“True Biz” by Sara Nović Chosen as Philadelphia’s 2024 One Book, One Philadelphia Featured Selection

"True Biz" by Sara NovićFeaturing Keeya Branson-Davis, MTHM, Ed.D, Corporate Contributions Manager at PECO, Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, Monique Moore Pryor, Executive Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and Dick Webster, VP of Regulatory, policy & Strategy for PECO. /Submitted Image

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP), the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation (Foundation), and the Office of the Mayor recebtly announced that “True Biz” by Sara Nović is the 2024 One Book, One Philadelphia featured selection.

This marks the 22nd year of the program. A tradition that continues to bring the Greater Philadelphia community closer together through the shared experience of reading.

“True Biz” presents a tale of communication across extraordinarily diverse experiences. It features three characters from the River Valley School for the Deaf – new student Charlie, golden boy Austin, and Headmistress February, who’s a child of deaf adults. Together, they must navigate a new school year, significant life changes, and a looming threat to their school that might alter their lives forever.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker acknowledges the role literacy programs can play in improving our city. She applauds FLP for its commitment to fostering spaces for community members to enhance literacy and create civic dialogues. The One Book, One Philadelphia program is a wonderful platform that brings Philadelphians together and inspires a love of reading in both youngsters and adults.

Young readers are not left out of this program. They will participate in discussions and programs inspired by youth companion titles. These include “You’re Welcome, Universe,” created by Whitney Gardner and “Can Bears Ski?” brought to life by Raymond Antrobus and Polly Dunbar.

Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia states that One Book, One Philadelphia consistently offers a mutual reading experience that encourages understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and perspectives. This year’s choice, “True Biz,” with its focus on education and belonging, is sure to warm hearts and enlighten minds.

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The 2024 One Book, One Philadelphia program season officially begins at the Parkway Central Library on April 8 at 7:30 p.m. The kick-off event will include a conversation between author Sara Nović and Melissa Draganac-Hawk, Principal of the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. An American Sign Language interpreter will also be present.

The coming season promises events for people of all ages, shedding light on themes from “True Biz” and the youth companion titles, including language, connection, Deaf cultures and histories, accessibility, education, and self-determination.

The Joseph and Marie Field Fund endow the 2024 One Book, One Philadelphia, along with support from PECO and The Sylvia W. and Randle M. Kauders Foundation. Contributions made through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program facilitate the participation of thousands of School District of Philadelphia students and teachers.

All FLP locations will offer copies of “True Biz” and the youth companion titles for customers to borrow with a Free Library card. E-book copies and downloadable audiobooks are available for check-out from freelibrary.org.

In summary, the Free Library of Philadelphia has revealed “True Biz” by Sara Nović as the 2024 One Book, One Philadelphia featured selection, marking the 22nd year of the program. The book delves into communication across diverse experiences, with a focus on three characters from the River Valley School for the Deaf. Mayor Discover the book and companion titles at any FLP location or online.

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