The Big Read and Kids Read the Same Book are "one book" programs, created to encourage reading by inviting communities to come together to discuss one book.  In the Kids Read the Same Book project, several age-specific titles are selected so that each age group has a relevant book to enjoy.

• 2009 Kids Read the Same Book

2009 The Big Read (Adults)

This year's title is The Maltese Falcon, by Dashiell Hammett. The Big Read Boise (and beyond) is presented in partnership with Ada Community Library, Boise Public Library, The Cabin, and the Idaho Statesman under a grant for The Big Read, a national initiative from the National Endowment of the Arts. 

Our community will celebrate The Maltese Falcon with a full calendar of events including film screenings, keynote speakers, a Falcon Day at the World Center for Birds of Prey, a Falcon Tavern speak-easy, and family mystery fun, featuring Chet Gecko. Book discussions will take place in libraries across the state. 

• Learn more about The Big Read and about events at other locations
• Help choose the Big Read titles for 2010

2009 Kids Read the Same Book

Calling all kids!  Kids and teens are invited to read one of these FIVE books and to participate in book discussions, activities, and events at local public libraries.  Kids Read the Same Book is coordinated by local public libraries and educators.

Check out this year's award-winning titles:

2009 Brochure     Previous Years' Titles     History 

Visit the Kids Read the Same Book website

Communities across the U.S. have discovered that choosing a book to read as a city brings together friends and strangers to discuss good literature and provocative ideas. Idaho Statesman writer Dan Popkey introduced the concept to Boise in late 2000, modeled after Seattle's citywide reading initiative.

Boise began its program in 2001 with the book Housekeeping, by Marilynne Robinson. In subsequent years, children's titles were added to the program, so that the whole family could participate. 

Books are chosen by a committee that includes representatives from local libraries, plus educators, writers and readers of all ages.  The committee chooses a book based on literary merit and relevance to local readers.

As you and your family read a book, we encourage you to talk about it with friends and neighbors, and to attend related programs in the community.  We hope you'll find it an avenue for exploring new ideas and making new reading friends.