A creative book-tasting event transforms classroom reading into an interactive exploration complete with literary menus, community support, and sweet treats.

Third-grade students at Woodward Parkway Elementary School sampled exciting new genres during an interactive "StarBOOKS Café" book tasting hosted by teachers Ms. Devechhis and Ms. Jensen during the 2026-2027 school year. Designed to expand reading horizons, the engaging activity allowed young readers to explore text features, discover unfamiliar authors, and build enthusiasm for independent reading.

During the lesson, each table hosted a different genre of books for students to explore. Young scholars flipped through pages, discussed distinctive features of each genre, and jotted down their favorite titles and authors at every station. To "FRAP" up the activity, students wrote a personal reflection summarizing their literary discoveries. Starbucks was kind enough to donate cups, which were filled with Fairlife chocolate milk and topped with whipped cream.

Ms. Devechhis and Ms. Jensen turn independent reading into a delicious adventure.