Between Shades of Gray
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Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys.
An international bestseller, which was a New York Times Notable Book; a Carnegie Medal Nominee and the winner of the Golden Kite Award. Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life--until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives. Lina finds solace in her art, documenting these events by drawing. Risking everything, she imbeds clues in her drawings of their location and secretly passes them along, hoping her drawings will make their way to her father's prison camp. But will strength, love, and hope be enough for Lina and her family to survive? This powerful tale of heartbreak and hope is sure to haunt readers long after they finish the last page. What did you think of this book? Tell us! |
Two Finalists for 2014
A panel of local individuals, including musician Mark Braun (Mr. B); radio and TV personality Lucy Ann Lance, Ann Arbor Chronicle publisher Mary Morgan, Ann Arbor City Council Member Sally Petersen and Ypsilanti Mayor Paul Schreiber, read each of these books and chose one for Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2014. Leave a comment under each or both of the titles and tell us what you think!
The two books under consideration were:
Tan Twan Eng, The Garden of Evening Mists. New York: Weinstein Books, 2012.
Ruta Sepetys, Between Shades of Gray. New York: Philomel Books, 2011.
Three Finalists for 2013
In 2013, the program will encourage readers of all ages to explore the theme of Understanding Race.
A selection committee of community leaders, librarians, students and educators in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area will meet in late-October to choose one of three books as the focus for this year.
The three books under consideration are:
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Michelle Alexander, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. New York: New Press, 2010, 2012. |
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Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York: Little Brown & Co. 2007. |
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Paul Kivel, Uprooting Racism: How White people Can Work for Social Justice, 3rd revised and expanded edition.. Gabriola Island, Canada: New Society Publishers, 2011. |
Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Social Justice
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Uprooting Racism: How White People Can work for Social Justice, 3rd revised and expanded edition, by Paul Kivel.
Uprooting Racism explores the manifestations of racism in politics, work, community, and family life. It moves beyond the definition and unlearning of racism to address the many areas of privilege for white people and suggests ways for individuals and groups to challenge the structures of racism. Uprooting Racism’s welcoming style helps readers look at how we learn racism, what effects it has on our lives, its costs and benefits to white people, and what we can do about it. In addition to updating existing chapters, the new edition of Uprooting Racism explores how entrenched racism has been revealed in the new economy, the 2000 electoral debacle, rising anti-Arab prejudice, and health care policy. Special features include exercises, questions, and suggestions to engage, challenge assumptions, and motivate the reader towards social action. What did you think of this book? Tell us! |
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie.
In his first book for young adults, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by acclaimed artist Ellen Forney, that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live. What did you think of this book? Tell us! |
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
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The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, by Michelle Alexander.
Praised by Harvard Law professor Lani Guinier as "brave and bold," this book directly challenges the notion that the election of Barack Obama signals a new era of colorblindness. With dazzling candor, legal scholar Michelle Alexander argues that "we have not ended racial caste in America; we have merely redesigned it." By targeting black men through the War on Drugs and decimating communities of color, the U.S. criminal justice system functions as a contemporary system of racial control--relegating millions to a permanent second-class status -- even as it formally adheres to the principle of colorblindness. In the words of Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, this book is a "call to action." What did you think of this book? Tell us! |
How to Participate: 2012
Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2012 is a community-wide event! How may you participate?
Hold A Discussion Group In Your Community
Organize an event or discussion related to the read.
Events may be open to the public or restricted. Examples include:
• Book clubs wishing to use the book at a private meeting or discussion
• College or high school instructors assigning the book to their class
• Local workplaces hosting discussion groups for their employees
• Coffee shops inviting customers to connect over coffee on a particular night
• Film societies presenting a film related to the topic
Learn How To Moderate a Discussion Group
All of the information that you need to moderate your own discussion group can be found on our Resources page.
Tell Us About Your Event
If you have an event related to the Read, and would like to have it listed on this site, please contact Tim Grimes, Ann Arbor District Library Community Relations and Marketing at grimest@aadl.org (734-327-4265). Please tell us the title of the event, date, time, location, sponsoring organization and contact information. Also, let us know if registration is required or if the event is on a drop-in basis.
Keep Checking this Website for Updates!
The site will change often as events are added. Please check for changes.
Resources: 2012
About the author: Daniel Tammet
Click here for copies available at the Ann Arbor District Library.
Click here for copies available at the Ypsilanti District Library.
Eastern Michigan University Library 2012 Reads Research Guide
Youth Reading List - Curated by the Ann Arbor District Library & the Ypsilanti District Library
Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Read Posters
Events at University of Michigan
University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) is also exploring the theme of language for their winter, 2012 semester. Visit their general site and click on their "events" & "exhibits" tabs and more in order to find ways to participate with UM's exploration on the theme of Language.
Sponsors: 2012
Thanks to the following organizations for their contributions to the 2012 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads:
Ann Arbor District Library
University of Michigan
Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Intermediate School District
Ypsilanti District Library
Special Thanks to the Following Individuals Who Served on 2012 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Committees:
Blue Ribbon Committee
Dr. Rose Bellanca, President, Washtenaw Community College
Laurel Champion, Executive Vice-President, AnnArbor.com
Mary Sue Coleman, President, University of Michigan
John Hieftje, Mayor, Ann Arbor
Dr. Susan Martin, President, Eastern Michigan University
Jill Morey, Director, Ypsilanti District Library
Josie Barnes Parker, Director, Ann Arbor District Library
Paul Schreiber, Mayor, Ypsilanti
Steering Committee
Donna DeButts, Community Relations Coordinator, Ypsilanti District Library
Tim Grimes, Community Relations and Marketing Manager, Ann Arbor District Library
Diane Hockett, Treasurer, Washtenaw Intermediate School District
Lori Kunkel-Coryell, Assistant Director, Ypsilanti District Library
Ira Lax, Outreach Assistant, Ann Arbor District Library
Evans Young, Assistant Dean, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan
Screening Committee
Ira Lax, Outreach Assistant, Ann Arbor District Library, Co-Chair
Sara Memmott, Librarian, Eastern Michigan University, Co-Chair
Maureen Angyan, Teacher, Ypsilanti Public Schools
Kathe Blue Hetter, Teacher, Ann Arbor Public Schools
Barbara Klaver, Teacher, Ann Arbor Public Schools
Lori Kunkel-Coryell, Assistant Director, Ypsilanti District Library
Molly Mahony, Tanner Philosophy Librarian, Department of Philosophy, University of Michigan
Judy Nagle, Author
Nicola Rooney, Nicola’s Books
Sandor Slomovits, Musician
Evans Young, Assistant Dean, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan
Selection Committee
Barbara Klaver, Teacher, Ann Arbor Public Schools, Chair
Ryan Case, Ann Arbor District Library
Nancy De Wolf, Ann Arbor
Sarah Fabian, Librarian, Eastern Michigan University Library
Karen Jordan, Director, Programming and Community Engagement, University of Michigan Library
Alyson Lobert, Ypsilanti District Library
Rhonda Walker, Teacher, Ypsilanti Public Schools
Outreach Committee
Ronnie Connors, Assistive Technology Consultant, Washtenaw Intermediate School District
Donna DeButts, Community Relations Coordinator, Ypsilanti District Library
Sharon Gambin, Kerrytown Book Festival
Amy Goodman, Executive Director, Washtenaw Literacy
Tim Grimes, Community Relations and Marketing Manager, Ann Arbor District Library
Karen Jordan, Director, Programming and Community Engagement, University of Michigan Library
Ira Lax, Outreach Assistant, Ann Arbor District Library
Molly Mahony, Philosophy Librarian, University of Michigan
Joetta Mial, Another Ann Arbor
Jean Nelson, Liaison, Washtenaw Community College
Kate Pittsley, Business Librarian, Eastern Michigan University
Nicola Rooney, Owner, Nicola’s Books
Gayle Townsend, Community Relations Manager, Barnes and Noble Bookstores
Amanda Uhle, Executive Director, 826michigan
Evans Young, Assistant Dean, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan
Events: 2012
10TH ANNUAL ANN ARBOR/YPSILANTI READS EVENT
The 10th annual Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Event will be held Thursday, January 19 in the Towsley Auditorium of the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College.
Focusing on the 2012 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads book selection "Born On A Blue Day: Inside The Mind Of An Autistic Savant" by Daniel Tammet, the evening will feature nationally-known Autism Consultant Dr. Julie Donnelly and (via Skype) Dr. Darold Treffert, one of the world’s leading experts on Autistic Savant Syndrome.The public program will occur from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
Doors will open at 6 pm to offer the opportunity to connect with community agencies and representatives who will be staffing information tables in the lobby. Many of these organizations will center on autism and local related services. There will also be time following the event to interact with these local organizations. Copies of the book will also be for sale
Dr. Darold Treffert will discuss Extraordinary Savant Syndrome highlighting recent developments in research on this remarkable condition, including acquired savants and genetic memory that hint at the hidden potential--a little Rain Man perhaps--within us all. He will also discuss and show videos from his interactions with Daniel Tammet (the author of "Born On A Blue Day") and Kim Peek (the original Rain Man).
Dr. Treffert wrote the forward for the original U.K. version of "Born On A Blue Day" and served as the consultant for the Oscar-winning film Rain Man, starring Dustin Hoffman. He has appeared on numerous television and documentary programs including 60 Minutes, Oprah, Today Show, CNN and the Discovery Channel in the U.S. and in foreign documentaries in Japan, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Korea and many other countries. He met his first savant in 1962 after developing the child-adolescent unit at Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and has been engaged in research on savant syndrome since that time. He was a technical consultant to the movie Rain Man which made ‘autistic savant’ household words.
Dr. Julie A. Donnelly will focus on A Mother’s Story: The Account Of Jean-Paul Bovee, her child who was born with classic autism in a time when the advice of medical professionals was to put the child in an institution. Julie was told that autism was “incurable by definition” and that his disability was her fault. Despite these opinions, she worked with her son in her home and, with the help of his step-father and three siblings, he progressed and attended school. His school years were difficult, but he continued to improve. People were surprised when he graduated from high school, but he went on to finish college with two master’s degrees. He later married and currently has a two-year-old son to whom he is a devoted father.
Julie, his mother, became a teacher of children with autism, then an autism consultant. She is is currently Associate Director of the Missouri state autism agency for the Dept. of Education. She has helped to initiate an online Master’s Degree in Autism Program for the University of Missouri-Columbia and teaches the autism classes in this program. Julie has taught and consulted in the public schools for over 30 years and publishes and presents nationally and internationally.
This is a key event for the 2012 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads program, which this year focuses on the theme of "Language: How We Communicate." For information on the event, call 327-4555
Click here for our Facebook page.
OTHER EVENTS
Events at University of Michigan
University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) is also exploring the theme of language for their winter, 2012 semester. Find an event to attend on campus as it ties in well to this year's Ann Arbor/Ypsi Reads theme. Search UM's LSA event calendar to find which events you'd like to attend!
Sunday, January 08, 1:00 pm-03:00 pm
Hands-On Workshop: Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Event: Comic Artists Forum With Guest Artist Rob Stenzinger For Adults And Teens (Grade 6 And Up)
Learn how to communicate YOUR ideas through innovative comic storytelling techniques in this January edition of Comic Artists Forum, featuring (via skype) guest artist Rob Stenzinger, the creator of Art Geek Zoo: The Way of Sound, a music fantasy adventure online at artgeekzoo.com, collected in print, and available as an eBook. Rob will show you how to publish your serial comic one page at a time, keep your readers interested, and have it all link together as one big story. In this interactive workshop via Skype, he will share comic storytelling techniques, the importance of the dramatic reveal, and why comics are the perfect home for your serial story. We'll even work as a group to chain together a few short comic strips into a serialized comic! Drawing supplies will be provided.
Ann Arbor District Library - 4th Floor Meeting Room
343 South Fifth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Details: call 327-8301 or visit aadl.org
Wednesday, January 11, 7 pm
Community Reads Program: Introduction to Deaf Culture and Language
Receive a general orientation to deafness, deaf culture, and communication strategies including basic survival sign language from Terri Flanagan, an interpreter with Deaf and Hearing Impaired Services, Inc.
Ypsilanti District Library,
5577 Whittaker Rd.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 482-4110 ext. 1377
Wednesday, January 11, 7:00 pm-08:30 pm
Lecture: Ann Arbor /Ypsilanti Reads Event: How To Achieve Student Success For Adults And Teens (Grade 6 And Up)
Join us for this session, presented by the UM Center For Human Adjustment, which offers tips to help middle and high school students with language-based learning disabilities, including dyslexia, improve the way they tackle reading and writing assignments, as well as organize themselves and prepare for tests. Do not miss this informative presentation by Karen Wasco, M.S., CCC-SLP.
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Details: 327-4555 or visit aadl.org
The following lecture series from The Judson Center Autism Connection of Washtenaw County has two topics that occur on alternating Thursdays with a starting date of Jan 12th and ending date of April 19th. ALL community members and interested individuals are invited to attend. You must register beforehand to attend by contacting Colleen Huysman at colleen_huysman@judsoncetner.org or calling at (734) 528-1692, ext. 23222. Space is limited.
Series 1: January 12, 7-9pm (and continues every other Thursday until April 19th)
Transition to Adulthood
This is one of two series that the Judson Center Autism Connections of Washtenaw County has started that acts as a support group for parents and caregivers of children on the Autism spectrum. The series will explore the best care and services available to individuals on the Autism spectrum. The “Transition to Adulthood” series will empower parents to meet the challenges that face adolescents on the Autism spectrum as they age into independent adults. Each session is $5 per family and childcare is provided. There is a reduced rate of $25 for all seven sessions. Remember to register (information above).
Full schedule for Transition to Adulthood Series:
January 12: ABCs to Academic Success Dr. Geri Markel
January 26: E. Explore D. Develop U. Understand C. Create A. Advocate T. Transition E. Evaluate Susan Rogers, LMSW
February 9: Adult Social and Life Skill Development Dr. Suzi Naguib, Sunfield Center
February 23: Washtenaw County Services Daryl Greenleaf
March 8: TBD
March 22: Parent Advocacy Ann Telfer
April 12: Sexuality and Relationships for Individuals on the Spectrum Susan Rogers, LMSW
Location for Series:
Judson Center Autism Connections of Washtenaw County
3840 Packard Rd. Suite 110 Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
Series 2: January 19, 7-9pm (and continues every other Thursday until April 19th)
Parenting Children on the Autism Spectrum
This is one of two series that the Judson Center Autism Connections of Washtenaw County has started that acts as support group for parents and caregivers of children on the Autism spectrum. “Parenting Children on the Autism Spectrum” will educate and guide parents of young children with ASD on how to cope with new diagnoses, establish a therapeutic plan and help children succeed in developing peer relationships and entering school on a positive note. Each session is $5 per family and childcare is provided. There is a reduced rate of $25 for all seven sessions. Remember to register (information above).
Full Schedule for Parenting Children on the Autism Spectrum Series
January 19: The 10th annual Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Event (this event will not be held at the Judson Center - it will instead be held the Towsley Auditorium of the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College at 4800 Huron River Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48105). You will not need to register for this event but will need to for the others. Details about the event are at the top of this page.
February 2: Understanding ABA Therapy Emily Besecker, M.S. BCBA, and Shannon Leveille, M.A. FLC, Judson Center
February 16: P.L.A.Y. Project Kathie Klingensmith, M.A., CCC-SLP
March 1: TBD
March 15: The Diagnosis of Autism Dr. Fiona Miller
March 29: Integrating Therapy Goals Dr. Suzi Naguib
April 19: YOGA for the family
Location for Series:
Judson Center Autism Connections of Washtenaw County
3840 Packard Rd. Suite 110 Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
Sunday, January 15, 2:00 pm-03:30 pm
Film: Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Event - Film: Brain Man: The Boy With The Incredible Brain
This year’s Read focuses on the book Born On A Blue Day: Inside The Mind Of An Autistic Savant by Daniel Tammet - a journey into one of the most fascinating minds alive today—guided by the owner himself. Gain insight into the mind of this extraordinary individual - one of the world's 100 living geniuses – when you join us for this intriguing documentary, first broadcast in Britain in 2005. The Boy With The Incredible Brain is Daniel Tammet’s breathtaking story. A twenty-something with extraordinary mental abilities, he is one of the world’s few savants. He can do calculations to 100 decimal places in his head, and learn a language in a week.This documentary follows Daniel as he travels to America to meet the scientists who are convinced he may hold the key to unlocking similar abilities in everyone. He also meets the world’s most famous savant, the man who inspired Dustin Hoffman’s character in the Oscar winning film Rain Man.
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Details: 327-4555 or visit aadl.org
Thursday, January 19, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
10th Annual Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Event At Washtenaw Community College - Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College - Morris Lawrence Building
This 10th annual event focuses on the 2012 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads book selection Born On A Blue Day: Inside The Mind Of An Autistic Savant by Daniel Tammet, and will feature nationally-known Autism Consultant Dr. Julie Donnelly and (via Skype) Dr. Darold Treffert, one of the world’s leading experts on Autistic Savant Syndrome. Arrive early (door open at 6 pm) and spend time interacting with local organizations, many of will center on autism and local related services. Copies of the book will also be for sale.
Washtenaw Community College
4800 Huron River Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Details: 327-4555 or visit aadl.org
Tuesday, January 24, 6:30 pm
Community Reads Program: The Oral Tradition in Native American Cultures
What’s the purpose of oral tradition in traditional and contemporary Native communities? Using material from noted American Indian scholar and poet Paula Gunn-Allen and others, EMU Professor Lori Burlingame will talk about the importance of oral tradition.
Ypsilanti District Library,
5577 Whittaker Rd.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 482-4110 ext. 1377
Tuesday, January 31, 7:00 pm-08:30 pm
Lecture: Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Event: Dr. Rick Solomon Discusses Autism: The Brain-Mind Connection
Find out more about autism in this informative lecture by developmental and behavioral pediatrician Rick Solomon MD. In this lecture Dr. Solomon will update participants on the most recent scientific evidence related to autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). His talk will cover the brain science and genetics of ASDs; demonstrate the diagnostic criteria with video examples; discuss possible causes for the large increase in prevalence, including the controversial relationship between ASD and immunizations/mercury; and overview the evidence for behavioral, developmental, educational and dietary/alternative interventions. His PowerPoint and a list of scientific references will be provided.
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Details: 327-4555 or visit aadl.org
Thursday, February 2, 10:30 am
Thursday Morning Book Discussion: Born On a Blue Day
Everyone is invited to join in the discussion and share your thoughts about the author Daniel Tammet, autism, genius, and more.
Ypsilanti District Library,
5577 Whittaker Rd.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 482-4110 ext. 1377
Monday, February 6, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Monday Evening Book Discussion
Join in the discussion of the book selected for Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2012 "Born On A Blue Day: Inside The Extraordinary Mind Of An Autistic Savant" by Daniel Tammet . Anyone is welcome to attend.
Traverwood Branch
3333 Traverwood Drive (at Huron Parkway)
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Details: 327-4555 or visit aadl.org
Wednesday, February 15, 7-8:30 pm
Community Reads Program: The Spectrum of Communication
People with autism often have difficult communication with others. Did you know that there’s now an app to help with that? YDL and the Autism Collaborative Center of Eastern Michigan University present a timely and topical discussion of communication issues for people with autism. Listen to moderator Dr. Sally Burton-Hoyle plus a panel of local speakers discuss these issues and how they can be addressed.
Ypsilanti District Library,
5577 Whittaker Rd.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 482-4110 ext. 1377
Wednesday, February 15, 12:10-1:00pm
Wednesday Book Discussion: Born on a Blue Day
Everyone is invited to join in the discussion and share your thoughts about the author Daniel Tammet, autism, genius, and more. Bring your lunch, refreshments provided.
Tanner Philosophy Library - UM Campus
1171 Angell Hall
435 S. State
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Monday, March 12, 7:00 pm
Monday Evening Book Discussion: Born On a Blue Day
Everyone is invited to join in the discussion and share your thoughts about the author Daniel Tammet, autism, genius, and more.
Ypsilanti District Library,
5577 Whittaker Rd.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 482-4110 ext. 1377