SAN JOSE, CA – Three books telling stories about children and teens who learn more about themselves when they learn more about their families have been selected as companion books for Silicon Valley Reads 2019. All three reflect the 2019 theme "Finding Identity In Family History."
Each year, Silicon Valley Reads identifies books for young people that will encourage families to read together and discuss how the theme is relevant to their lives. The goal is to promote reading and appreciation of literature while sparking conversations within the family about important issues. The 2019 companion books are:
- "Alma and How She Got Her Name" by Juana Martinez-Neal for grades Pre-K to 3. A little girl discovers why she has six names and how those names relate to her family history.
- "The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond" by Brenda Woods for grades 4 to 7. Biracial Violet doesn't know much about her African American heritage until she turns 11 and spends time with her paternal grandmother.
- "Picture Us In The Light" by Kelly Loy Gilbert for grades 8 and up. Silicon Valley high school student Danny Cheng discovers a box filled with old letters and files and realizes there's much more to his family's past than he ever imagined.
"The companion children's books offer a rich opportunity for shared reading and public discourse and move us toward greater understanding. Youth voice is essential to effective and respectful community wide conversations," said Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools and Silicon Valley Reads Co-chair.
The beautifully-illustrated picture book "Alma and How She Got Her Name" will be featured in story times at public libraries throughout Santa Clara County in February and March. Special events at selected FIRST 5 Santa Clara County Family Resource Centers will include distribution of free copies of the book in English and Spanish.
Authors Brenda Woods and Kelly Loy Gilbert will each visit several public schools in Santa Clara County in February and March for educational presentations about and writing careers, and they will also appear at public libraries.
The featured book selections for adults in Silicon Valley Reads 2019 are "Finding Samuel Lowe" by Paula Madison, "It's All Relative" by A.J. Jacobs and "The Stranger In My Genes" by Bill Griffeth.
Silicon Valley Reads is presented annually by the Santa Clara County Library District, Santa Clara County Office of Education and San José Public Library and reflects their commitment to the engagement of children, families, and educators in reading and discussing topics of community-wide interest. More than 100 free public activities for all ages will be offered including author talks, art exhibit, films, panel discussions, and children's activities. For more information, visit SiliconValleyReads.org.
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