One Book on the Riverbend
One Book on the Riverbend brings the communities of Middletown, Cromwell, and Portland together through common reading of a seminal novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.
There is something for everyone at One Book’s 14th annual series of events, which will take place April 4 – May 21, 2016 in Middletown, Cromwell, and Portland. With the classic by Harper Lee at its center, this year’s program is designed to get neighbors talking, spark conversations across generations, and provide safe spaces for respectful debate.
Programs for Adults
Portland’s Book Discussions: Waverly Senior Center, Wednesday April 27th, 2016 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Portland Library, Thursday May 5th, 2016 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
These books discussions are led by popular presenter Marsha Bansavage who has taught AP English and Film Study for many years and is a member of the Connecticut Humanities Council. She previously has facilitated community read discussions for One Book including The Lifeboat and The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow.
Program for Families
Riverfront Park, Portland, CT One Book Outdoor Family Event: Bike Parade and Treasure Hunt
Wednesday, May 11th at 6:30 pm. Join us for this family event honoring the joy of children playing in the outdoors, as they did in the classic book To Kill a Mockingbird. Gather at Riverfront Park on Middlesex Avenue and enjoy a leisurely walk along Portland's new StoryWalk trail or decorate your bike and take part in a bike parade. Kids will also have the chance to hunt for treasure in the trees. In the book, Scout and Jem found treasures in a tree that were left behind by Boo.
Program for Kids
One Book Discussion Group: I Kill the Mockingbird
Tuesday, May 3rd at 3:30 p.m.
Young readers are invited to read I Kill the Mockingbird and join us on for a book discussion. Written by Paul Acampora, a native of Bristol, Connecticut, this book tells the story of three students assigned to read To Kill a Mockingbird for a summer assignment. To drum up excitement about the book, the kids devise controversial ways to get people talking that soon threaten to spiral out of control.
This book is recommended for grades 5 and up.
All events are listed on the ONE BOOK ON THE RIVERBEND website: https://onebookriverbend.wordpress.com/
ONE BOOK on the Riverbend is a community read sponsored in part by a grant from Connecticut Humanities and by the Rotary Club of Middletown. Original Painting of the Connecticut Riverbend by Patrick Shugrue used by permission.
