ASWSUG: Cougs Get Lit-erary – The Nickel Boys
About the event
As the Civil Rights movement begins to reach the black enclave of Frenchtown in segregated Tallahassee, Elwood Curtis takes the words of Dr. Martin Luther King to heart: He is “as good as anyone.” Abandoned by his parents but kept on the straight and narrow by his grandmother, Elwood is about to enroll in the local black college. But one innocent mistake is enough to destroy the future.
Elwood is sentenced to a juvenile reformatory called the Nickel Academy, whose mission statement states that it provides “physical, intellectual, and moral training” so that the delinquent boys in its charge can become “honorable and honest men.” In reality, the Nickel Academy is a chamber of horrors where the staff terrorizes the students. Elwood befriends fellow student Turner, and together they struggle to survive in this harsh environment while holding onto their humanity and dreams of escape. Based on the real Dozier School for Boys in Florida, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a devastating exploration of abuse, resilience, and the enduring power of hope.
Ready to get lit-erary with your fellow Cougs? Join us for our February book discussion as we explore this powerful and important story during Black History Month. This month’s theme is Black History, so come prepared to share your favorite or a little-known Black history fact during our meeting. Let’s honor the past while discussing this profound tale of courage and survival.
Five FREE digital copies via Kindle for eligible students who register first (*restrictions apply). Missed the deadline this month? No worries—you’re still welcome to join with your own copy!
Deadline for FREE eBook via Kindle: January 12, 2026
*Restrictions
The free book offer is only available to students who pay Global S&A fees and are enrolled at WSU Global Campus. If you don’t meet these criteria, you’re still invited to participate, but you’ll need to obtain your own copy.
Attendance Policy: Students who have registered and received 2 free books but fail to attend either of those meetings may lose eligibility to receive free books in the future. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Registration: If you don’t secure a free book, registration remains open until the event date.
Financial Aid Disclaimer: Students receiving any prizes, gifts, cash, gift cards, etc., because of their student standing may see a placeholder put on their financial aid offer to reflect the value of materials received or reimbursement amounts. If you have concerns, you may contact Global Campus Student Financial Services at global.financialaid@wsu.edu.
Open to all WSU students, staff, and alumni.
Please click ‘RSVP’ to let us know that you plan to attend.
Non-global campus students, please add the event to your calendar. When the event occurs, simply click “Join on Zoom” to attend.
S & A fee-paying current global campus students will earn Involvement Points for attending the meeting. These points can be redeemed for WSU swag.
🎁 Get free stuff: S&A fee-paying students who attend will earn involvement points—redeemable for awesome free merch. Learn More!
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