Students step into a big, tiny world with One Book Blitz

Students step into a big, tiny world with One Book Blitz 

Daily Times 

By Shanon Adame 

2/4/26 

Students across Blount County are going to enter into the big, tiny world of “The Borrowers” through One Book Blitz. 

Published in 1953, The Borrowers tells the story of Pod, Arrietty, and Homily, three tiny people who live under the floorboards in an old English house and “borrow” items from the household. 

One Book Blitz is an annual community-wide initiative, led by Alcoa City Schools, Blount County Schools and Maryville City Schools. Each February, K-5 students in all three school districts receive a free copy of that year’s book, as well as a calendar to follow along. Everyone reads at the same pace, and many schools organize themed activities surrounding the book. 

The big reveal was initially scheduled for Monday, but snowy weather put a hold on the celebration, as all three school districts in Blount County closed for inclement weather. 

But Tuesday morning, some schools were ready to celebrate, and at Foothills Elementary, kindergarten through third-grade students gathered in the gymnasium to see what this year’s book would be. 

Principal Kristin Bosco and Assistant Principal Rob Hensley greeted the children while dressed in costumes, with buttons and patchwork patterns. 

To the side, the gym’s stage was decorated to match a scene from the book, complete with an oversized teddy bear and a ladder made of matches. 

“Does this look like a normal teddy bear, compared to me?” Bosco asked the children, who answered in unison, “No!” 

Bosco asked the children to turn to each other to guess what the book would be, and excited chatter took over the room. 

After watching a short video that revealed “The Borrowers” as this year’s book, a special guest came to visit the students. Greeted by loud cheers, waves, and applause, the Chick-fil-A cow and owner Frankie Turner stopped by to join in the festivities. 

Turner, who owns both the West Broadway and Hunter’s Crossing locations of Chick-fil-A, said he has been working with OBB since 2012. That morning, Turner presented a check for $57,257.50 that will allow 9,250 students across the county to have a free kids’ meal. 

“Eat more chicken,” the students cheered. 

The kickoff culminated with Bosco reading chapter one to the students, before they were released to their classes. 

From Feb. 4 to Feb. 14, local businesses will also get in on the OBB fun by hosting students for a scavenger hunt. Students will visit participating businesses to look for “borrower” items and get a stamp on their scavenger hunt card.