Virtual Book Talk on Five Days: The Fiery Reckoning of an American City by Wes Moore and Erica L. Green


April 25, 2021

Through the Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Programs, B.E.S.T. had the wonderful opportunity to send each upper school student a copy of Wes Moore and Erica L. Green’s Five Days: The Fiery Reckoning of an American City. This book was selected for many reasons: it is authored by acclaimed author Wes Moore and renowned journalist Erica Green, upper school students lived through the history being shared in the book, and it allows readers to consider many differing perspectives, which is an essential component of leadership. Since this book lends itself to a very timely and meaningful conversation, we hosted a virtual book talk that was led by current B.E.S.T. parent and English teacher at St. Paul’s School, Ms. LaShanda Lawrence. The conversation centered on the importance of considering more than one narrative and perspective and how to make connections to the stories we read and hear to ourselves. Ms. Lawrence also shared resources for further learning and engagement, including several recommendations for books, films, and websites. During the discussion, students and family members described the book as “captivating,” “inspiring,” “enlightening,” “informative,” and that it allowed them to feel they were “re-living” certain experiences. We are grateful to Ms. Lawrence for leading the thought-provoking leadership book talk as well as the students and family members who were able to join us for such a thoughtful discussion.