Comal Reads

This year's book is Flora and Ulysses 

by Kate DiCamillo

What is Comal reads?

Comal Reads is a family literacy program in which families throughout the district read one common book during the same time period. The purpose of Comal Reads is to encourage a love of learning through reading and to cultivate a culture of literacy in our Comal ISD community. This year’s selection is Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo, a hybrid chapter book/comic book with a fun and touching story about the superhero in all of us.

What is this year’s book about?

It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, but self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, who has read every issue of the comic book Terrible Things Can Happen to You!, is the just the right person to step in and save him. What neither can predict is that Ulysses (the squirrel) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight, and misspelled poetry — and that Flora will be changed too, as she discovers the possibility of hope and the promise of a generous heart.

Sounds interesting…What do I need to do?

We aim to build a community of readers at Freiheit. Since we know that reading aloud at home is a valuable way to help your child become a better reader, families are encouraged to read a few chapters together each night from January 8th through February 2nd.

 Click HERE for the daily reading schedule and fun family activities to go along with the story.

I like it!…but why should I read with my kids at home? Especially if they can read on their own?

Research shows that reading for pleasure is linked to intellectual progress in reading, vocabulary, and math, so we want to celebrate the fun of reading a great book. Plus, reading together as a family offers an amazing opportunity for interaction, conversation, and bonding while building important lifelong  literacy skills. 

I’m ready! Where can I get my copy of Flora and Ulysses?

You can buy Flora and Ulysses online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. The paperback version is less than $10. Families will be responsible for buying their own copy of the book. It will be a wonderful addition to your home bookshelf!

If you have any questions about Comal Reads you can contact Sandra Plumb at the FES library

at 830-221-2700 or at sandra.plumb@comalisd.org