(Rapid City, SD) –On May 9th, 2019, 3,000 3-in-1 books will be distributed to all 2nd graders participating in the Young Readers One Book program throughout the Black Hills. 28 schools, 9 libraries and 10 summer programs will be participating in the program.
The Young Readers One Book program is a partnership between the South Dakota Humanities Council and Black Hills Reads. The SD Humanities Council does extraordinary work by helping to select an author, work with the publishing company to create a ‘3 in 1’ book, and hosts the Festival of Books that showcases the chosen author. Black Hills Reads ensures that every child in the Black Hills receives their own copy of the book, works with the Rapid City school district to create educational resources for the book and to engage summer programs to also have the opportunity to use the books in their summer programming. The program selects an author and takes 2-3 books from the author and combines it into one. This year’s selected author is Don Montileaux, award-winning artist and author of the book, Tanaka and Other Legends of the Lakota People.
The books are distributed towards the end of the school year with the intent to promote excitement for summer reading.
On May 9th, at 2 p.m., Robbinsdale elementary will be holding a book launch assembly for the students. The assembly is to celebrate and encourage reading through songs, skits and other activities. In addition, every 2nd grade student will receive a copy of Don Montileaux’s 3-in-1 book.
“Every year we put on a little assembly. We’ve had our music teacher and instrument club write a song about the excitement of reading,” said Cary Combs, Robbinsdale Elementary Teaching and Learning Coach.
“We know excitement is contagious and the more we get excited about these books, the more excited the kids will get,” said Combs.
The following school year, Donald Montileaux will appear at the 2019 Young Readers South Dakota Festival of Books in Rapid City on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019, and in the Deadwood area on Friday – Saturday, Oct. 4 – 5, 2019During the festival, Mr. Montileaux will visit various schools throughout the Black Hills and talk with the children about his books, his inspiration to become an author and artist.
Donald Montileaux will be offering a book signing on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. - noon at Books-A-Million, located at 2130 Haines Ave, Rapid City, SD 57701. Students can bring their copy of the book to have signed by the author. Anyone is welcome to attend!
In addition, Donald Montileaux will be hosting a community visit on May 25, from 11 – 12 p.m. at the Journey Museum, located at 222 New York St, Rapid City, SD 57701. Don will be reading a part of this unique book and discussion to follow!
‘The process of our book gifting programs have been phenomenal! The diligent relationship and communication with the school districts have been key, the educators hold the key to unlocking their student’s excitement about this book. Black Hills Reads is honored to be able to help facilitate this process and get books in to the hands of young children while also increasing the enthusiasm about reading’ said Kayla Klein, Director of Black Hills Reads.
For more information about the Young Readers One Book program, please contact Kayla Klein, Black Hills Reads Director at kayla@unitedwayblackhills.org.
About Black Hills Reads
Black Hills Reads is an initiative under the United Way of the Black Hills umbrella. Black Hills Reads focuses on helping children reach reading proficiency by 3rd grade. They are the backbone organization that is bringing together partners across sectors to create a greater collective impact on early childhood reading proficiency and make sustainable results.