Albion's Big Read is a month-long community reading initiative that aims to engage children, teens, and adults through shared reading experiences. We have two primary goals: value and empower youth and provide opportunities for diverse groups to come together and interact in meaningful ways.

OUR 2019 TITLE: PRIDE BY IBI ZOBOI

A modern remix of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Ibi Zoboi’s Pride tells the story of the sharp-witted Zuri Benitez, a rising high school senior with her sights set on Howard University. Zuri loves books, the loud, loving chaos of her family, and the neighborhood in Brooklyn where she has lived her whole life. When the wealthy Darcy brothers move in across the street, Zuri finds herself keenly aware of how her neighborhood is changing around her. Like Austen’s Elizabeth Bennett before her, Zuri has to figure out how to be true to who she is, what she believes, and how she feels.

Meet Albion's 2019 Team

YOUTH LEADERS

Albion's Big Read Student Leaders are rising 8th, 9th, and 10th graders who call Albion home. These students independently lead and facilitate community-wide book discussions throughout October 2019. They are role models for their peers, neighbors, and the greater Albion community. We celebrate the open hearts and minds of the following 2019 Big Read Youth Leaders:
* denotes students who returned as Albion Big Read Leaders for another year.

Tyland Martin*
Aja Metz*
Marshall Nicholson*
Aaliyah Roberts*
Grace Sobaski*
Ja'Kobe Steward*
Bebe Stovall*
Lauren VanVleet*
Niya Williams*
Zionae White
X’Avier Young

AMBASSADORS

The Big Read Ambassadors are veterans of Albion’s Big Read Youth Leadership Program. You can identify Big Read Ambassadors by the bright red shirt featuring logos from past Big Reads on the front and the conversation starter—“Ask me about Albion’s Big Read!”—on the back. So if you see young folks wearing a Big Read Ambassadors shirt, just follow the instructions and ask them about Albion’s Big Read. You’ll be glad you did! Albion’s Big Read Ambassadors:

Ta’Liyah Austin
Ahjia Barbour
Carl Bates
Emmylou R. Christensen
India Crumbsy
Ta’hila Davis
Maliya Frost
Denisha Harris
Kei’Asianique Hill
Larenz Hill
Olivia Hudson
Za’Riah Kemp

College Volunteers

Our summer training program would not be possible without the outstanding support, leadership, and commitment from several students at Albion College. College Volunteers apply and interview for their role, and it's entirely volunteer-based. We deeply value the hard work and dedication of the following 2019 college volunteers:
* denotes students who returned as a College Volunteer for another year.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Made up of college and community leaders, our planning committee works throughout the year. Most notably, these individuals choose the Big Read novel, collaborate with local partners, and further the progress of Albion's current and future Big Reads. We would like to thank the members of the 2019 Planning Committee for their irreplaceable support:

Dianne Guenin-Lelle
Lynette Gumbleton, Assistant Director
Jess Roberts, Director
Mary Slater
Cindy Stanczak
Ellen Wilch
Keena Williams

DONORS

We would like to wholeheartedly thank our generous supporters. Albion's 2019 Big Read was made possible by the support of the following amazing organizations and individuals. Click the green text of the donors below to learn more.
* denotes donors who have supported more than one Big Read

Barb Weiskittel*

Joyce Ferguson*

The Merck Company Foundation*

Albion Walk the Beat*

Albion College Office of the President*

Albion College Office of the Provost*

Albion College English Department*

Dene Roberts*

Libby Roberts*

The Franke Center

Dr. James L. Curtis

Office of Intercultural Affairs*

Hazel Lias*

CPO

PARTNERS

Our partners are local individuals, organizations, and businesses who donate time and energy to Albion’s Big Read. They support our program from behind the scenes by hosting book discussions, sharing space and resources, and much more. We joyfully thank them!

• Albion District Library 

• Marshall Public Schools

• City of Albion

• 4H Creative and Expressive Arts Program

• The Bohm Theater

• Stirling Books and Brew

• Sisters Influencing Society

• Psi Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

In the news

OCTOBER 2019

The article below was featured in The Recorder, Albion's local newspaper.

AUGUST 2019

The article below was featured in The Recorder, Albion's local newspaper.

The article below features one of our College Volunteers, Rich, and can be found here.

JULY 2019

The article below was featured in Advisor-Chronicle, Marshall's local newspaper.

JUNE 2019

The article below was featured in The Recorder, Albion's local newspaper.