapist, she has helped hundreds of children gain strength and motor skills. Her occupation and growing up with a disabled sister make her knowledgeable about the challenges that some children strive to overcome.
For information about Readers Meeting Writers, call the Dietrich Theater at 570-996-1500.