Naperville READS explores truth in works by nine authors for young readers

The Naperville READS program for 2015 will celebrate the works of nine authors for young readers.

The communitywide reading initiative will feature the authors coming en masse to Naperville in February in conjunction with the popular literary program. This year's theme is: "Let the Truth Be Told," and presentations and other activities tied to the citywide program will explore that general concept.

In addition, events will provide opportunities for thousands of young readers to share their reading experiences and enhance their understanding of the featured books. The whole idea of Naperville READS is to celebrate a community united in the joys of reading.

Naperville READS 2015 will celebrate the authors Sarah Albee ("Why'd They Wear That?"); Lynda Blackmon Lowrey, Susan Buckley, and Elspeth Leacock ("Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the Selma Voting Rights March"); James Swanson ("The President Has Been Shot!: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy"); William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer ("The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Readers Edition"), Paige Rawl ("Positive"); and Sally Walker ("Ghost Walls: The Story of a 17th Century Colonial Homestead").

Schools are involved as well, all in an effort to promote reading and shared enjoyment of books. All seventh- and eighth-grade students in both Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204 will be taking part in these targeted events. Classes will be matched with a particular author and assigned to that author's team.

In addition, a free event is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth Ave., on the Naperville campus of North Central College. Community members will get an opportunity to see the authors and hear more about their books and their passion for children's literature.

As the date approaches, participants may keep up to date on Naperville READS events via the program's website: napervillereads.org.

Naperville READS 2015 is a partnership between Jumping Off the Page, Anderson'sBookshop, Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204.

The goals of Naperville READS include promoting the pleasures of reading, engaging a wide age-range of readers, appealing across genders and a variety of reading tastes and promoting reading as a family and community activity. Previous authors have included Gary Paulsen, Pete Hamill, Jerry Spinelli, Kevin Henkes, Tracy Chevalier, Yann Martel, Katherine Hannigan, Kate DiCamillo, Joseph Bruchac, Greg Mortenson, Lisa See, Brian Selznick and Daniel Pink.

To learn more, visit Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville; call (630) 355-2665 or visit andersonsbookshop.com.