Back in 8th grade, Zack Gusenoff started Page Turners, a book group at Harrington House, a group home run by The Home for Little Wanderers for children ages 8 to 13 who have experienced trauma or a disrupted family life. Zack wanted to encourage upper-elementary school kids at The Home to read and connect with peers in a structured, safe, respectful forum.
Now at Newton South HS more than three years later, he continues to select age-appropriate books with the help of a librarian, uses his money to buy the books for each club member, and moderates the group’s discussions. During the pandemic, he held these discussions remotely, but he is now back in person, bringing books that are funny and enjoyable.
At its annual fundraiser this spring, The Home for Little Wanderers presented Zack with its President’s Award recognizing distinguished service to the organization. Recipients are selected by President & CEO Lesli Suggs, LICSW, for their invaluable contribution to forwarding The Home’s mission to help children and their families build permanent, positive change. The Home for Little Wanderers is the nation’s oldest child welfare agency, serving thousands of children and families for permanent, positive change.
