Warren St. John's blog

The Maryland Humanities Council has announced its selection for the 2010 One Maryland One Book common reading program, and it''s Outcasts United.

One Maryland One Book is a state-wide program that encourages communities, schools and libraries around Maryland to read and engage in conversation and programming around a single book. Last year''s title was James McBride''s Song Yet Sung. 

They explain.

Outcasts United has been selected as a common freshman read for fall 2010 at Agnes Scott College, The University of Alabama - Birmingham, Middle Tennessee State University and Johnson State College (VT). This is in addition to selections in 2009 at Georgia Tech and McMurry University. The book has also been selected by three city-wide reading programs: One Book, One San Diego, Roswell Reads (GA), and A Tale for Two Cities (IL).

As part of its programming around the selection of "Outcasts United" as its 2010 community read, the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library System will be holding a month-long series of events throughout February, including discussions on refugee resettlement, journalism, youth sports -- and even a soccer clinic.

Roswell Reads will culminate on March 20th at 5pm, with a talk by author Warren St. John and Fugees Family founder and coach Luma Mufleh.

Roswell Reads, the common reading program for the Atlanta suburb of Roswell, has selected "Outcasts United" for 2010. Events are scheduled for March 2010, and details will  be posted at the Friends of the Roswell Library site here.

Votes are in, and "Voters Choose Outcasts United."

Thanks to all who participated. Watch this space for updates on One Book, One San Diego events, which will take place in Spring 2010.

"Outcasts United" is one of three finalists in San Diego's community read program, "One Book, One San Diego," which is sponsored by NPR affiliate KPBS and the San Diego Public Library. Voting will take place throughout the month of October to determine the selection. Past titles include "The Zookeepers Wife," "Three Cups of Tea" and "Enrique's Journey."

You can vote here.

Better World Books, an online book seller with a social mission, has partnered with select Whole Foods Markets to create the Better World Books at Whole Markets Book Club. Their maiden pick: Outcasts United. Details here.

Several organizations have joined up to sponsor or support events for Outcasts United in the coming weeks, including the University of Alabama, Birmingham; Agnes Scott College; The Altamont School; the DeKalb Historical Society; Catalyst of Birmingham; and the Jackson Futbol Club.

My book "Outcasts United: a Refugee Team, an American Town" will be published on April 21 in the U.S., and I'm going to be doing events around the country for a month or so following. Check out the events listings for dates and locations. We'll be adding content to the site over the next couple of weeks, including resources for teachers, so check back in. In the meantime, I encourage you to read this piece  from a few weeks back in the Times.