HOTCHKISS ALL-SCHOOL READ 2021: FAQS ABOUT BRAIDING SWEETGRASS 1. Do I need to read this entire book? It’s long! No. This year, we will all read a selection of shared essays from Braiding Sweetgrass. You will then choose one strand of essays for further reading from within the book, each corresponding to a natural space on the Hotchkiss campus: Field (Fairfield Farm), Woods (Beeslick Brook Woods), or Water (Lake Wononscopomuc). Please refer to the reading packet that was mailed out in the Family Update (also available here) for information on reading selections. 2. I am new to Hotchkiss. How should I pick a strand of essays, given that I don’t know the campus very well yet? If you are new to Hotchkiss and/or are not familiar with Fairfield Farm, Beeslick Woods, or Lake Wononscopomuc, have a look at the reading packet (see link above) and choose a place that intrigues you! You do not need to be familiar with that space in order to choose a strand for further reading. 3. I would prefer to read this as an ebook or listen to an audiobook. Is that okay? Braiding Sweetgrass is available in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and ebook formats. You may read the book in any way you choose. 4. When should I complete my summer reading? You should complete the reading selections from Braiding Sweetgrass anytime before the start of the school year. We encourage you to get an early start so you can take your time enjoying this book as well as the book assigned to your grade level by the English department. 5. Where will book discussions take place? Will we discuss the book in class? Book discussions will take place primarily during community block and advisory, though some of your teachers may incorporate aspects of Braiding Sweetgrass into your class discussions during the opening weeks of school. .