Our 2008 One Book - One Edinburgh reading campaign is focussing on R L Stevenson's dark and chilling tale, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde.
Following the success of the campaign last year, more than 20 organisations have come together to help us provide free books, a week of public events, and a programme of school and community events.
These pages detail our schools activity - pupils may want to check out the special student support pages, full of online games, tips to make comic books and movie clips.
The schools and community programmes began in January 2008 and the public events begin on the 21st of February, running for 10 days, so expect publicity and public attention to peak during the last two weeks in February.
The Books We have printed 10,000 free copies of the new easy read paperback for the reading campaign, which will be distributed to high schools, community groups and through libraries. Edinburgh Council high schools, independent schools, and appropriate other organisations will all recieve a free campaign book pack.
Four editions of the graphic novel (English, modern text, Scots and Gaelic) will be released on the 21st Febraury 2008, and we will be sending Edinburgh Council high schools one free reference copy, for the school library, of all versions, except the Gaelic one.
If you require more books for your pupils, schools can bulk order copies of the various editions of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde – graphic novel and paperback - at a special bulk school discount.
Because of the nature of the story, we felt it wasn't appropriate to target this book at primary school pupils, but we have alternative suggestions and activities for the younger readers who want to get involved with RL Stevenson's work.
Teacher Support Material
We have created a page full of support material and suggestions aimed at teachers. Pupils have their own pupil starting page, with entertaining activities and projects, fun links, and further reading and research suggestions.
Many teachers reported that last year's campaign really clicked with the children, and it pleased us to hear that the reluctant readers were amongst the most enthusiastic campaign participants. We'd particularly like to see these reluctant readers participate in the citywide campaign again, and have set up a special area on the site for community projects that focus on this group. It could well offer inspiration for appropriate projects for reluctant readers in schools too.
Special School Programme
Online School Galleries
This year we have set up pages to highlight reading campaign activities in the Edinburgh schools. We welcome your pictures and reports that we will include on our site. And if you need inspiration about what is possible, look no further.
Discuss Jekyll & Hyde Online
Join our message boards on Facebook and Bebo and discuss the book, see photographs and more. Current Facebook conversations include - set in Edinburgh or London?
Feedback
Feedback (good or bad) is particularly welcome. There is a two-page education section with feedback from teachers and schools in our Kidnapped Evaluation Pack.
illustrations © cam kennedy 2007, reproduced by kind permission of waverley books ltd
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