African American Read-In
Celebrate Black History Month with a music-infused #OwnVoices read-aloud event for all ages. University of Washington Master of Library and Information Science students will read stories by African American authors and artists.
The African American Read-In is hosted by Dr. Michelle H. Martin and iSchool students and sponsored by the UW iSchool and Read-a-Rama. African American Read-In is an initiative of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Download the event poster.
Reading Rooms
After you arrive at the read-in, you'll choose from 12 themed reading rooms:
Adventure Avenue
Ages 8-12
Join two very special characters on epic adventures. Books: "Jaden Toussaint: The Greatest" by Marti Dumas, illustrated by Marie Muravski; "Bayou Magic" by Jewell Parker Rhodes, illustrated by Neil Brigham
Amazing Afros
Ages 4-8
Share in the joy of self-empowerment, style and personality. Books: "Stella's Stellar Hair" by Yesenia Moises; "Princess Hair" by Sharee Miller; "Don't Touch My Hair" by Sharee Miller
Black Boys Rock!
Ages 4-8
Celebrate Black boys and all their gifts. Books: "I Am Every Good Thing" by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James; "Benny Doesn't Like to Be Hugged" by Zetta Elliott, illustrated by Purple Wong; "I Am Perfectly Designed" by Karamo Brown, illustrated by Anoosha Syed
Black Is Beautiful
Ages 4-12
Celebrate the beauty of being Black in the world. Books: "Black is a Rainbow Color" by Angela Joy; "Magnificent Homespun Brown" by Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Kailani Juanita; "Princess Arabella at the Museum" by Mylo Freeman
City Wanderers
Ages 8 and up
Wander city streets, from Harlem's greatest bookstore to Latimer Middle School. Books: "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds; "The Book Itch" by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Cookin' Up Love
Ages 4-8
Join a feast of community and tradition told through picture books. Books: "Freedom Soup" by Tami Charles, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara; "Thank You, Omu!" by Oge Mora
Dragon Challenge
Ages 8-12
Can Jax deliver baby dragons to safety? You will find out in this tale of magic in the city. Book: "Dragons in a Bag" by Zetta Elliott, illustrated by Geneva B
Loving Mamas & Grandmas
Ages 4-8
Honor the bond between mothers, grandmothers, and the children they love. Books: "Saturday" by Oge Mora; "Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson; "Me & Mama" by Cozbi A. Cabrera
Movin' & Groovin'
Ages 4-8
Clap, snap and stomp with stories of music and dance. Books: "Dancing in the Wings" by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson; "I Got the Rhythm" by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison
Rainbow Kids
Ages 4-8
Stories of love and acceptance for kids who are different. LGBTQIA+ themes. Books: "My Rainbow" by Trinity and DeShanna Neal, illustrated by Art Twink; "My Princess Boy" by Cheryl Kilodavis; "Large Fears" by Myles E. Johnson
Young Adult Discussion
A space for Young Adult readers to discuss #OwnVoices books.
Discussion Room for Adults
A space to chat about #OwnVoices literature for adults.
Musical guests
