One Book, One Chicago Spring 2009
Welcome
Greetings,
As Mayor and on behalf of the City of Chicago, I invite you to participate in the 16th One Book, One Chicago program presented twice annually by the Chicago Public Library. This award-winning program encourages all Chicagoans to come together with friends and neighbors to share and discuss a great work of literature.
This spring, we have selected The House on Mango Street by Chicago-raised writer Sandra Cisneros. The House on Mango Street is the unique story of a Chicago girl growing up in a lively Latino neighborhood under the watch of her many relatives and neighbors. The book brings to life the portrait of this young girl and the neighborhood she calls home, exemplifying Chicago as a “city of neighborhoods.” The selection is sure to please readers across generations and communities.
The House on Mango Street is required reading in middle schools, high schools and universities across the country. First published in 1984, it received the Before Columbus Foundation’s American Book Award, and has sold over 4 million copies in the United States. This spring marks the book’s 25th anniversary, and Chicago is proud to be part of the celebration of this groundbreaking work.
You can find a copy of The House on Mango Street at your neighborhood Chicago Public Library or local bookstore. Please take part in one of the many book discussions planned in libraries, bookstores, cafes, museums and universities throughout April, and join us for any of the spectacular events celebrating the book this spring, including an appearance by Ms. Cisneros on April 14.
Sincerely,
Richard M. Daley
Mayor