The Kids Reading Across RI Committee is proud to announce that Changeling by William Ritter is the 2020 selection! This tale about a goblin mix-up and an ancient, dark magic is a perfect complement to this summer's "Imagine Your Story" public library reading program.

From the publisher:

Magic is fading from the Wild Wood. To renew it, goblins must perform an ancient ritual involving the rarest of their kind—a newborn changeling. But when the fateful night arrives to trade a human baby for a goblin one, something goes terribly wrong. After laying the changeling in a human infant’s crib, the goblin Kull is briefly distracted from his task. By the time he turns back, the changeling has already perfectly mimicked the human child. Too perfectly: Kull cannot tell them apart. Not knowing which to bring back, he leaves both babies behind.

Tinn and Cole are raised as human twins, neither knowing what secrets may be buried deep inside one of them. Then when they are twelve years old, a mysterious message arrives, calling the brothers to be heroes and protectors of magic. The boys must leave behind their sleepy town of Endsborough and risk their lives in the Wild Wood, crossing the perilous Oddmire swamp and journeying through the Deep Dark to reach the goblin horde and discover who they truly are.

Reviews:

Kirkus

Publishers Weekly

School Library Journal

The Horn Book

Copies of the 2020 Kids Reading Across Rhode Island book, Changeling by William Ritter, are available to public libraries interested in hosting a KRARI book discussion. Please submit your request by Friday, April 3. Book sets will be sent through delivery between April 15 - May 15 and a discussion guide with questions, book lists, and activities will accompany each set.

If you are scheduling your KRARI book group in May please indicate the date of your book group on the request form so we can prioritize your delivery. Please note that we cannot guarantee the delivery of book sets before May 15.

KRARI book sets are also made available to school librarians. In the past, volunteers from the RI Center for the Book have distributed book sets to requesting schools that do not receive OLIS-LORI delivery. However, if you're looking for a way to connect with schools, you may want to consider being a pick-up location for book sets requested by school librarians in your community. (Or you could offer to deliver the set to the school, a definite "in" for stopping by to talk up your summer reading program!) If you are willing to be a pick-up location, just indicate "yes" on the book request form. If you are not requesting a KRARI book set but would still like to be a pick-up location for schools, please let us know.

Please consider participating in the May 2nd kickoff event at the State House. 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. Check out photos from last year's event and indicate you want to participate on the book request form. If you are willing to be a pick-up location, just indicate "yes" on the book request form. If you are not requesting a KRARI book set but would still like to participate in the kickoff, please let us know.

Kids Reading Across Rhode Island, Rhode Island's One Book, One State community read program for kids, is kicking off its 11th 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: http://www.olis.ri.gov/youth/krari/index.php
Phone: 401-574-9309