On September 24, Windward students, parents, and faculty joined together for a first of its kind event - The Big Windward Read. Built around the book Dry by New York Times bestselling authors Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman, The Big Windward Read invited the Shustermans’ to campus to join Windward community members for a unique interdisciplinary experience.
Selected last year by a committee of students and faculty members, Dry was chosen to kick off this inaugural event due in large part to its connections to current environmental concerns and the key role that Los Angeles plays in the book. Students in all grade levels read the book as part of their Summer Reading Program, the shared experience ensuring that they could talk about the book with literally any of their fellow Windward classmates. This accessibility was another reason Dry made for the perfect choice, and its widespread reading gave faculty and students the flexibility to create a number of unique and engaging lessons across campus.
Beginning with an all-school assembly featuring the Shustermans, the day then spun off into a jam-packed schedule of Dry-based opportunities. From creative writing sessions to escape rooms, film screenings to survival skills, the event brought out a wave of creative energy and excitement that carried over into every single breakout session. “It is impossible to do anything collaborative at Windward without coming away feeling excited and inspired by our faculty,” shared English Teacher Dawn Robinson. “There were so many rich and varied learning experiences that were offered in connection with this book. From an intellectual dive into the philosophy of Hobbes and Rousseau to a Dry-based Dungeons & Dragons session, there really was something for everyone.”
Culminating in a nighttime reading and discussion with Windward parents, the School’s first Big Windward Read was a resounding success. “This was only the first iteration in what we hope will become a Windward tradition,” said Emily Miner, English Teacher, “so I think there were many people who didn’t know what to expect or really have it on their radar who were delighted by the interdisciplinary learning of the day. At the same time, this only came together because there were so many students and faculty who put in countless extra hours to choose the book, design the day, and lead sessions. This first committee was invested from day one in brainstorming engaging, thought-provoking books to bring the community together and in creating a varied, creative day of learning.”
With so many rich and varied learning experiences offered in connection with Dry, it's difficult to pick a highlight. But student-driven projects, such as the well-attended discussion on environmental realities connected to the book from Dylan Westheimer ’25, Ryan Chang ’26, and advisor Gage Loveless, showcased the impact a topic can have when presented by students who care deeply about it. For Jake Williamson, English Chair, "it’s a model of the type of teaching and learning we hoped this initiative would bring about.”
Thank you to Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman for dedicating their time, and to all the students, faculty, and parents who helped to make this first event such a success!
