The Adventures of Newton and U Author:Matt George The 28-page, soft-cover book introduces readers to higher education and the University of Utah. — The book is dedicated to Olene Walker, who, while Governor of the Beehive State, urged adults via public service announcements to read to a child for 20 minutes a day. As Utah’s first woman governor, Walker emphasized education. During her 13 m... more »onths of service, she was fond of saying, “Students learn to read from kindergarten through third grade. After third grade, they read to learn. We need to ensure each student can read or they will not succeed.”
The Adventures of Newton & U was commissioned by the U’s College of Education. David J. Sperry, dean of the college, explains, “Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the new Olene Walker Reading and Literacy Legacy Fund, which will provide scholarship opportunities for Utah K-3 teachers to obtain a Level 1 Reading Endorsement, fulfilling one of Walker’s wishes that Utah have more teachers trained as reading specialists.”
Written by local writer Matt George, with illustrations by artist Mike Bohman, the book’s main character-Newton-is introduced to many parts of the University of Utah: Swoop, the U’s red-tailed hawk mascot; athletics; the Utah Museum of Natural History; the residence halls; the University Hospital; and the College of Education.The book was also written to appeal to adults who are passionate about the U. « less