LHS' "Lakewood Reads" Seeks To Get Residents Reading Together

“Lakewood Reads” is Lakewood High's effort to get the whole community involved in celebrating literacy by reading a book together. All LHS students will be reading the autobiography/biography, "The Other Wes Moore," by Wes Moore as part of their summer reading requirements. Like it did last year with its selection, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” Lakewood High is asking the community to join in reading this book as well.

The book tells the story of two boys who grew up in the same Baltimore neighborhood and share the same name, but took very different paths.  One has become a Rhodes Scholar, decorated combat veteran, White House Fellow and business leader, while the other is serving a life sentence without parole for being involved in a murder. 

The author Wes Moore attempts to examine the factors that contributed to their divergent fates. He finds that he had a series of mentors, family members, and interested individuals who intervened, confronted, and challenged him; while the other Wes Moore didn't have all of the support that he could have used or that he needed at crucial moments in his life. The book also emphasizes that there are consequences, both good and bad, for the choices we make. The LHS Social Studies teachers who selected the book believe that both teens and adults will find the book relevant and will be able to make parallels to their own lives. 

In the fall when students return to school, activities related to the book will be planned in all departments and the Lakewood Public Library will host a number of activities and discussions focused on the book.

“Community reads are growing in popularity across the country. The teachers at Lakewood High feel that this concept will not only encourage reading, but will help to connect the community to the schools,” said social studies teacher Lauren Flynn. “One of the main themes of The Other Wes Moore is the role that support systems play in the success of a child.   In the end, we are hoping that community members are encouraged to become involved in supporting Lakewood’s youth in whatever way they can.”