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New "Sandy Springs Reads"
Program Set to Launch
Sandy Springs' reading public will join other cities across the nation in promoting literacy with the new program "Sandy Springs Reads," a "ONE CITY, ONE BOOK, ONE WORLD" concept which kicks off with the inspirational autobiography Rocket Boys, by West Virginia native Homer Hickam, Jr. All events are free and open to the public.
 
Rocket Boys, the first book chosen as the "Sandy Springs Reads" book, tells of six boys -- sons of West Virginia coal miners -- who dared to reject all limitations and resolved to take part in the race to space between the United States and Russia.
Part of the philanthropy of the program is to donate copies of Rocket Boys to every middle and high school in Sandy Springs, the senior centers, and the students of the Sandy Springs Education Force afterschool programs. The Sandy Springs Library will also stock up on extra copies of the book.
The goal, says Sandy Springs Reads chairperson Laura Jones, "is to build community by having Sandy Springers, from middle school students to seniors read the book, then participate in discussions and activities around this wonderful autobiography."
For added fun and excitement and to further build a feeling of community, activities will surround every Sandy Springs Reads book. Events planned in association with Rocket Boys include:
March 6 at 6 pm (City Hall)-- City Council Meeting. Sandy Springs Mayor Galambos will decree an Official Mayoral Proclamation recognizing the Sandy Springs Reads Program.
April 20 at 7 pm (UMC Hitson Activity Center)-- Sandy Springs Parks & Recreation. Focus: NASA's rocketry program during the time of "rocket boys," telescope viewings, and a planetarium show for children.
Students enjoy the "night sky" in the Star Lab planetarium.
April 28 at dusk (UMC Hitson Activity Center)-- "Movies Under the Stars." Feature presentation: October Sky, based on the Sandy Springs Reads' book Rocket Boys.
May 1 at 4:30 pm (Sandy Springs Library)-- Imaginations Soar Rocket Craft for ages 5-10 in celebration of Sandy Springs Reads featured book Rocket Boys.
May 1 at 6 pm (Sandy Springs Library)-- The Wizardry of Lego Mindstorm Robotics and Rocketry by Youth Engaged in Science (YES!).
May 2 at 4:30 pm (Sandy Springs Library)-- 3-2-1 Blast Off! Rocketry workshop for ages 7 to 12.
May 4 at 10:30 am (Sandy Springs Library)-- Rocket Boys Book Discussion and Space Race Intrigue led by Lex McGee, NASA history buff and son of a member of Wernher von Braun's rocketry team.
May 5 at 4:30 pm (Sandy Springs Library)-- Southern Area Rocketry (SOAR) presents Treasures of the Moon for all ages.
"There is a true joy from reading and discussing ideas that come from literature with others," said Jones. "I hope everyone is as excited as I am about this program!"
For more information about Sandy Springs Reads, visit www.sandyspringsreads.org and also see Sandy Springs Reads on Facebook.
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