The Meadowbrook School is excited for another year of its “Meadowbrook Reads” event. Meadowbrook Reads is in its 7 th year at The Meadowbrook School, and this year’s One School, One Book selection is Waddle I Do Without You? by Michelle Schusterman. Entirely set in Australia, the story follows a rare colony of fairy penguins who are aided by a dog, Max, when
their colony faces danger.

Each year, a book, usually around the fourth-grade reading level, is chosen for the event. It is always a highlight for students when the book is revealed. The day not only allows for students to enjoy the new book, but it also gives teachers an opportunity for individual reading testing, which can be completed in one day. This allows teachers to assess the reading level of each student so that The Meadowbrook School can offer enrichment or support where it is needed.

On the first day of the Meadowbrook Reads event, students in First to Sixth grades enjoyed reading the first chapters of the book and also delighted in themed activities that bring life to literature. In science class, students went on an animal scavenger hunt, learning and identifying native Australian wildlife from the book. In art class, students learned about Aboriginal art, and created their own masterpieces, which a fourth-grade student noted was his favorite part of the day. There was a station on penguin basics, and one on the 18 different types of penguins. Students in music class listened to Australian didgeridoo music to Kylie Minogue, and in Spanish class, read about penguins and practiced words for colors on a coded picture.

Over the next month, students will read the book at the same time and have the opportunity to answer trivia questions in the lobby each morning in order to earn rewards. One student said that he “loves trivia each morning and reading the book with his brother.”

If you would like to learn more about The Meadowbrook School, there is an Open House and Fall Festival, open to the community, on October 17th, 2026. The Open House will take place from 10am-12pm, and allow for families to tour campus, meet faculty members, and see all that this private elementary school has to offer. Afterward, you are invited to enjoy the annual Fall Festival, taking place right on campus from 11am to 2pm. The Meadowbrook School is for students aged 3 to Sixth Grade, and is located in Abington.