African American Read-In
18th Read-In Set for February 15
For the 18th year, the UNI African American Read-In is part of National African American Read-In activities planned nationwide during Black History Month. Planning is underway for this virtual event planned for Feb. 15, 2024, with Iowa first graders. This year's event follows the theme "African Americans and the Arts."
Schools from across Iowa are invited to participate. Questions? Contact Amy Curley at coe-events@uni.edu.
The 2023 read-in drew a record registration of more than 3,000 students, though final attendance was closer to 2,200 after a winter storm led to cancellations from more than 80 classrooms.
The Day's Schedule
Thursday, February 15, 2024
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. OR 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (Schools will pick one)
- Readings and activity with Michelle Martin
- Magic show with Leigh Zeitz
Draw-along with illustrator R. Gregory Christie
Guest Presenters
Michelle Martin
Michelle H. Martin, PhD, is the Beverly Cleary Endowed Professor in Children and Youth Services in the Information School at the University of Washington. She previously was the inaugural Augusta Baker Endowed Chair in Childhood Literacy at the University of South Carolina. She teaches children’s and young adult literature and youth services courses. She is also a co-founder of the non-profit Camp Read-a-Rama, which uses children’s books as the springboard for year-round and summer camp literacy immersion programming. Martin publishes widely on issues of diversity in children’s literature and reviews dozens of children's books annually.
R. Gregory Christie
R. Gregory Christie, an award-winning children's book illustrator and lecturer, has a long track record of creating inspiring art. He's garnered many honors, including selection as a Caldecott Honor Winner and NAACP Image Award winner. His accomplishments include designing the Kwanzaa Stamp for the U.S. Postal Service and he has art featured on New York City's subway cars for a year. He offers family-friendly lectures and educational programs on art, diversity and literature, helping audiences find a love for books and creativity.
Special Activities
Free books for young readers
Every first grader participating in the 2024 UNI African American Read-In will receive a copy of "Where's Rodney?," written by Carmen Bogan and illustrated by Floyd Cooper, pending registration and supplies. Our thanks to our sponsors John Deere and Community Bank and Trust for supporting this effort.
Getting engaged for the read-in
Once registered, all participating teachers will be invited to join our private Facebook group for the Read-In! Stay up-to-date on developments, engage with fellow teachers, learn about lesson plans incorporating diverse children's literature -- and share what you're doing for some friendly competition throughout February!
Free books for young readers
Every first grader participating in the 2024 UNI African American Read-In will receive a copy of "Where's Rodney?," written by Carmen Bogan and illustrated by Floyd Cooper, pending registration and supplies. Our thanks to our sponsors John Deere and Community Bank and Trust for supporting this effort.
Getting engaged for the read-in
Once registered, all participating teachers will be invited to join our private Facebook group for the Read-In! Stay up-to-date on developments, engage with fellow teachers, learn about lesson plans incorporating diverse children's literature -- and share what you're doing for some friendly competition throughout February!
Overview
The National African American Read-In is sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and endorsed by the International Reading Association.
Thanks to generous donors, we'll provide each child or classroom -- depending on supplies -- a free book to enjoy!
Gloria Kirkland-Holmes, emeritus professor who died in December 2022, originated and led this event from its beginning, starting with a reading to a small group of children in Rod Library. Leading this year's event is Taraneh Matloob Haghanikar, associate professor of literacy education.
If you have questions, contact Amy Curley at coe-events@uni.edu.