Sages Read

About Sages Read

Hello all! So, what is Sages Read and what do we mean by one book (actually two), one community? Well, we (a bunch of teachers and librarians) thought it would be cool for our whole community to share a story. There’s a great children’s book called Wonder by RJ Palacio. We began to dream - could each student in our district read and discuss that book this fall? When we thought of our younger grades we realized that there was a perfect picture book companion to Wonder called We’re All Wonders, also by Palacio. So we began planning.

As of the writing of this note, we are full steam ahead with this project. Students in MCUSD #25 will get a copy of the picture book (PreK-2nd) or novel (3rd-8th) this fall. There will also be copies available at the high school for students who want to revisit it. The book will be read and discussed in October to coincide with National Bullying Prevention month.

The community part is evolving as well. Local businesses have stepped up to provide funding for our program. Many businesses have also requested copies of the books to have available for local members of our community to stop in and borrow. Allerton Library will also have copies available for check-out. Community events are being brainstormed, and you can find some listed on this page, but you are welcome to create your own event to. This community read can become anything you’d like it to be, it just needs you.

Through the entire month will be one message - choose kind. To understand why, you’ll need to read the book. Watch this space for more information and to join in the discussion in October. Schools will be diving into the book beginning on October 11th. Books will be flowing out into the community that week too. We can’t wait to meet Auggie and his friends & family with you.

~ The Sages Read Committee ~

Community Locations

Looking for the book? Visit any of the nearby Community Locations to borrow a copy!
When you have completed your reading, just return it to any of the participating locations.

First State Bank of Monticello

Kirby Hospital

Adam's Chiropractic

Bill Abbott, Inc.

Carle Monticello

Central Illinois Bank

CF&H Insurance

Christ Lutheran

elle be salon

Faith Lutheran

First Mid

First Presbyterian Church

Dr. Hissong, DDS

Kelly's Accounting Service, Inc.

Mike Heiniger Photography

Maple Point

McDonald's

Monarch Brewing Company

Rick Ridings Ford, Inc.

State Bank of Bement - Monticello Branch

Studio 114

St. Philomena

These Four Walls

Community Events

Would you be interested in joining one of our Community Events? See below, for an event near you.
Holding your own event(s) is another good way to spread kindness in Auggie's name!

First State Bank #ChooseKind
at Monticellobration

Sep 16, 2017; 10:30a-4:30p

Come out and create some crafts at FSB’s booth. There will be materials to make friendship bracelets or send a note of kindness through the mail.

Community Discussion
at Allerton Library

Oct 12, 2017; 7:00pm

Open discussion facilitated by Allerton on the first half of the book Wonder and/or the picture book We’re All Wonders. All community members are welcome.

Community Discussion
at Allerton Library

Oct 22, 2017; 2:00pm

Open discussion facilitated by Allerton on the first half of the book Wonder and/or the picture book We’re All Wonders. All community members are welcome.

Wonder Night
at Monarch Brewing Co.

Oct 25, 2017

Come hear some readings from the book Wonder and the picture book We’re All Wonders. More information to come on this event as it draws near.

Community Presentation
by Pete Dankelson

Nov 2, 2017

Peter Dankelson was born 10 weeks premature weighing less than three pounds. He had over 10 serious birth defects resulting in a diagnosis of Goldenhar Syndrome also known as Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral Syndrome (OAVS). Peter required a tracheostomy and feeding tube, was in NICU for almost four months, and has had 28 surgeries. He is a sophomore at Libertyville High School and enjoys playing electric guitar, gaming on Xbox, and pranking students with his fake ear.

Speaker's Website

Pete Dankelson
School Presentations

Nov 3, 2017

Because of his life experiences, Peter deeply related to the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio about a boy with a facial difference. Peter speaks with students after they read the book, comparing his real-life story it to the fictional character in Wonder. Since 2012, Peter has promoted #ChooseKIND at schools around the country and connected with over 15,000 students. He is the recipient of the 2016 Teen Advocacy Champion of Hope Award by Global Genes Alliance.

Speaker's Website

Amazing Sponsors

This experience would not be possible without the help of our amazing sponsors (listed below, in no specific order).

Monticello Area Education Foundation
Rotary
First State Bank of Monticello
Kirby Hospital
Monticello School District
Monticello Elementary PTO
Allerton Public Library
Adam's Chiropractic
AHW John Deere
Bill Abbott, Inc.
Boka Shoppe
Burgess & Cline
Carle Monticello
Central Illinois Bank
CF&H Insurance
Clay Wiggins Special Ed. Memorial Fund
Crawford Family
Delaney Family
elle be salon
Girl Scout Troop #2393
Thomas Ealy Investment Group
Erika Furcich
Filippo's

First Mid
First Presbyterian Church
God, Family, & Friends Catering
Dr. Hissong, DDS
Horace Mann - Dan Ditchfield
Jeff Clodfelter State Farm Insurance
Jennifer Johns LuLaRoe
Joy Poling
Kelly's Accounting Service, Inc.
Koester Homes
Mackey-Wright Funeral Home
Maple Point
McDonald's
Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk, & Miller, LTD
Millikin University School of Education
Monarch Brewing Company
Monical's Pizza
Rick Ridings Ford, Inc.
Sowinski Family
State Bank of Bement - Monticello Branch
Studio 114
Tatman Village and Residents
These Four Walls
Top Flight Grain

Our Experience

We love sharing our experiences with you. Below you will find a small gallery of wonderful times we have had during our Sages Read events.
If you attended an event and would like to share your photos, please send them to [email protected].

All Kids Community Locations