4 Ways to Read Brave

Read Brave is Saint Paul Public Library’s annual citywide reading initiative to build awareness and empathy on critical topics through books and book-based experiences. Read Brave aims to inspire Saint Paul residents of all ages to feel more connected to their community and empowered to take action on important issues.  

The 2021 Read Brave theme is: Owning our Stories: Rising Together for a Better Saint Paul. Like the primary book selection, The Stars and the Blackness Between Them, opens a new window, does in its themes, please join us as we center conversations around self-worth, racial healing, reconciliation, liberation, and accountability. 

1. Read the books! 

There are five books for all reading ages, abilities, and interests in our Read Brave series. Check out the books from the Library available in hard copy or as e-book or audiobook on the Twin Cities Metro eLibrary app, Libby—no hold lists, no wait! Thanks to program funding, we have limited copies to keep. Request copies for your book club, classroom, or group by March 12 or while supplies last. 

• The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus-Nasah 
• Children of the Land: A Memoir by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo 
• We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom 
• Astrid and Apollo and the Starry Campout by V. T. Bidania 
• Front Desk by Kelly Yang 

2. Talk and share. 

Discuss the books. Dig into themes, characters, and your own personal story.

• Spark conversation. Use our discussion guide, opens a new window in conversations with your friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family.  
• Book clubs. Suggest a Read Brave title with your book club or join a book club that is discussing the Read Brave titles. 
• Join the larger conversation. Share your thoughts on the story, parts of your own personal story, or Read Brave experiences on social media using the hashtag #readbrave.  
• Share with other library patrons. Review or add comments to the books on the Library’s online catalog.  

3. Join us for book-based events and activities! 

• Participate in an event. Browse our list of events and activities for all ages.  
• Meet the author(s). We’ll soon announce author events and workshops. Stay tuned! 
• Partner with us. Bring your Read Brave event to a larger audience. Drop us a note at readbrave.org.  
• Stay in the loop. Sign up for emails to get the latest on Read Brave news and events.  

4. Share your story. 

Stories have power. They allow us to connect more deeply, confront difficult truths, and heal together. Let’s listen to one another, especially the voices not often listened to or lifted up.  

Pick up a “Share Your Story” postcard at your local library. On the blank side, please share with us part of your story in whatever way works for you. Postcards will be collected and displayed on the Library’s website as a way to connect us, heal us, and build a better Saint Paul.  

2021 Read Brave is presented by Saint Paul Public Library in collaboration with the City of Saint Paul, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, Saint Paul Public Schools, and Irreducible Grace Foundation. Read Brave is sponsored by Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund and the Saint Paul Saints.