Read Across Texas: Empathy
The Texas Center for the Book (TCFB) invites libraries and readers statewide to join in its 2023 reading campaign. Read Across Texas: Empathy. Libraries may use our resources to register their programs and facilitate reading and discussion opportunities exploring what “empathy” could mean within their communities.
Read Across Texas: Empathy will offer libraries a broad canvas for convening individuals and groups to explore the unique questions, challenges and solidarity that can occur in communities throughout the state. During the recent years of difficulties, division, isolation, and loss, the TCFB recognizes the importance of sharing our stories to build understanding and support. Literature—by definition a way of sharing in a story other than our own—can be one of the many routes to empathy.
For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page
Book Selections
The four chosen book selections that give communities a platform to engage in challenging, insightful, and transformative conversations include:
- Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña (Picture Book)
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (Fiction)
- Truth Worth Telling: A Reporter’s Search for Meaning in the Stories of Our Times by Scott Pelley (Memoir/Nonfiction/Essays)
- Voices in the Air: Poems for Listeners by Naomi Shihab Nye (Poetry suitable for YA and up)
“These four titles provide a wonderful jumping-off point for communities statewide to explore this year’s theme of ‘empathy’ through literature.” said Gloria Meraz, TSLAC Director and Librarian, Texas State Library and Archives Commission. “This is a fantastic opportunity for libraries to be sites of community, empathy, and transformation through the power of reading.”
For more information on the selected titles visit our Book Selections page
2023 Read Across Texas Activities
Participating libraries may access our how-to guide and resources including empathy-specific discussion questions.
View Past Programs and Resources:
- The Veteran Experience: www.tsl.texas.gov/readacrosstexas/veteranexperience
- Know Your Neighbor: Know Cultivating Communities of Compassion: www.tsl.texas.gov/readacrosstexas/knowyourneighbor
- Recovery: www.tsl.texas.gov/readacrosstexas/recovery
Book People Partnerships
The Texas Center for the Book is grateful for our partnership with BookPeople and the Texas Library and Archives Foundation for Read Across Texas: Empathy. BookPeople accepted donations through their website, with all funds going directly to support book grants for libraries. They are also generously providing book distribution across the state for grant.
“BookPeople is excited for the opportunity to partner with the Texas Center for the Book on this amazing program that puts free books into the hands of Texans for important conversations,” said Charley Rejsek, BookPeople CEO. “The 2023 theme of empathy could not have come at a more timely moment. We are happy to be able to support our community bound by books in this partnership, with hope to grow it in the years to come.”
Texans can also support future programs directly by donating to the Texas Library and Archives Foundation.