One Book/One College

Publish Date: Aug. 27, 2020

One Book/One College is a college-wide reading initiative that brings together the Crafton Hills campus community through the reading of a common book focused on equity and inclusion.

The One Book/One College project derives from the College’s Leading from the Middle team made up of faculty, administrators, and staff. Specifically, this team is focused on institutional reform efforts aimed at closing achievement gaps for underrepresented students. The LFM team is developing a launch plan to encourage college-wide conversation, creativity, and community with professional development activities for employees in the fall and through classroom and college activities for students in the spring.

The group received 31 nominations and selected the book Spare Parts, by Joshua Davis. This first book for Crafton was selected because it addresses issues of equity and inclusion, its relevance to the Crafton student population, and the fact that it inspires critical dialogue. It will give the participants the opportunity to test their own ideas, and has a message that can develop empathy and build a stronger community between the students and staff on campus.

The book is based on the inspiring true story of four impoverished, undocumented Latino teenagers who won the Marine Advanced Technology Education Robotics Competition at UC Santa Barbara against all odds. This book highlights the power of innovation and perseverance, the effect of supportive educators, and the impact of immigration politics for DREAMers.

The LFM team encourages our entire campus community to engage in meaningful conversations, express their thoughts, and connect with each other through One Book/One College.