Please note that this is a soft announcement for schools and libraries to begin planning for KRARI 2025. Stay tuned for the official public announcement later this month.

The Kids Reading Across RI Committee is happy to announce that the work of Oge Mora has been selected to celebrate the 16th year of KRARI.

This year's KRARI program will center RI author/illustrator Oge Mora and three of her books:Thank You, Omu!, Saturday, and The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read. As an artist for the nationwide Summer Reading Program "Level Up at Your Library," Oge is the perfect creator to highlight RI authors/illustrators, celebrate RI libraries, and kick off our 16th year of the KRARI program.

Schools and libraries will be able to select which title they would like for their book discussions. Oge Mora's work lends itself to conversations for all reading levels and provides opportunities for inter-generational programming. It is the committee's hope that schools and libraries will be excited to dive into both the stunning artwork as well as the text.

Oge Mora 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, RI. She is a fan of all things colorful, patterned, or collaged, and enjoys creating warm stories that celebrate people coming together.

" I am so excited to be this year's author for 2025 Kids Reading Across RI! When I came to RI for college I fell in love with Providence and for many years it has been my community and home. I am so incredibly honored that my books will be shared with children all across our beautiful state."

- Oge Mora

Monday, March 24

4:00pm-5:00pm

Register for Zoom link

The Center for the Book and the RI Office of Library and Information Services is kicking off its 2025 Kids Reading Across RI season with the work of Oge Mora. Join us for this virtual information session to learn more about the titles and themes, and what the KRARI committee has planned for this year's program.

The session will include:

• Overview of the Kids Reading Across Rhode Island program
  
• Introduction to the 2025 selection and LibGuide
• Requesting a book set
• In-person kickoff event
  
• Ways to get involved in KRARI in the future

This session will be recorded and will be made available for those who cannot attend live.

Copies of the 2025 KRARI books Thank You, Omu!, Saturday, or The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read by Oge Mora are available to public and school libraries interested in hosting a Kids Reading Across RI book discussion or activity. Please select one title as we cannot offer sets of mixed titles. Requests must be made using the appropriate form by April 14, 2025. Book sets will be delivered in May.

Questions about book distribution may be addressed to:

Danielle Margarida

Youth Services Coordinator, RI Office of Library and Information Services

danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov

Public libraries and youth serving organizations are invited to participate in the June 14th kickoff event at the William Hall Library in Cranston.

The event is scheduled for 2pm-4pm and set-up begins at 1pm. It's a great opportunity to promote your library and summer reading program to families from all over the state. In the past libraries have had tables with activities related to the summer reading theme or the KRARI book. Your activity may be a craft, a STEM demo, or an interactive exhibit.

Kids Reading Across Rhode Island, Rhode Island's One Book, One State community read program for kids, is kicking off its 15th year! This program, offered by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services in partnership with the Rhode Island Center for the Book, encourages students across the state in grades 4 through 6 to read the same book, and engage in community discussions and programs.

Email: danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov
Website: https://olis.ri.gov/programs-and-support/reading-programs/kids-reading-across-ri-program
Phone: 401-574-9309