Category Archives: What’s New

2012 read: The House on Mango Street

Sandra Cisneros

One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern is pleased to announce our Fall 2012 read will be “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. The book jacket says it all: “Acclaimed by critics, beloved by readers of all ages, taught everywhere from grade schools to universities across the country … ‘The House on Mango Street’ is the remarkable story of Esperanza Cordero. Told in a series of vignettes — sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous — it is the story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing for herself who and what she will become …”

Lead partners, The Kern County Library and California State University, Bakersfield, are currently seeking local organizations and schools that would like to participate in the read as community partners by creating specific programming for your communities. The read coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 16-Oct. 15), and we would love to include any and all events related to this annual event. To learn more about how to get involved, contact Kristie Coons at kristiekc@bak.rr.com or 661-203-2528. Partners so far include the Bakersfield Museum of Art and Russo’s Books.

Mark your calendars! Sandra Cisneros will give a free, public talk about her literary works and inspirations at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the CSUB Icardo Center.

Fall 2011 read announced: The Other Wes Moore

The Other Wes MooreOne name, two fates. “The Other Wes Moore” is an inspiring true story of two kids with the same name and similar backgrounds who both lived in Baltimore. One grew up to be a Rhodes Scholar, decorated combat veteran, White House Fellow and business leader. The other is serving a life sentence in prison. It’s a powerful story of hope, the influence of family and community, opportunity, and the cultural and societal barriers to success.

One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern invites the entire community to read “The Other Wes Moore” this fall and join the conversation that asks questions and searches for solutions to help Kern County youth come of age in a healthy and meaningful way. Get involved by:

  • Leading a read at your school or workplace
  • Adding this book to your book club’s fall reading list
  • Attending the various programs planned around the read
  • Donating books for disadvantaged readers

Wes Moore, authorThe author, Wes Moore, will be visiting Bakersfield and speaking to the community at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, at the CSUB Student Recreation Center. Mark your calendars now for this culminating event, at which you will be able to meet the author and get your book signed.