African American Read-In 2026
20th Read-In Set for Tuesday, February 24
For the 20th year, the UNI African American Read-In is part of National African American Read-In activities planned nationwide and in conjunction with National Council of Teachers of English.
Planning is underway for this virtual event happening on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, for Iowa first graders.
Schools from across Iowa are invited to participate. Questions? Contact Amy Curley at coe-events@uni.edu.
The 2025 read-in drew about 1,800 students from 92 first-grade classrooms across Iowa.
The Day's Schedule
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. OR 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (Schools will pick one)
- Readings and activity with Derrick Barnes
Draw-along with illustrator Oge Mora
2024 Creative Animal Drawings
Guest Presenters
Derrick Barnes
Derrick Barnes, guest author, is a National Book Award Finalist for his graphic novel, "Victory. Stand!-Raising My Fist For Justice," which also won the YALSA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Award, and a Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning picture book "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut," which received a Newbery Honor, a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award, and the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. In 2020, he became the only author to win the Kirkus Prize twice for the New York Times bestseller, "I Am Every Good Thing," which also won a Charlotte Huck Award and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor. Derrick created the New York Times bestselling companion picture books, "The King of Kindergarten" and "The Queen of Kindergarten." The native of Kansas City, Missouri, currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and four sons.
Oge Mora
Oge Mora, guest illustrator, is a collage artist and storyteller. Her picture book, "Thank You, Omu!," was a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, and Ezra Jack Keats Book Award recipient. Her second book, "Saturday," won the 2020 Boston Globe—Horn Book Picture Book Award. Oge’s artwork has been applauded by The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. She is also a 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 Lister in Arts & Style. Oge grew up in Columbus, Ohio, but resides in Providence, Rhode Island. She is a fan of all things colorful, patterned, or collaged, and enjoys creating warm stories that celebrate people coming together.
Zeon
Zeon the Magician (Dr. Leigh Zeitz) is a lifelong magician and proud member of the Magic Castle in Hollywood. With decades of experience, Zeon brings an engaging and interactive magic experience that captivates audiences of all ages. Whether performing in person or virtually, his shows are filled with excitement, wonder, and joy. Get ready for a magical adventure that will leave you amazed and entertained!
Special Activities
Free books for young readers
Pending registration and supplies, every first grader participating in the 2026 UNI African American Read-In will receive a copy of "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut," written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James. Our thanks to generous sponsors for supporting this effort.
Free books for young readers
Pending registration and supplies, every first grader participating in the 2026 UNI African American Read-In will receive a copy of "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut," written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James. Our thanks to generous sponsors for supporting this effort.
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.
