Contact Name: Kristen Krueger-Corrado, kcorrado@grpl.org
Type of Initiative: Inclusion/Intolerance  
Initiative Partners: Grand Rapids Public Schools

Description:

One Book, One City for Kids is an annual city-wide program presented through the award winning DigiBridge partnership between Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Grand Rapids Public Library. All 5th graders in the school system receive a copy of the selected book and have discussions and projects around it. This year's One book, One City for Kids selection is Sharon Draper's Out of My Mind. It follows twelve year old Melody, who is living with Cerebral Palsy. Melody is smart, spunky, and perceptive, but she cannot move or talk to prove it. Everyone around her assumes she isn't very smart. This book highlights frustrations, self-empowerment, and love while living with a body that won't listen. Sharon Draper spreads a positive message of acceptance and belief in yourself. This book was chosen for its diverse voice and will introduce young readers to a different life experience. Ms. Draper is a five time winner of the Corretta Scott King award and has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year. She will visit Grand Rapids in March and will speak to over 650 students over two days to discuss the book, and will give a public presentation at the Main Library on Monday, March 6 at 5pm. Students use the book as inspiration for writing projects, create art projects, and participate