As a teacher who lives and works in the Auburn school district, I am very interested to find ways to bring the community into the classroom and to promote understanding and appreciation of the rich diversity we have in this city. One popular way to do this is through a “community reads” program. Participants read the same book and then discuss their reactions and ideas. Many interesting perspectives can arise based upon the backgrounds of the various readers.

I was excited to attend a workshop on the CNY Reads book, “North Star Conspiracy,” written by Miriam Grace Monfredo. A historical mystery about the Underground Railroad, it is set in Seneca Falls and the Auburn area. Readers have recently discussed this book at Seymour Library and Creekside Books. I hope to facilitate several similar discussions and would like to encourage community members to take part. The idea is that participants will use the book as a common point for discussing issues that concern the community at large.

I also will be using this book with my 11th grade English students. First, we will read a few excerpts about slavery, abolition, and the rise of women's rights. In March, the Syracuse Stage will visit Auburn High School to present its Backstory program. A director-in-residence will work with students to research and design the stage for the following week's performance of “Dreamprints,” a one-woman monologue by an actress portraying Harriet Tubman. This performance connects well with “North Star Conspiracy” since Tubman is mentioned in the book and the story revolves around the Underground Railroad.

Later in the month, students will break into groups and form literature circles, choosing a book to read that focuses on aspects of multiculturalism. “North Star Conspiracy” will be among the choices. After discussing and analyzing their books, the students will research the ethnic areas and history of Auburn, including Underground Railroad sites. The Cayuga County historian, Sheila Tucker, has been very helpful with ideas about ways that students can use primary historical documents to learn more about Auburn's neighborhoods.

Finally, students will create a class booklet describing Auburn's ethnic history, including its rich African American culture.

We hope to present the booklet at an ethnic celebration after school as a bridge to get students to appreciate our city and its heritage through literature.

Often we tend to overlook the significance of this region's contributions to the development of our nation's ideals. Books like the “North Star Conspiracy” can effectively ignite an interest in Auburn's place in history while sparking discussions about such topics as societal expectations and the role of civil disobedience.

Anyone interested in joining the “North Star Conspiracy” discussion groups may contact Mrs. Rielly at Auburn High School at (315) 255-8300.

Deb Rielly is an English teacher at Auburn High School