1
Visit www.penguin.com/13RWcommunityread for more Thirteen Reasons Why resources and printables. USING THIRTEEN REASONS WHY AS YOUR COMMUNITY READ TRY THIRTEEN REASONS WHY AS A ONE BOOK ONE SCHOOL READ Thirteen Reasons Why is being embraced as the perfect book for adults and teens to read together to broach the sensitive issues faced by high schoolers today. Use this book to foster discussion and eliminate stigma surrounding these taboo topics by organizing a Community Read. Here’s how: • Share a common experience. Thirteen Reasons Why addresses many difficult yet timely and important topics teenagers face today—including bullying, sexual abuse, depression, and suicide. Reading the book as a community adds depth, perspective, and provides an unique opportunity for both teens and adults to explore these tough issues together. Pair up with someone and discuss your reactions to the book. How are they different and how are they the same? • Start a dialogue. Hannah uses cassette tapes to candidly share her feelings about the dynamics at work in her high school and how they affected her decision to take her own life. Follow Hannah’s example and encourage readers to talk about what changes can be made in their own schools or community to promote acceptance and tolerance. • Create awareness. Reach out to experts and other caretakers who can help frame discussion and provide support and information. Brainstorm ways to become involved in outreach efforts. Research events taking place during National Suicide Prevention Week (September) and National Bullying Prevention Month (October) and explore ways to include your school and community in the national dialogue. • Inspire change. The students of Antioch Community High School made Thirteen Reason Why their Fall theater production. Members of the Port Townsend, Washington com- munity also created a play along with a published ‘zine of poetry and other visual art inspired by the book. Use creativity as a way to reach audiences of all kinds and motivate change. • Unite your community. In the final pages of Thirteen Reasons Why , Clay is so affected by Hannah’s tapes that it motivates him to reach out to Skye, the girl he’d seen on the bus but couldn’t bring himself to talk to. Challenge readers to step outside their circle and get to know someone new—to listen, communicate, and come together.
