By Jasmina Nogo
Staff Writer
“I was surprised and shocked when I received the phone call,†said Paul Cuadros, an assistant professor at the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication, about learning that his book, A Home on the Field, was chosen as the summer reading for the incoming class of 2013. Cuadros is the first UNC faculty member whose book has been selected for the program.
As part of its Summer Reading Program, UNC asks all incoming students to read a book during the summer and participate in small group discussions once they arrive in Chapel Hill. The program serves as an academic icebreaker that’s intended to stimulate critical thinking outside of the classroom environment.
A Home on the Field explores the class and ethnic conflict that immigrants face in America through the story of a Latino high school soccer team in Siler City.
With Cuadros as their coach, the men’s soccer team at Jordan-Matthews High School climbed to a state championship despite significant social and immigration obstacles.
“I hope the book will help students become more aware of what life is like for immigrants living in the U.S.,†Cuadros said.
“He raises tough questions about what services and opportunities the state of North Carolina should make available to these immigrants,†said John McGowan, chairman of the book-selection committee.
A committee of nine students, faculty and staff began meeting last fall to select this year’s book for the program. The committee chose A Home on the Field from among 239 recommendations.
“It’s a great honor to be selected. It’s also a great honor for the journalism school,†Cuadros said. He added that the selection of his book is a testament to the school.
Cuadros is an award-winning investigative reporter who specializes in issues of race and poverty. He has been part of the UNC faculty since 2007.
He says he is currently working on another book about immigrants.