FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 28, 2024
James McBride’s runaway New York Times bestseller
“The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store”
headlines Tacoma Reads 2024
Tacoma Reads is a partnership of the City of Tacoma Mayor’s Office and Tacoma Public Library
2024 Partners: UW Tacoma Library, Parable, King’s Books
TACOMA, WASH—Tacoma Reads is a local community reading program that invites the community to through reading and inviting all ages to attend engaging and inspiring programs and events.
In partnership with Tacoma Public Library (TPL), City of Tacoma Mayor Woodards recently announced the selected theme and titles for Tacoma Reads 2024. The theme of 2024’s program is “Rhythms of Resilience” and the main title is the National Book Award-award winning novel “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride.
“I am thrilled to announce James McBride's 'The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store' as our community read selection which embodies our theme of 'Rhythms of Resilience.' McBride's masterful storytelling navigates the intricacies of resilience in the face of adversity, weaving a tapestry of hope and strength through the lives of his characters,” said Mayor Victoria Woodards.
“As a part of Tacoma Reads, I am delighted to host James for a conversation at the University of Washington Tacoma this fall to dive deeper into our theme and his book, guided by McBride's insights and reflections on his work,” Woodards continued.
Along with “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store,” two other books were selected for young adults and children and families.
“Harbor Me” by Jacqueline Woodson is the 2024 Tacoma Reads selection for young adult readers.
The book is about a safe space created when six middle school students participate in a weekly talk with no adults allowed. Author Jacqueline Woodson is a four-time Newbery Honor winner, a four-time National Book Award finalist, and a two-time Coretta Scott King Award winner. Her picture book “The Day You Begin” was a Tacoma Reads selection in 2020.
“Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long, is the 2024 Tacoma Reads for families and children. Poet and activist Amanda Gorman became the first Youth Poet Laureate while studying at Harvard. She is best known for reading her poem “The Hill” at the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden and was also the first poet to perform at a Super Bowl, both in 2020.
“This year’s Tacoma Reads theme ‘Rhythms of Resilience’ was chosen by Mayor Woodards as a nod to Gorman’s book which is a lyrical poem featuring illustrations of music and instruments, as well as in homage to James McBride’s career as a musician. We also hope to showcase Tacoma’s rich musical landscape as part of Tacoma Reads programs in fall 2024,” said TPL Deputy Director Amita Lonial.
The main event with author James McBride in conversation with Mayor Woodards is slated for Friday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. at University of Washington Tacoma. More events and details will be announced at tacomalibrary.org/tacomareads.
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Tacoma Public Library's mission is to empower its community by bringing people together to discover, connect, create, learn, and thrive. Learn more at tacomalibrary.org.
