Leslie Lawner and Melissa Jones Witt school: Sidney Gutierrez Middle School, New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, NM

In the fall of 2008, several hundred copies of Elie Wiesel’s Night were distributed to Roswell schools, community groups, and individuals to allow the community to read the book together, as part of “Roswell Reads,” a community literacy event conducted by the High Plains Writing Project. Five events held over several weeks helped readers understand the Holocaust and Wiesel’s book, which was kicked-off with an evening about Jewish history and culture; was followed by a presentation by Holocaust survivor Werner Gellert, founder of the Albuquerque Holocaust and Tolerance Museum; and culminated with presentations on Night showcasing student writing.