African American Readathon, Feb. 19 – 23 #aari15

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African American Read-a-thon

February 19 – 23, 2015

#AAReadathon

I was inspired by Jamie (@brokeandthebookish) to be a better book pusher. I figure what way to be a better book pusher than to show my love for African American authors. February is Black History Month in the United States and as a part of BHM the National Council of Teachers of English hosts an annual African American Read-In (#aari15). I figured not everyone will be able to make it to in-person events so this is the online version!

Join in!

All you have to do to join in the fun is post your intro post to your blog, YouTube channel, Instagram, or Facebook. Be sure that your post is public so you can place it in the linky below. You do not have to be a blogger to participate. 

Your intro post should include the readathon button and a tentative TBR or listing of books you want to read/have read. Sign-ups are open until Feb. 23, no book is too small!

What are we reading?

There's no minimum or maximum to read here. This should be fun! Up for reading are any books authored by people of African heritage/decent. This includes African American authors and other who may identify as being Black without being American. All genres count! YA, MG, Adult, Fiction, Nonfiction, etc. For a list of book suggestions check out the NCTE website and Goodreads listopias. I'll be posting my TBR and more resources in my intro post.

2015 YA/MG written by Black authors

Host a mini challenge!

Want to get involved? Help spread your love for AA authors and their work by hosting a mini-challenge. You can claim one of the ideas below or create your own. Mini-challenges should offer one prize that fits the theme. If you're up for the task send me an email at becomingbooksblog [AT] gmail.com. 

Mini Challenge Ideas

Show Off Your Diverse Book Shelves - Post your diverse books shelfies!

Cover Love - Showcase all your favorite AA author's book covers.

Photo Challenge - Create photos of your book titles. You can be as literal or figurative as you'd like. e.g. book: The Color of Water, photo: Glass of water with crayons in it. 

Push It, Push It Good - Become a book pusher!! What AA author is the world missing out on or book you feel deserves more attention?

I'll be updating this space with mini-challenges as they are confirmed. 

Interview with Jason Reynolds!!! Thursday, February 19 at 7 p.m. This has been postponed! Sorry everyone.

Jason Reynolds was recently awarded the Coretta Scott King 2015 John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Join us for a conversation regarding African-American literature, Jason's author journey, and his recent and upcoming works.

Have a question you'd like to ask? Leave it in the comments below!

Twitter Chat

Don't forget to use #AAReadathon on Twitter and Instagram. On Sunday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. EST we'll have a Twitter chat to discuss all our great reads. I'm hoping to have another online surprise for all ya'll but I'm working out the details. More to come!

PRIZES!!!!

This wouldn't be a readathon without prizes ;) I'll be giving away books, of course, as well as amazon gift cards so be sure to check-in at see what's happening each day. 

If you are an author, publisher or just an awesome person and want to sponsor a prize please email becomingbooksblog [AT] gmail.com.

Link Up!