Author Patmeena Sabit answered questions about her novel, “Good People.” (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

Readers gathered at Beverly Hills High School on Aug. 23 for Beverly Hills Reads, an annual program bringing students, educators, families and community members together through literature and discussion.

Held at the Salter Family Theatre, this year’s program featured author Patmeena Sabit and her debut novel, “Good People.” Former Beverly Hills High School teacher Julie Goler moderated a conversation with Sabit about the novel and its exploration of family, identity, belonging and relationships.

“Beverly Hills Reads celebrates the joy of reading while creating a meaningful opportunity for our students, families, educators and community members to share ideas and conversations around a great book,” Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education President Judy Manouchehri said.

The Beverly Hills Education Foundation, city of Beverly Hills Health and Human Relations Commission and BHUSD supported the program.

The event continued on Aug. 24 with a separate program for Beverly Hills High School students, who had an opportunity to speak with Sabit about her work.

Beverly Hills Education Foundation Board President Hayden Adams said he was particularly impressed by students’ participation in the discussion.

“Beverly Hills Reads was a tremendous success and a great example of BHEF’s mission in action.” Adams said. “We exist to create extraordinary educational opportunities, and bringing an acclaimed novelist to BHHS to engage directly with our students certainly hit the mark. I was delighted to see so many students participate and especially impressed by the thoughtful questions and insights they brought to the discussion.”

For information, visit bhusd.org.