San Mateo County Reads
San Mateo County Reads fosters community and discussion through literacy by inviting people to share a reading experience. The program is designed to inspire enthusiasm for reading and spark conversations that promote understanding of important social issues and topics. Research shows that when families and communities are involved, students' educational opportunities are increased as well as their academic achievement. Reading widely and often is a fundamental practice that is happening less often in our digital age and impacting student achievement. A shared reading experience can promote conversations, create connections, and deepen the motivation to continue reading for other purposes.
FALL 2023 THEME: EMPOWERING CHANGE
Delve into thought-provoking book selections that shed light on environmental challenges faced by underserved communities as we strive for a sustainable and equitable future. Let's unite as a community, empower our youth, and become advocates for a greener, more just world. Read with us this October and make a meaningful impact!
ABOUT THE BOOKS
FOR OUR YOUNG READERS
THE WATER PRINCESS
Follow Princess Gie Gie's daily struggle to fetch water in a water-scarce African village. Inspired by Georgie Badiel's true story, the book highlights the importance of clean water access and the resilience of children facing challenges.
New York Times bestselling author Susan Verde grew up in the heart of Greenwich Village in New York City. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in reading remediation and become an elementary school teacher for many years.
Peter H. Reynolds is an accomplished writer, storyteller, and illustrator who has been acclaimed for his best-selling “stories for all ages” about protecting and nurturing the creative spirit. In addition to authoring his own books, Peter has illustrated many books with author Susan Verde.
FOR OUR YOUNG ADULT READERS
THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND
Despite financial constraints, William Kamkwamba's passion for learning leads him to build a wind turbine in his drought-stricken village in Malawi, transforming his community with electricity and water for irrigation.
A New York Times bestselling author and innovator, William Kamkwamba tells his journey of how he achieved his dream of bringing electricity, light, and the promise of a better life to his family and his village in his memoir The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope.
Bryan Mealer is the author of several books and is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Mealer and his family currently live in New York City, where he's pursuing a Masters of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary.
Find these books at your local library.
These books and more are included on the California Department of Education Recommended Reading List.