Announcing the 2019 One Book, One Philadelphia Selection: "Sing, Unburied, Sing" by Jesmyn Ward

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Free Library of Philadelphia and the Mayor's Office today announced the novel Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward—a staggering road-trip tale of loss and survival—as the 2019 One Book, One Philadelphia featured reading selection. Now marking its 17th season, this acclaimed literacy and civic-dialogue initiative encourages the Philadelphia region to come together through reading and discussing the same book.

From January 16 through March 13, 2019, One Book, One Philadelphia's innovative programs will include more than 100 events inspired by the featured selection, including discussions, film screenings, musical performances, and more—at Free Library locations and other destinations. One Book will partner with arts organizations, nonprofits, and universities to present programs that will kick off on January 16, 2018, with a special author event featuring Ward.

Ward is the first woman and first African American author to receive two National Book Awards. Men We Reaped—Ward's memoir about the loss of five young men in her life—is the 2019 One Book adult companion title. Young readers will join the conversation with youth companion titles Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes and Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña.

Free Library President and Director Siobhan A. Reardon said: "In this unprecedented and unique novel Jesmyn Ward employs a transfixing sense of the supernatural to tell a powerful true-to-life tale. While set in the rural South and recent past, its concerns and messages resonate with every facet of contemporary America. We are delighted to shine a light on and share Sing, Unburied, Sing to bring the city together, raise awareness of our society's challenges and promise, and foster a love of reading and learning in people of all ages and walks of life."

The 2019 One Book program is endowed by The Joseph and Marie Field Fund and sponsored by The Field Foundation. Media sponsors include WHYY, WURD, and Harmelin Media. Sponsors also include the Lenfest Foundation, PECO, and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.

Along with curriculum materials, One Book will distribute thousands of copies of Sing, Unburied, Sing and Ghost Boys to middle and high school students throughout the Philadelphia School District. All Free Library locations will have copies of the featured and companion selections for customers to borrow.

Contact:
Kaitlyn Foti
[email protected]

SOURCE The Free Library of Philadelphia

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