NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Amazing things happen when community members of all ages share insights they have gained from reading. Across the country, shared reading campaigns such as “One City, One Book,” or the NEA-funded “Big Read, have proven track records in bringing together diverse populations, encouraging dialogue and fostering literacy. Building on the success of such campaigns orchestrated by the New Rochelle Public Library and the City School District, New Rochelle’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) is initiating “New Rochelle: All on the Same Page.” The entire community is invited to join in the citywide literary project, which will feature three seasonal Community Read programs based on relevant themes. Residents of all ages will have the opportunity to read, enjoy and discuss selected books at the same time. The first theme, “Own Your Greatness,” will be explored in these titles geared for four reading levels:
· The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace: A Brilliant Young Man Who Left Newark for the Ivy League, by Jeff Hobbs (suitable for high school and adults);
· X: A Novel, by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon, (suitable for middle school and older students/adults);
· Trombone Shorty, by Troy Andrews (suitable for grades 3 to 5);
· Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Pena (suitable for grades Pre-K to 2).
On Saturday, May 13, from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon, the authors of two of the inaugural books will inspire readers in a kick-off event in the Ossie Davis Theater of the New Rochelle Public Library. Jeff Hobbs, author of The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace: A Brilliant Young Man Who Left Newark for the Ivy League, and Ilyasah Shabazz, co-author of X: A Novel, will discuss their extraordinary books and how they relate to the first “New Rochelle: All on the Same Page” Community Read theme of “Own Your Greatness.” Following a Q&A session and dialogue with the audience, Mr. Hobbs and Ms. Shabazz will sign copies of their books, which will be available for purchase at discounted prices.
“New Rochelle: On the Same Page Kick-off
This free program will take place in the Ossie Davis Theater. Copies of all the “New Rochelle: All on the Same Page” books may be borrowed with a library card.
