One City, One Month, One Book

One City, One Month, One Book

Cape Central High School announced the first Cape Girardeau: United We Read selection in 2002 with A Painted House by John Grisham. Since that time, our city-wide read has become an annual celebration of literacy not only on our campus and within our district, but throughout our greater community. Each February, a book is selected as a catalyst for a series of book talks by Cape Central faculty and students. Additionally, we have been delighted with the number of people from our greater community who have volunteered to lead discussions during what is now the concluding year of our first decade of United We Read, our One City, One Month, One Book literacy focus.

This year's selection, Crossing the Tracks, has received several literary awards including the American Library Association's William C. Morris Debut Award, ranked as a Finalist. Set during the Great Depression in western rural Missouri and in Kansas City, the book is a celebration not only of good literature but also of Missouri history and culture. Read and discussed during this, Cape Central High School's Centennial year, we anticipate that conversation will include celebrating the rich history and culture of our first 100 years.

As we have often enjoyed during selected years, this year's author, Barbara Stuber, will be a guest on our campus for a portion of our Cape Girardeau: United We Read event. We are pleased to invite the community to attend a reception honoring Mrs. Stuber, February 7, at 6:30 P.M. in the Cape Central Library. Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger will deliver a Proclamation preceding Mrs. Stuber' s book discussion, reading and book signing.

Ms. Stuber will remain on our campus February 8 to discuss her novel, speaking from 8:30-2:30 to students and community guests. Topics, in addition to a discussion of Crossing the Tracks, will include the art of writing and her current work as docent for The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.

Additional discussion are scheduled throughout the month and a listing can be obtained on our website: http://www.cape.k12.mo.us/chs/february.htm . Those interested in leading a discussion may consider contacting us for a copy of the Discussion Leaders' Guide, prepared specifically for this year's novel selection. Our guide includes suggestions for younger readers who may aspire to read and participate in discussions about the Midwest during the Great Depression era with A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder, both by previous guest and United We Read author, Newberry award winning author, Richard Peck.

For additional information or to schedule a discussion for any of the afore mentioned books, contact the Cape Central High School Library, 334-0644, during the school day (7:00-3:30).

We hope you will join us on February 7 or 8, or for another discussion during this month when Cape Girardeau celebrates literacy!

Julia Howes Jorgensen, librarian

Cape Central High School

Coordinator, Cape Girardeau United We Read