2008 information will be updated soon.

The following information is from 2007.

 

What are the goals of this project?
The goals of BOOKS TO BRIDGE THE REGION are to promote literacy, to create conversations among communities, and to foster critical thinking related to a theme. 

 

When will this year's initiative begin?
The initiative takes place in October 2008. Events will be posted on this site, so check back often. 

 

What is the theme? What books were selected? 
BOOKS TO BRIDGE THE REGION uses a themed approach with selections at different reading levels so that families can read together and readers of all ages can enjoy the conversations generated by these books. 

The 2007 theme was Our Choices, Our World. Selected titles were:
      ADULT: Into the Forest by Jean Hegland
      TEEN:   Never Cry Wolf  by Farley Mowat
      MIDDLE READERS: Flush by Carl Hiaasen
      PICTURE/EASY: The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

The 2008 theme is Journeys and Quests. Selection of the 2008 titles is in progress.

 

 

Why this theme? Why these books?
The books chosen for the 2007 theme, “Our Choices, Our World,” focus attention on different environmental issues and the effect our individual choices have on our world. Jean Hegland’s Into the Forest provides the opportunity to address our consumption of goods and resources and the potential effect on our future. Farley Mowat’s Never Cry Wolf broaches the idea of understanding the animals that inhabit our world, while Carl Hiaasen’s Flush opens the door to discussing pollution and efforts to stop it. Lynne Cherry’s The Great Kapok Tree:  A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest offers insight into the effect deforestation has on the animals that inhabit the rain forest. 

The theme and the books were selected in 2006 by a committee comprised of educators, librarians and booksellers. The books were selected for their subject matter, writing quality, and reading pleasure. The views of the authors are not the views of the BOOKS TO BRIDGE THE REGION committee, its funders, or participating entities. We hope participants will enjoy the books and find much to discuss with members of their families and communities.

Rationale may be found here. 

 

What events took place in 2007?

      BOOKS TO BRIDGE THE REGION conducted a signature event for each age category, including a beach clean-up at the Indiana Dunes, storytelling by Dan LeMonnier, a presentation on wolves by Gale Motter of Wolf Park, and a visit by author, Jean Hegland. Local schools, libraries, and communities are encouraged to plan related programs and events. Information, programs, resources, and lists of related reading are posted online.

 

How did BOOKS TO BRIDGE THE REGION develop?
Participants of the Post-Tribunes former One Region, One Book wanted to continue the synergy found in that four-year project, in which residents all read the same book. BOOKS TO BRIDGE THE REGION is not owned or managed by any one educational or media entity and does not intend to replace other area One Read initiatives. On the contrary, BOOKS TO BRIDGE encourages participation in all programs that foster reading.

 

How can I help?
A donation to BOOKS TO BRIDGE THE REGION allows us to purchase books, plan programs, and coordinate region-wide efforts. Our fiscal agent is Purdue University Calumet. Make checks payable to:      
    Books to Bridge the Region 
    c/o Purdue University Calumet Library
    2200 169th Street
    Hammond, IN 46323-2590

 

How can my town, library, school or organization participate?
Complete and return the Participation Response Form as soon as possible.
Send us your events.
Visit the other areas of our website for activity ideas and reading guides.
Contact BOOKS TO BRIDGE THE REGION at 219-931-5100, Ext. 310.