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Kids Reading Across RI Program

Announcing KRARI 2024

The Lost Library book cover
The Lost Library (Book Cover)

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).

Author Rebecca Stead
Rebecca Stead
Author Wendy Mass
Wendy Mass

 

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.

 

2024 KRARI Kickoff Event

Join us at the RI State House on May 4th for a kickoff celebration featuring authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass and activities from local libraries and community organizations.

KRARI Kickoff 
May 4, 2024 
2:00pm - 4:00pm 
RI State House, 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 
Free entry and free parking
Each family will receive a free copy of The Lost Library to have signed by the authors. 

 

2024 KRARI Info Session and Program Guide

The Lost Library Information Session
Tuesday, March 5
4:00pm-5:00pm
Recording

The Center for the Book and the RI Office of Library and Information Services is kicking off its 2024 Kids Reading Across RI season with The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Join us for this virtual information session to learn more about the title and themes, and what the KRARI committee has planned for this year's program.This session will be recorded and will be made available for those who cannot attend live.

The session will include:

  • Overview of the Kids Reading Across Rhode Island program
  • Introduction to the 2024 selection and LibGuide
  • Requesting a book set
  • In-person kickoff event
  • Ways to get involved in KRARI in the future

Program Guide
Find all KRARI resources on the online KRARI guide at olis-ri.libguides.com/krari. Included on the guide:

  • virtual event recordings
  • discussion guide
  • book lists
  • hands-on activities
  • related web sites

Request Book Sets

Sets of the 2024 KRARI selection The Lost Library are available to schools and public libraries planning to lead a KRARI book discussion this spring and summer. Please use the appropriate form below to request a book set. Requests must be made using the appropriate form by March 11, 2024. Book sets will be delivered early April.

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 March 11 deadline, contact Kate Lentz at kate@ribook.org. Requests made after the March 11 deadline will be fulfilled based on current availability of books.

2023 Kickoff Event

Kickoff Event Passport

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

Sponsors:

Dan Santat

Kids Reading Across Rhode Island, Rhode Island's One Book, One State community read program for kids, is kicking off its 15th year! 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. The 2024 selection is The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass.

Learn about the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 programs on the KRARI LibGuide.