Outcasts United Selected for 2010 One Maryland One Book
Monday, March 1, 2010 - 14:02

The Maryland Humanities Council has announced its selection for the 2010 One Maryland One Book common reading program, and it''s Outcasts United.

One Maryland One Book is a state-wide program that encourages communities, schools and libraries around Maryland to read and engage in conversation and programming around a single book. Last year''s title was James McBride''s Song Yet Sung. 

For a full schedule of One Maryland One Book events, visit the Maryland Humanities Council online calendar and to get involved in the state-wide read click here.

This is Outcasts'' fourth common read selection this year, after Roswell Reads (GA), A Tale for Two Cities (IL) and One Book, One San Diego. Over a dozen colleges and universities have assigned the book as a required read for incoming freshmen students this fall.

To learn more about the book read an excerpt, and be sure to check out high school and college lesson plans on this site''s resources page.
Utah State Chooses Outcasts as common read for 2010. Why?
Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 11:30

They explain.

"The committee looked for a book that had engaging themes for entering college students. They wanted a book that would be so captivating that the students would want to read the book with or without formal structure and guidance. Also the book’s subject matter would engage the campus and community members alike. Outcasts United  can promote discussion about the intricacies of today’s global environment and the challenges of understanding diverse perspectives. Other themes in the book include immigration issues, refugee resettlement, local and global politics, cultural conflict and change, identity and intergenerational issues, biculturalism, creativity, sports, and community building."

Read about the selection process and campus events related to the book in August 2010 here.

 
Freshman Read Adoptions Continue for Outcasts
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - 14:56

Outcasts United has been selected as a common freshman read for fall 2010 at Agnes Scott College, The University of Alabama - Birmingham, Middle Tennessee State University and Johnson State College (VT). This is in addition to selections in 2009 at Georgia Tech and McMurry University. The book has also been selected by three city-wide reading programs: One Book, One San Diego, Roswell Reads (GA), and A Tale for Two Cities (IL).

Writing on the First Year Experience listserv, Dr. Steven P. Giradot, the Director of Success Programs at Georgia Tech, said of the university's experience with Outcasts, "I would HIGHLY recommend this book for use in a first-year seminar or reading program.  The response from our students and faculty was incredibly positive, and Warren St. John's presentation to our students was outstanding."

For information about using Outcasts United as a common read or for a reading copy, please email rhacademic@randomhouse.com, and for speaking inquiries, contact David L. Buchalter at Greater Talent: DavidB@greatertalent.com.
Full Schedule of Events for Roswell Reads 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010 - 11:05

As part of its programming around the selection of "Outcasts United" as its 2010 community read, the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library System will be holding a month-long series of events throughout February, including discussions on refugee resettlement, journalism, youth sports -- and even a soccer clinic.

Roswell Reads will culminate on March 20th at 5pm, with a talk by author Warren St. John and Fugees Family founder and coach Luma Mufleh.

Full details are here.

 
Roswell Reads Selects "Outcasts United"
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - 14:26

Roswell Reads, the common reading program for the Atlanta suburb of Roswell, has selected "Outcasts United" for 2010. Events are scheduled for March 2010, and details will  be posted at the Friends of the Roswell Library site here.