One Book, One Community for young readers

This year’s One Book series, the fifth annual, invites readers of all ages to join the community-wide movement by reading books by award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson and participating in related programs. 

Events take place online, are free and open to all, regardless of which library you belong to. Registration is required.

Grade school

For readers as young as kindergarten, check out The Day You Begin, a picture book that explores what it feels like when you walk into a room and there’s no one there who is quite like  you. On Thursday, February 18, Vernon Area youth librarian Miss Jane leads a step-by-step art program inspired by this book. Though there’s a waiting list for the K–2 session of Mixed Media Self-Portrait, there are a few spots in the session for grades 3–5. Plus, there will be a YouTube recording of the event, which you’ll be able to watch and follow along on demand after February 19. (Bookmark the library’s YouTube channel.)

Grades K–5 are invited to the premiere of the new play "Colors of Thunder," the morning of Saturday, February 20. In this live, online performance, a routine traffic stop turns tense — and then takes an unexpected twist. Warning: may cause laughter, thinking, and for the tune 'Baby Shark' to be stuck in your head.

Junior high

On Friday, February 12, students in grades 5–6 can get in on a discussion of Brown Girl Dreaming at Tweens Read, also hosted by Cook Memorial Library. Readers in grades 6–8 can join the Junior High Book Discussion, hosted by Vernon Area, on Tuesday, February 16.

Middle school readers are also welcome at partner library Indian Trails' Book Club discussion of Brown Girl Dreaming on Tuesday, February 23.

High school

Teen readers can add their voice to a discussion of Brown Girl Dreaming at the Vernon Area Library Off the Page Book Club on Monday, February 22 or the Indian Trails Library Book Club on Tuesday, February 23. 

High school students are also encouraged to attend a live online event with author Jacqueline Woodson on Thursday, March 18, as she discusses writing and her inspiration for this year’s main One Book selection, Red at the Bone.

For more information, including parent resources, visit 1book.org.