AKRON — Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation has been awarded a Community Read grant of $1,000 from Indiana Humanities to participate in a statewide read of the classic novel “Frankenstein.” More than 60 other communities will be reading the book as part of a program called One State / One Story: Frankenstein.

In collaboration with Akron Carnegie Public Library and Bell Memorial Public Library, schools in the district will host at least three community programs tied to the book during 2018, including a book discussion. They will also receive 50 books and assorted collateral (bookmarks, posters, etc.) to promote the programs. The $1,000 can be used for a variety of purposes.

Written by Mary Shelley in 1818, “Frankenstein” tells the story of a young scientist who created a grotesque living creature through a scientific experiment and was horrified by what he had made.

“‘Frankenstein’ is a powerful book that raises big questions about right and wrong, how we treat other people and the relationship between science and society,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “That’s what makes it such an important book to read as a community and as a state. We want to catalyze those serious conversations, but we want Hoosiers to have a little fun with the book, too.”

Akron Carnegie Public Library will be sponsoring a presentation entitled “The Science of Frankenstein,” put on by Professor Steve at Akron Elementary School on Oct. 25. Families will hear about the story of Frankenstein, marvel at stories of scientists that influenced the author and witness the wonder of demonstrations of light, anatomy and electricity. Highlights of this event will include Professor Steve’s Jacob’s ladder, Wimshurst Static Generator and his amazing Tesla Coil.

Akron and Mentone elementary students will be reading Frankenstein twist picture books during the month of October in preparation for this event.

TVSC teachers Shelly Engle and Jane Hunn will be leading the way at the high school and middle school as they read the novel with students during the 2018-2019 school year. Book discussions will be the heart of the focus in these buildings, with an emphasis on moral and ethical responsibilities as they relate to science and life in general.

Bell Memorial Public Library will sponsor a movie event at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School on Oct. 23 for students who have read the book to join together and have fun. Book-to-movie comparisons will be shared, along with Frankenstein-themed treats and gifts for students. Community members are encouraged to stop by both public libraries to check out the classic novel and join in this reading event.

Reading Club members in all four buildings will be encouraged to read the classic or a Frankenstein twist novel during the school year. Grace Smythe, a graphic design student at TVHS, will be designing T-shirts with the theme “Frank is in the Valley.” These T-shirts are free to students who go above and beyond in their reading efforts by reading Indiana Young Hoosier or Rosie-nominated titles throughout the school year. Books purchased for the Hoosier reading program are generously donated by parent support groups at Akron and Mentone elementary schools. Funds earned through book fairs help to purchase the T-shirts.

One State / One Story: Frankenstein is an initiative designed by Indiana Humanities, in partnership with the Indiana State Library and Indiana Center for the Book, to encourage Hoosiers to read the classic novel as it turns 200 in 2018.