PELHAM – Pelham High School’s English Department is striving to make summer reading a community activity with its Pelham Community Read initiative.

The PHS English Department is encouraging students, parents, teachers and staff and the community at large to participate in the initiative by reading the book “Big Fish” by Daniel Wallace.

The book centers on William and his father, Edward. In the book, William is trying to figure out who his father really is because throughout his life his father told countless mythical stories about his adventures.

Tonya Hatch, 10^th grade Pre-AP Literature teacher, said the goal of the initiative is to make summer reading more interesting.

Hatch said “Big Fish” was chosen for the community read because it appeals to all ages and its author is a native of Birmingham.

“As literature teachers, we love to read but we understand that a lot of people do not, especially students,” Hatch said. “We thought a community read would be more accessible and interesting to students. We’re trying to reach those who may not be as inclined to read.”

Pelham Community Read is in its first year, but Hatch said the goal is to make it an annual summer initiative.

“Just get the book and start reading,” Hatch said. “We have a website with suggested reading questions to think about as your read.”

Students and the community are asked to post pictures of themselves reading the book on social media using #PelhamCommunityRead.

Students will also complete a project inspired by the book. Students are tasked with using their own family stories to develop a narrative.

A movie night, featuring the movie “Big Fish,” will be held for students and the community at the end of the summer. Hatch said a date and time for the movie has yet to be determined.

For more information, go to Sites.google.com/a/pelhamcityschools.org/nolen/.