LYNN — Popular young adult author Laurie Faria Stolarz already has fans at English High School and, thanks to a collaboration with Salem State University, her book, “Jane Anonymous,” is in their hands.
Salem State arranged to buy and distribute 100 copies of the book and students found the novel in the remote learning packets sent to their homes last week.
Diane Lynch, the high school’s English Learning department head, said Stolarz’ story about a girl reassembling her life following her kidnapping were distributed to students with varied reading skills, including early college readiness program participants and English language students.
“Our English as a Second Language population has grown more than 500 percent in the last 10 years,” Lynch said.
Lynch said Stolarz’ book will be the centerpiece of an online discussion students will be able to take part in by the end of the month. A Salem native, Stolarz forged a relationship with the Lynn school five years ago when students read her “Blue is for Nightmares” series and she came to the school to speak with them.
Stolarz, a Marblehead resident, said English High students identified with her when she recounted her struggles as a student.
“I talked to them about perseverance and moving forward,” she said.
She has spoken to English students several times since her initial visit to the school and always looks forward to meeting them.
“I love to connect with my readers. I like teenagers and their energy; it’s important to listen to them,” she said.
English High School has a strong relationship with Salem State through the dual enrollment program, enabling students to take courses co-taught by high school and college teachers. Juniors took a co-taught English class during the 2019-2020 school year.
Salem State Dean of Arts and Sciences Gail Gasparich said dual enrollment is in the final review stages to receive formal designation from the state.
She said the university’s decision to help distribute Solarz’ book fits in with the dual enrollment program’s college enrichment goals and Salem State’s commitment to English language learning initiatives.
“The students are great and (Lynn School Superintendent) Dr. Patrick Tutwiler has been a huge help,” Gasparich said.
