Kids Reading Across RI Program
Announcing Kids Reading Across RI 2026
The Kids Reading Across RI Committee is happy to announce that A Cup of Quiet by Nikki Grimes and Conjure Island by Eden Royce have been selected to celebrate the 17th year of KRARI. Both books share themes with the 2026 Reading Across RI selection Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez and connect to this year's Summer Reading Program theme "Plant a Seed, Read."
About the Authors
New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes is the recipient of the CSK Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, the ALAN Award for significant contributions to young adult literature, the Children's Literature Legacy Medal, and the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. The author of Coretta Scott King Award-winner Bronx Masquerade, and five Coretta Scott King Author Honors, her books include the YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults title Between the Lines; the NCTE Notable Words With Wings; the much acclaimed Garvey's Choice; One Last Word; Printz Honor and Sibert Honor Ordinary Hazards, and ALA Notable Legacy:Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance. Her picture book titles include ALA Notable Southwest Sunrise; Kirkus Best Book Bedtime for Sweet Creatures; Lullaby for the King, one of Book Riot's 25 Best Christmas Books of All Time; A Walk in the Woods a New York Times and NPR Best Book; Kamala Harris:Rooted in Justice; and A Cup of Quiet.
Eden Royce is a writer from Charleston, South Carolina now living in Southeast England. She’s a Shirley Jackson Award winner and a Bram Stoker Award finalist for her adult fiction. Her debut middle-grade novel, Root Magic, has won multiple awards for outstanding children’s literature. Her third middle-grade novel, The Creepening of Dogwood House, is a Bram Stoker Award winner, and the first horror novel to become a Walter Award Honoree in the award’s history. Find her online at edenroyce.com.
About the Books
A Cup of Quiet by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson
When the squeal of tires and thrum of Grandpa’s hammer fill the air, Grandma gets thirsty for a cup of quiet.
“That’s silly, Grandma,” her granddaughter says. “Quiet can’t fit in a cup and you can’t drink it.”
But together, they venture into the garden to collect the calming sounds of nature, and their cup grows and grows.
A bee’s buzz,
a leaf’s crackle,
a whistling wind,
a hummingbird’s whir.
By slowing down and appreciating the gentler sounds of nature, Grandma and her granddaughter step away from the hubbub of daily life and refresh. Their time together made more special by sharing a cup of quiet.
Conjure Island by Eden Royce
If you ask Delphinia Baker, she’d tell you she has all the family she needs. Sure, her mom passed away when she was young, her dad is often away on deployment, but even though Del has never had anyone she can call her people, she has always had her grandmother—and that’s enough. Besides, having no roots just makes it that much easier when you have to move again.
All of that changes, though, when Gramma falls ill and Del is sent to stay with her great-grandmother. Del has never even heard of Nana Rose, and she has no interest in spending the summer on an unbearably hot island off the South Carolina coast. And when Nana Rose starts talking about the school she runs dedicated to their family’s traditions—something called “conjure magic”—Del knows she’s in for a weird, awkward summer.
That is, until the magic turns out to be real.
Soon, Del is surrounded by teachers who call themselves witches, kids with strange abilities, creatures and ghosts who can speak to her. She has a hundred questions, but one more than any other: Why didn’t Gramma ever tell her about her family, the island, this magic? As Del sets out to find her place in a world she never knew existed, she also discovers a shadowy presence on the island—and comes to believe that it all might be connected.
2025 Kickoff Event
The 2025 Kids Reading Across Rhode Island (KRARI) program officially launched on June 14 with a kickoff event at the William Hall Library in Cranston, marking a new chapter for the statewide reading celebration. Read more about the celebration.
Announcing Kids Reading Across RI 2025
The Kids Reading Across RI Committee is happy to announce that the work of Oge Mora has been selected to celebrate the 16th year of KRARI.
This year's KRARI program will center RI author/illustrator Oge Mora and three of her books: Thank You, Omu!, Saturday, and The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read. As an artist for the nationwide Summer Reading Program "Level Up at Your Library," Oge is the perfect creator to highlight RI authors/illustrators, celebrate RI libraries, and kick off our 16th year of the KRARI program.
Schools and libraries will be able to select which title they would like for their book discussions. Oge Mora's work lends itself to conversations for all reading levels and provides opportunities for inter-generational programming. It is the committee's hope that schools and libraries will be excited to dive into both the stunning artwork as well as the text.
All resources, including discussion questions and programming ideas, can be found on the KRARI LibGuide at https://olis-ri.libguides.com/krari/2025 .
About the Author
Oge Mora is a collage artist and storyteller. Her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, was a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, and Ezra Jack Keats Book Award recipient. Her second book, Saturday won the 2020 Boston Globe—Horn Book Picture Book Award. Oge’s artwork has been applauded by The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. She is also a 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 Lister in Arts & Style.
Oge grew up in Columbus, Ohio but resides in Providence, RI. She is a fan of all things colorful, patterned, or collaged, and enjoys creating warm stories that celebrate people coming together.
" I am so excited to be this year's author for 2025 Kids Reading Across RI! When I came to RI for college I fell in love with Providence and for many years it has been my community and home. I am so incredibly honored that my books will be shared with children all across our beautiful state." - Oge Mora
About the Books
Thank You, Omu!
Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?
Saturday
A mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong--ruining storytime, salon time, picnic time, and the puppet show they'd been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown...until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing of all.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read
In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.
Request a Book Set
Copies of the 2025 KRARI books Thank You, Omu!, Saturday, or The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read by Oge Mora are available to public and school libraries interested in hosting a Kids Reading Across RI book discussion or activity. Please select one title as we cannot offer sets of mixed titles. Requests must be made using the appropriate form by April 14, 2025. Book sets will be delivered in May.
Questions about book distribution may be addressed to:
Danielle Margarida
Youth Services Coordinator, RI Office of Library and Information Services
danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov
For requests after the April 14 deadline contact Kate Lentz at kate@ribook.org. Requests made after the April 14 deadline will be fulfilled based on current availability of books.
- School book set requests: https://olis-ri.libwizard.com/f/krari2025school
- Public library book set requests: https://olis-ri.libwizard.com/f/krari2025public
2025 Kickoff
Join us on June 14th at the William Hall Library for a kickoff celebration featuring author/illustrator Oge Mora and activities from local libraries and community organizations.
KRARI Kickoff
June 14th, 2024
2:00pm - 4:00pm
William Hall Library, 1825 Broad St, Cranston, RI
Free entry and free parking
Each family will receive a free copy of Oge Mora book of their choice to have signed by the author.
2024 Kickoff Event
On May 4th, the Rhode Island State House was abuzz with excitement as families, authors, and community organizations gathered to kick off the 15th year of Kids Reading Across Rhode Island, the state's beloved community read program for kids. With authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass headlining the event and a plethora of engaging activities hosted by local libraries and organizations, the kickoff celebration was a resounding success.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the presence of acclaimed authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, whose latest collaboration, The Lost Library, serves as the 2024 selection for Kids Reading Across Rhode Island. Their book, filled with mystery, friendship, and the transformative power of storytelling, promises to captivate young readers across the state.
As attendees explored the State House, they were greeted by activity tables hosted by various organizations, offering crafts and information about summer opportunities. From the North Providence Union Free Library to the Rhode Island Festival of Children's Books and Authors, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The kickoff event also saw a special welcome from Governor McKee and Mrs. McKee, who greeted attendees in the State Library. State Librarian and Honorary Chair Meg Hamlin-Black set the tone for the day with a heartfelt speech, highlighting the importance of reading and the shared experience of delving into a good book.
Moreover, the event served as a reminder of Rhode Island's rich history, coinciding with Rhode Island Independence Day. Attendees were greeted by the newly-refurbished Independent Man statue, symbolizing the state's spirit of independence and resilience.
A heartfelt thank you was extended to the KRARI committee for their dedication and hard work in organizing the event, ensuring its success. Their efforts, alongside the support of various community partners, contributed to making the kickoff celebration a memorable experience for all.
As the festivities came to a close, attendees left with not only excitement for the adventures awaiting them within the pages of The Lost Library but also a renewed appreciation for the power of reading to bring communities together. With the promise of engaging discussions and activities throughout the spring and summer, Kids Reading Across Rhode Island continues to inspire young minds and foster a love of reading across the state.
The Kids Reading Across RI Committee
Andrea Hutnak
Brandi Fong
Babs Wells
Diane Walsh
John Hanks
Lisa Lesinski
Lynda LaCava
Patrick Tierney
Olivia McCullough
Honorary member Anne McLaughlin
Participating Libraries and Organizations
Barrington Public Library
CollegeBound Saver
East Providence Public Library
North Providence Union Free Library
Rhode Island PBS
RI Children's Book Award
RI Department of Environmental Management
RI Festival of Children's Books and Authors
RI Latino Books Award
Rocky Hill Country Day School
Rogers Free Library
We Are All Readers
2024 Sponsors
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Office of Library & Information Services
Rhode Island Center for the Book
The Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust
Ocean State Charities Trust
TD Charitable Foundation
American Association of University Women
The Pell Center at Salve Regina University
Rhode Island Library Association
Rhode Island PBS
School Librarians of Rhode Island
Barrington Books
Books on the Square
Charter Books
Curiosity & Co.
Ink Fish Books
The Lost Library
When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.
Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.
Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It’s about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you).
Meet the Authors
Rebecca Stead is the New York Times bestselling author of When You Reach Me, Liar & Spy, First Light, Goodbye Stranger, Bob, and, most recently, The List of Things That Will Not Change. Her books have been awarded the Newbery Medal, the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for Fiction and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. Rebecca lives in New York City, where she is always on the lookout for her next story idea.
Wendy Mass is the New York Times bestselling author of The Candymakers series, Bob, and many other novels for young readers, including the Schneider Family Book Award-winner A Mango-Shaped Space, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life (which was made into a feature film), Every Soul a Star, Pi in the Sky, the Twice Upon a Time series, and the Willow Falls series that began with 11 Birthdays. She and her family live in New Jersey.
2023 Kickoff Event
The kickoff event for Kids Reading Across Rhode Island 2023 held at the State House on May 13th was a great success, attracting a crowd of more than 125 enthusiastic attendees. The event revolved around award winning-author, Dan Santat, and his graphic novel, The Aquanaut.
The festivities were a true collaboration, with 19 public libraries and organizations hosting activity tables that brimmed with excitement and learning opportunities. Adding to the magical ambiance, the Jr. Tones from the East End Theatre & Performing Arts group performed their original song, "Have You Read This Book?"
Dan Santat himself graced the event, delighting attendees with his insights into the inspiration and creative process behind The Aquanaut. Families had the chance to meet the author and have their books signed, while he was presented with a formal recognition from Lt. Governor Sabina Matos for his invaluable contribution to the Kids Reading Across Rhode Island program.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the participants who made this event a resounding success. Special thanks to the Barrington Public Library, the Community Libraries of Providence, the East Providence Public Library, the Middletown Public Library, the North Providence Union Free Library, the Rogers Free Library, the Warwick Public Library, the RI Children's Book Award committee, the RI Latino Books Award committee, and the RI Middle School Book Award committee. We are also grateful for the support of our partners at Rhode Island PBS, Big Nazo, ScubaTrainors, East End Theatre & Performing Arts, and CollegeBound Saver.
We would like to express our deep gratitude to the hardworking KRARI committee members, including Andrea Hutnak, Babs Wells, Brandi Fong, Diane Walsh, Lisa Lesinski, Lynda LaCava, Mel Fricchione, Patrick Tierney, and honorary committee member Anne McLaughlin, for their exceptional coordination in bringing back this in-person event.
If you are interested in joining the KRARI committee to select the 2024 book and plan related activities, please reach out to Danielle Margarida at danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov. Your involvement can help shape the future of this remarkable program that celebrates the joy of reading among children across Rhode Island.
Major Support for Kids Reading Across Rhode Island 2023
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
- Office of Library & Information Services
- Rhode Island Center for the Book
- The Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust
- TD Charitable Foundation
Sponsors:
- The Pell Center at Salve Regina University
- Rhode Island Library Association
- Rhode Island PBS
- School Librarians of Rhode Island
- Barrington Books
- Books on the Square
- Charter Books
- Ink Fish Books
- Savoy Bookshop & Cafe
Kids Reading Across Rhode Island is Rhode Island's One Book, One State community read program for kids. This program, offered by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services in partnership with the Rhode Island Center for the Book, encourages students across the state in grades 4 through 6 to read the same book, and engage in community discussions and programs.
Learn about current and past programs on the KRARI LibGuide.