Winburn Middle School Finished Literacy Initiative

Students in Lexington celebrated cultural diversity through a month-long shared reading program.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of two blank open books on a wooden table, representing a shared school reading initiative. — Students at Winburn Middle School in Lexington concluded their 'One School One Book' initiative, which utilized shared reading to promote cultural inclusivity and student engagement. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe school initiatives focused on diverse reading materials help foster community understanding?

Winburn Middle School recently concluded its One School One Book initiative. The program centered on the book Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez.

Why it matters

The initiative aimed to foster inclusivity by encouraging students to move past judging others based on outward appearance or personality. It highlighted the diverse backgrounds present within the local Lexington school community.

The school student body hails from 25 different countries and collectively speaks 13 languages. This data underscores the multicultural nature of the campus population.

The players

Winburn Middle School

This educational institution is located in Lexington and serves a diverse student body within the Fayette County public school district.

Christina Diaz Gonzalez

She is the author of the book Invisible, which was selected as the centerpiece for the school's reading initiative.

The details

Students created presentations showcasing their unique cultural heritage and discussed key lessons they drew from the text. The project provided a structured environment for classmates to share their individual experiences.

The initiative concluded on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Culture Shift

This program aligns with the American Library Association's Diversity in Collection Development guidelines by centering curricula around diverse narratives. It reflects a broader movement in secondary education to use literature as a tool for teaching empathy and cultural literacy.

The initiative encourages families to engage in conversations about diversity and heritage at home. It also influences local classroom dynamics by creating a more open environment for peer-to-peer discussion.

The takeaway

Shared reading programs serve as an effective mechanism for connecting students from diverse backgrounds. Schools can adapt similar models to help students practice inclusive thinking in their daily interactions.