July 14, 2016 (Sacramento):  Sacramento City Unified School District will launch its One Book One Sacramento summer literacy book giveaway with a rousing read-in and sing-along at the Sacramento Zoo on Monday morning.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 18, students from the district’s summer enrichment program will gather at the zoo’s reptile area to celebrate the joy of reading with local writer JaNay Brown-Wood, author of the children’s book “Imani’s Moon.” SCUSD is giving away 2,000 copies of Brown-Wood’s book (purchased with funding from a literacy grant) to encourage summer reading.

“Summer brain drain is a real concern in education and we’re dedicated to helping kids overcome it,” said Superintendent José L. Banda. “The One Book One Sacramento program is meant to be an interactive and shared reading experience to build excitement for reading and learning.”

The district will follow up Monday’s launch with a similar read-in at The Plant Foundry in Oak Park from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 21. The Plant Foundry is at 3500 Broadway. Families wishing to attend the event at The Plant Foundry should RSVP to glennielyn-pacheco@scusd.edu.

“Imani’s Moon” tells the story of a young Masai villager and combines folklore, fantasy and realism. 

• WHAT:  Launch of One Book One Sacramento

• WHEN:  10 a.m. on Monday, July 18

• WHERE:  Sacramento Zoo’s Reptile Area, 3930 W. Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95818

• WHO:  Local author JaNay Brown-Wood, Sacramento Kings’ mascot Slamson, SCUSD students