Introduction Nominations Book Criteria Author Calendar Sponsors Press Book Clubs Reader's Guide Committee Photo & Clip Art Gallery

2004 United We Read Voting Guide  Vision Statement: The vision of the program is to have the kansas City Metropolitan region residents reading the same book at the same time and begin a community wide discussion around a common theme. Goals: - Promote reading and leteracy - Build a community of readers - Broaden exposure to and appreciation for good literature Guidelines for Evaluating and Considering a Book's Appeal: The advisory committee's goal is to select a book with a broad-based appeal to readers of different backgrounds and reading levels. The book should addres themes, issues and topics that will encourage and sustain spirited discussion. A good, discussible book (books that make successful subjects for discussion tend to have well-developed characters who are dealing with issues in their lives with which readers can identify.) 1. Will this book selection appeal to adults as well as high school students - our two primary markets for United We Read? 2. Does this book have subject matter that would appeal to a wide cross section of our community? 3. Is the book relatively "easy" to read. We are trying to appeal to the broadest section of our community as possible. If people have to struggle too much with a book, they won't read it. 4. Are there controversial topics that will cultivate lively discussion in readers in our community? 5. Does the book have an author and subject matter than can be promoted in our community? Will our community identify with and/or embrace this selection? 6. Will this book selection be appropriate subject matter for libraries, schools, funders and the general public? Is there anything in the book that would be too controversial for this project? 7. Does this book promote understanding of a culture, race, geography, or life style reflective of our very diverse KC Metropolitan community? 8. Is this book available in paperback as well as in hardback? Is it available in adio? Is the book available in a variety of languages? Will the publisher do any type of book discounting? 9. Are supporting materials available for this selection including: reader's guides, posters, bookmarks, complimentary copies, other? Is the author available? 10. Is this selection new and fresh or has it already been required reading in high schools, already been a selection for book clubs and already been a communty-wide reading selection? 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1  2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2  3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3  4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 For further information contact: Kansas City Metropolitan Library & Information Network 15624 E. 24 Highway Independence, MO 64050 Phone: (816) 521-7257 Fax: (816) 461-0966 Email: sburton@kcmlin.org Last Updated 6/7/04