One Book, One San Diego announced the selections for the 2018 region-wide read: March: Book One, a graphic memoir by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell; and Blue Sky, White Stars, a picture book written by Sarvinder Naberhaus and illustrated by New York Times bestselling and Caldecott-honor winning artist Kadir Nelson.
Each year, One Book, One San Diego and its partners feature one book for adults, one for teens, one for children and one for Spanish speakers. This year, One Book, One San Diego received over 500 nominations and chose one book - March: Book One - for three of the categories - adults, teens and Spanish-speakers. Blue Sky, White Stars is the children’s selection.
The first in a series of three, March: Book One, is a vivid first-hand account of the early life of the Civil Rights icon, John Lewis, including meeting Martin Luther King, Jr. and the birth of the Nashville Student Movement. The highly acclaimed graphic novel is appropriate for all readers 12 and up, and is available in Spanish.
“I am deeply honored that One Book One San Diego has selected March, which has been a labor of love for me for more than a decade,” says co-creator Andrew Aydin. “This is proof that sequential narratives are the language of the future, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see the work received in this way. Teaching non-violent civil disobedience in the classroom is an important step toward making sure that young people today understand their own power and the important legacy of the civil rights movement.”
“Helping bring new life to John Lewis' experiences in the civil rights movement has been the honor of my life, and I'm inspired to see this history, this roadmap to change, embraced by San Diego. I look forward to the community's discussions, questions, and hope our work may help inspire further engagement and action," says award-winning illustrator Nate Powell.
Blue Sky, White Stars is a common read for kids and families. Deceptively simple verses pair with richly evocative images of American history, landscape, and people. It tells the story of the parallels between the United States and its flag with an emphasis on America’s diversity.
More than 100 related lectures, exhibits, workshops, discussions, and film screenings will be held throughout San Diego County and Northern Baja throughout the fall. These events are held in partnership with 80 public libraries, service organizations and educational institutions.
On September 21, One Book, One San Diego will host a free event featuring Congressman Lewis, Aydin and Powell at the Civic Theatre. This event is sold out, with an anticipated attendance of 2,000 people.
On December 8, Naberhaus and Nelson will participate in a family-friendly, free event at the Imperial Beach Library. Throughout the fall, libraries, schools and others will host storytimes, crafts and book giveaways, and the San Diego History Center will exhibit the original artwork from the book.
Find details about all events at www.kpbs.org/onebook.
