Book characters come alive at 'Living Literature Day'

A cast of characters roamed the halls and classrooms at Delaware Community School on Thursday – book characters, that is.

It was the school’s Living Literature Day, when everyone from the principal to prekindergarteners dressed as a favorite book character.

On parade were Cats in the Hat, Harry Potters (and a Draco Malfoy), Harriet Tubman, Very Greedy Bees, Hungry Caterpillars, a safari of animals and adventurers and a host of others from the pages of fiction and non-fiction books.

As is fitting for the leader of the school, Principal Ken Lein dressed as a king from “How-to Guides for Fiendish Readers: How to be a King.” Assistant Principal Amelia Gallagher, on the other hand, opted to be “Pete the Cat.” The entire first grade was a hive from “The Very Greedy Bee,” while a group of fifth-graders played the roles of the unlucky crew from “Holes.”

The costumes were as varied as the books in the school library. Check them out in a Facebook photo collection from the day. You don’t need a Facebook account to view the pictures. A window may display the text, “To see more from Albany Schools on Facebook, log in or create an account,” but you can dismiss the message by clicking “not now.”

Thursday marked the 13th year the school took part in Living Literature Day. The event is one of several at the school during its Literacy Week celebration.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and prepare all students for college and career, citizenship and life, in partnership with our diverse community. The district serves approximately 9,500 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.