Banned Books Week is an annual celebration of the freedom to read. The theme of 2021’s Banned Books Week, observed September 26 – October 2, is “Books Unite Us, Censorship … Read More
Representative John R. Lewis’ Graphic Memoir “Run: Book One”
Before his death, Rep. John R. Lewis completed his graphic memoir Run: Book One. Lewis was a Civil Rights activist who was also a United States Representative for Georgia’s 5th … Read More
National Hispanic American Heritage & Latinx Month at WITS
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage & Latinx Heritage Month. During this month, we pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic and Latinx Americans who have … Read More
This Weekend in Chicago: Colson Whitehead on “Harlem Shuffle”
Colson Whitehead will be the keynote speaker this weekend at the 36th annual Printers Row Lit Fest (PRLF). The festival is an opportunity to celebrate and support Chicago’s independent bookstores, … Read More
Coming Together to Celebrate the End of WITSummer Books
WITSummer Books 2021 is officially a wrap! Every spring hundreds of donors come together to raise funds for WITS to gift books to Chicago Public Schools students and teachers. This … Read More
Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors
At WITS, we believe it is important that books celebrate the histories, experiences, and everyday life of the students we serve, the city we live in, and the world we … Read More
National Paperback Book Day
July 30th is National Paperback Book Day, so put down your e-books and hardcover books and find one of your favorite paperbacks to celebrate! Sir Allen Lane Before the 1930s, … Read More
Rochelle Lee Teacher Award Study Group
In early June, Rochelle Lee Teacher Award (RLTA) Study Group leaders and members join their coaches and WITS staff to share what they learned and discuss their group projects at … Read More
The Virtual Program Year
The 2020-2021 WITS Virtual Program year brought together students and volunteers for shared reading, mentorship, and community building. These are the staples of a traditional WITS program! Each week, students … Read More
Beyond Good Intentions: Diversity in Kid Lit
The WITS Team recently came together to do a deep dive into diverse kids’ books: learning about recent movements in kid lit, discussing where we missed seeing our own identities … Read More
