TABC’s ninth annual Book Day, held Wednesday, March 27, revolved around the star of “Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream.” Oscar Vazquez, one of the book’s protagonists, charmed both students and faculty with his humble demeanor and philosophy of always wanting to “be better.” His emphasis on the gift of opportunity in this country and the importance of education that a person brings with him wherever he goes was inspirational.

Robotics and immigration were the main topics of the day, beginning with a keynote address by Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes, who has over 25 years experience in the immigration field and is the author of “Safe Haven in America: Battles to Open the Golden Door.” He emphasized compassion when dealing with immigrants, based on the historical experience of Jews everywhere. This was followed by workshops given by outside presenters on the legal journey from immigrant to citizen, technology and prosthetics, Mexican culture and food, innovation in Israel and the Iron Dome and even a session on making your own comic book. Of course, TABC’s own faculty presented the topic in novel ways, with Jeopardy immigration games, underwater robotics contests, discussions on Alexa, halachic perspectives on immigration and the stranger as well as sessions on group work, bullying and empathy. A lively student-led session discussed the current immigration problem from different perspectives.

Book Day was organized by Leah Moskovits and Carol Master, along with a student and faculty committee. Many participants agreed that the day was not only exciting but exceptional.