History of
Kids Read the Same Book 2007

Communities across the U.S. have discovered that choosing a book to read together brings together friends and strangers to discuss good literature and ideas.  Idaho Statesman writer Dan Popkey introduced the concept to Boise in late 2000, modeled after a similar program in Seattle.  Boise began its program in 2001  with Housekeeping, by Marilynne Robinson, adding children’s titles in subsequent years, so that the whole family could participate.

Books are chosen by a committee that includes representatives from local libraries, the teachers, writers and readers of all ages.  The committee chooses a book based on literary merit and relevance to local readers. 

As you and your family read a book, we encourage you to talk about it with friends and neighbors, and to attend related programs in the community.  We hope you’ll find it an avenue for exploring new ideas and making new reading friends. 

2008 Adult Selection:  Again this year, the Log Cabin Literary Center is presenting The Big Read, a national initiative from the National Endowment of the Arts. Like Read the Same Book, this program encourages literary reading by inviting communities to come together to read and discuss one book. This year, the Log Cabin chose My Antonia by Willa Cather. 

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