Spirit of Reading 2011-2012
The Alaska Spirit of Reading is a statewide book discussion program featuring the works of Ishmael Hope.
Strong Man
"Writer Ishmael Hope and Illustrator Dimi 
Macheras have combined their talents to create this unique presentation of a traditional Alaska Native story. A contemporary plotline is interwoven with the ancient narrative, chronicling a young man’s high school struggles and triumphs in comic book form. Strong Man promotes traditional cultural values as a foundation for youth achievement."
How Does It Work?
Books sets will include up to thirty copies of Strong Man for your school or classroom to keep.
Several exciting activities, including an author visit, are being planned for participating sites. Rural students will be able to participate in statewide radio call-in and teleconference programs with the author.
Email: mail@akspiritofreading.com
Phone: 907-966-1411
Schedule
February 25-26, Fairbanks
Ishmael Hope will be visiting the Fairbanks Youth Facility. He will be a guest speaker at the Alaska Library Association conference.
March 6-9, Sitka
The Sitka visit will be very busy. School visits include Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Sitka High School, Pacific High, and Blatchley Middle School. He will also meet with the Sitka Native Education Program preschool and afterschool programs. A radio interview, and the video and audio conferences will round out the visit.
April 16, Prince of Wales
More details will follow.
April 19-20, Kotzebue
When he's in Kotzebue, Mr. Hope will visit June Nelson Elmentary School, the UAF Consortium Library, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Author Audioconference
March 9, 9:30 am
Program participants are invited to participate in an audioconference with author Ishmael Hope on Friday, March 9, and 9:30 in the morning. Please email the program at mail@akspiritofreading.com if you are interested in participating.
Author Videoconference
March 9, 11:00 am to noon
We are pleased to offer this exciting opportunity to videoconference with author Ishmael Hope. Please email us at mail@akspiritofreading.com if you have questions about participating.
Talk of Alaska
April 24 from 10:00-11:00 am
Author Ishmael Hope will be the featured guest on Steve Heimel's Talk of Alaska. Classrooms can call in at 1-800-478-8255.
Grant
The Alaska Spirit of Reading program is made possible through the support of the Alaska Association of School Librarians and an Interlibrary Cooperation Grant from the Alaska State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
