Each year, the Friends of the San Diego Public Library inviting all fourth, eighth and tenth graders in San Diego to submit essays addressing a number of literary-based prompts. Entries are judged by a panel and could win up to a $500 grand prize. Read on for more information and download an application.

Learn more about local San Diego Hawaiian and Polynesian organizations.

Learn more about Alan Brennert, the author of Moloka'i.

Delve deeper into the book with these questions and topics for discussion.

Learn more about the themes and literary strategies used in Moloka'i.

Learn more about the setting and genre of Moloka'i.

Multiple themes are covered and discussed in "Into the Beautiful North."

This year's special One Book, One San Diego program, highlighting three books instead of one, can launch you on a reading marathon! And you won't be alone if you sign up for the 50/50 challenge, to read 50 books and watch 50 films in 2012.

Zohreh Ghahremani’s writing is dotted with poetic references and is beautifully lyrical in its style. Just like Roya’s picture window at school through which she admires the poppies, Ghahremani’s story provides us with a window through which we can view the past, both political and personal, and pay homage to those who have left imprints on our hearts and minds.

One Book, One San Diego will feature three books in the 2011-2012 season: Sky of Red Poppies by Zohreh Ghahremani, Moloka'i by Alan Brennert, and Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea.

The Gangster We Are All Looking For is the 2011 One Book, One San Diego selection. Listen to a plot summary by the author, lê thi diem thúy, given during her visit to San Diego in February 2011.

These are local Vietnamese oriented organizations in the San Diego area.

The last chapter finalizes the transition and feelings of the young narrator.

The first chapter introduces us to our anonymous narrator and the beginning of her migration.

Chapter two describes a family reuniting and the realizations of immigration.

The third chapter delves into symbolic representations during a turbulent time for the family.

Problems unfold in chapter four.

From food to film, "The Gangster We Are All Looking For" offers many connections to be made and resources to be discovered within the San Diego area.