Samo Library Unveils Literary Road Trip Challenge

By Sienna Bevan, Staff Writer

Calling all readers for your next reading challenge: the Samo library is hosting a chapter of the “Read Around the U.S. Literary Road Trip.” The library is holding the challenge in order to promote not only reading in general, but reading across U.S. regions. The goal is to encourage students to learn about various cultures and lifestyles, specifically those they wouldn’t normally gravitate towards. There is a dire need for people to be exposed to different perspectives, especially with the polarization of the country.

Samo librarian Dana Bartbell explained how English teachers often talk about books being mirrors or windows. The mirrors are books where readers see themselves, whereas windows are books that expose us to other worlds. 

“The whole point of the fifty states is just to get more windows–-to have those experiences you often get when you travel, whether you’re traveling intellectually, right, or you’re traveling in a car or by a plane,” Bartbell said. 

 Each student participating must read 50 books from each of the 50 states, as well as one from Washington D.C., one from any U.S. territory, and one road trip-themed book by graduation. The challenge is catered specifically toward each individual; there is no required list of books. Students are encouraged to read books of their own choice at an appropriate reading level. Those who complete their books by the end of senior year will earn a stole at graduation in recognition of their achievement. The inclusive design of the challenge makes it easy for anyone to participate, no matter their reading level or genre preferences, as long as they enroll by November 15th of 11th grade.

Ryne Kapen (’25), a student interested in participating, shared his desire to learn about people who are different from him.

“I really don’t know a lot about other cultures besides my own, so I think reading about them could expand my understanding,” Kapen said. 

The ultimate hope for the challenge is to build community–for all readers and students alike.

“Students can exchange ideas about books they read set in different states, or just come together at various points to celebrate their accomplishments. And knowing who other readers are, I think that’s really important. So you could strike up conversations and maybe build friendships over it,” Bartbell said.