African American Read-In (A Sit-In of Sorts)

Doret of theHappyNappyBookseller had the brillant idea that we book bloggers should do something in honor of the African-American Read-In. What is the African American Read In you ask? Well I had no idea either until Doret shared a link with me.

From the NCTE website

"Schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations, and interested citizens are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting and coordinating Read-Ins in their communities. Hosting a Read-In can be as simple as bringing together friends to share a book, or as elaborate as arranging public readings and media presentations that feature professional African American writers."

We are a book blogging community and so we should do something. Doret suggested we hold a discussion about a book. Doret, Edi and I have selected 6 YA titles by African American authors about African American teens. We tried to feature male and female authors, weird, sad and happy stories.

We would like YOU to vote on which title you want to READ and then DISCUSS.

The titles:


Yummy by G. Neri

A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott

When the Black Girl Sings by Bill Wright

Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

Tyrell by Coe Booth

So hopefully this poll will work but if it doesn't and I'm MIA, please leave your vote in the comment (title). Voting closes on Friday, Jan. 21


The discussion will take place sometime in late February. Please also let us know what day would work best for you.

The options

February 18
Februay 19
February 25
February 26

Finally, how should we hold this discussion? I have no idea how to set up a LiveChat but that could be kind of fun. Or we could just post some questions and have people respond in the comments (although Blogger's comment system is sort of annoying). The discussion will be hosted here at my blog.

Feel free to comment or email me, Doret or Edi with any questions.

And please, we want to get as much participation as possible. Obviously, you don't have to be Black to participate and who knows, you may discover a new favorite book (or really really good one). All of these books will make for an excellent discussion and we would love to see you enter the conversation. It's one of the best ways I can think of to honor and uphold Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s memory (who I firmly believe is one of the greatest men in the history of the world). After all, wouldn't he have wanted people to read all kinds of books in genres they enjoy, regardless of race? And perhaps, even make sure that they at least TRY reading a few books about African Americans in new genres or old favorites?

Which book should we discuss for the African American Read-In?

• Tyrell by Coe Both
• Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
• Jumped by Rita Williams Garcia
• Yummy by G. Neri
• A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott
• When the Black Girl Sings by Bil Wright

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