Read Brave 2020

2020: OUR CLIMATE CRISIS

Read Brave Saint Paul is a citywide, intergenerational reading program set around a common theme relevant to the city. The 2020 theme was "Our Climate Crisis".

BOOK SELECTIONS

The Marrow Thieves, by Canadian Métis author, Cherie Dimaline, is this year’s primary book selection. A 2018 Canada Reads finalist, the young-adult novel imagines a dystopian future where global warming has ravaged the earth and, with it, most people’s ability to dream. Indigenous people, who can still dream, are hunted for their marrow to create a serum for others. The story follows Frenchie, a teenager on the run. After his brother is captured, Frenchie must create an ad hoc family and fight to preserve his people.

Watch a short introductory 'hello' from Cherie Dimaline to readers in Saint Paul.

Access our reading and discussion guide.

Climate Justice: Hope, Resilience, and the Fight for a Sustainable Future, by Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland, is this year’s nonfiction selection. Robinson gives voice to farmers, activists, and ordinary people worldwide who are facing the effects of the climate crisis with courage and innovation.  Her book acknowledges the hardship and uncertainty environmental degradation has had on traditional ways of life and celebrates the resilience of people who have worked for sustainable solutions.

Watch Mary Robinson's TED Talk on "Why Climate Change is a Threat to Human Rights."

Access our reading and discussion guide.

We're excited to announce the 2020 Read Brave Kids book picks. Read Brave Kids empowers young readers and artists by engaging in fun reading activities that celebrate kids' choice, gaining a voice, and engaging in brave conversations with their communities.

Explore Read Brave 2020

Read Brave 2020

Here are the Winners of the Read Brave Kids 2020 Art Contest

We are proud to announce the winners of the Read Brave Kids library card art contest. Art was inspired by the environment and natural world.

Read Brave Kids Book Voting Winner Announced

The votes are in! Saint Paul kids ages 0-8th grade voted to choose this year's Read Brave Kids: Our Climate Crisis top reads.

Read Brave 2020 Live Blog

Follow along for the latest news about Cherie Dimaline's visit to Saint Paul.

Meet the 2020 Read Brave Author, Cherie Dimaline

Join author Cherie Dimaline for two public events this week including a Q&A and book signing.

Read Brave: Documentary Series

Come to the library and screen brave films focusing on our climate crisis with a facilitated discussion afterward.

How climate change, colonialism are spurring mass migration

In 2018, some 13.6 million people were uprooted from their homes, cumulatively adding to a record 70.8 million forcibly displaced.

Climate Justice: Sketch Notes (from Books & Bars)

Sketch notes, created by Rebecca Moss, for the January Books & Bars discussion of "Climate Justice."

Weather 2050

America is warming fast. See how your city’s weather will be different in just one generation

Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink

Two-thirds of North American birds are at increasing risk of extinction from global temperature rise.

How climate change will impact the Boundary Waters

The Boundary Waters may seem unchangeable and stoic. But humankind's actions over time are far too much for nature.

How Climate Change Will Impact Minnesota

Ready for a Minnesota that's hot, wet, and smells like cilantro? Here's what the future holds for our wild places–and your backyard.

How Tribes Are Harnessing Data to Plan for Climate Change

Climate change is already damaging Indigenous ways of life. But tribes are adapting.

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit - Tribal Nations

Climate change impacts are projected to be especially severe for many of the 567 federally recognized tribes in the United States.

Read Brave: Civic Lab

Learn about how our climate crisis is already impacting your community and take action.

Read Brave: Our Climate Crisis Fiction

Have you finished The Marrow Thieves? Library staff members have curated these fiction titles that grapple with our climate crisis.

Read Brave: Our Climate Crisis Nonfiction

If you finished Climate Justice and are looking for more nonfiction titles that address our climate crisis, this list is for you!

SUPPORTED BY

Read Brave is also supported by the Katherine B. Andersen Fund, and the Saint Paul Saints.

OUR PARTNERS

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