March 11, 2025 – When Sherwood Middle School seventh grader Jasmine Adhikari was assigned to create a book nook for class, she immediately thought of Words With Wings by Nikki Grimes.
The book, which incorporates poetry, a genre she loves, explores a theme close to her heart—mental health. Seeking inspiration, she turned to Pinterest and enjoyed bringing the book’s themes to life through painting.
“This project has made me like reading books more,” Adhikari said.
That was exactly the goal for Sherwood Middle School English language arts teacher Monique Walker when she received a $1,500 Columbus City Schools (CCS) Teachers’ Dream Grant to fund the project. The Teachers’ Dream Grant awards up to $5,000 to CCS teachers to enhance teaching and learning.
Walker designed the project to encourage students to showcase their knowledge and love of literature in various ways. It provided opportunities to honor books through both writing and hands-on creative expression.
“This was solely to get the students off of their devices and to get them back into the love of reading again,” Walker said.
Since the sixth day of school, reading has been essential to Walker’s class. Students had the opportunity to choose their own books during their weekly visits to the school library.
At the start of the school year, Walker noticed students’ hesitation toward reading. Now, she has observed a shift in about 85% of them.
“It went from ‘I don’t want to go to the library’ and ‘Why do I have to bring a book?’ to ‘Oh no, I left my book in my locker’ and ‘Can I go get another book from the library?’” Walker said.
This growing enthusiasm made it difficult for many students to choose just one book for their book nook project after returning from winter break. However, each student selected a title and sketched a blueprint based on a rubric. Once blueprints were completed and graded, students received supplies such as clay, cardstock, foam, and a box to construct their book nooks.
Students spent three days a week on their projects, designing covers that visually represented conflict resolution. Those who struggled to depict story elements artistically had the opportunity to present them orally at the school’s literary fair to earn points.
Seventh grader Giovani Ramirez had no trouble visually capturing his selected book, Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. His favorite part of the project was painting and constructing his book nook.
Ramirez said he would be willing to create a book nook for every book he has loved. Since joining Walker’s class, that number has grown as he has developed a new appreciation for literature.
“I realize that there are so many stories that need to be told and important lessons out there that are relevant to today,” Ramirez said.
Fostering a love of reading and deeper comprehension was Walker’s primary goal, and she believes the project achieved just that.
“The whole point was getting them to read more text and enjoy reading again so that maybe when they get to the OST (Ohio State Test), it might not be such a struggle to read,” Walker said.
Through creativity, dedication, and a renewed enthusiasm for literature, Walker’s students have transformed their reading experiences from reluctant obligation to passionate engagement. The book nook project strengthened their comprehension skills and allowed them to connect deeply with the stories they chose, making literature a personal and meaningful journey.
CCS teachers can apply for this year’s Teachers’ Dream Grant here.
