This year’s community-wide NEA Big Read Lakeshore reading program has invited award-winning author Christina Soontornvat to meet with the community’s young readers about her book, “A Wish in the Dark,” which is the chosen book for the current Middle Read Lakeshore program.
Soontornvat will host one public event on Wed., March 25 at the Herrick Public Library’s North branch at 155 Riley Street in Holland, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Book signing to follow the event and books will be available for purchase. She’ll be speaking to about hundreds of local school children in Holland and Muskegon on Thursday, March 26.
Soontornvat's “A Wish in the Dark” is a luminous middle-grade fantasy set in the Thai-inspired city of Chattana, where light is controlled by the authoritarian governor. The story follows Pong, a boy born in Namwon Prison, who escapes in search of freedom but finds a world outside that is just as unjust. Branded by his prison tattoo, Pong is pursued by the prison warden's daughter, determined to restore her family's honor. As their paths intertwine, both characters grapple with questions of morality, justice, and the true meaning of freedom. Inspired by Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, this novel explores themes of privilege, protest and the power of individual courage to challenge systemic oppression. “A Wish in the Dark” has been recognized with a Newbery Honor and the Jane Addams Children's Book Award for its compelling narrative and profound social commentary.
About the Author
Christina Soontornvat is an award-winning author of books for children and young readers, celebrated for her ability to blend rich cultural storytelling with powerful themes of justice, identity and resilience. Born in Texas to Thai immigrant parents, she grew up straddling two cultures, which has deeply influenced her writing. Before becoming a full-time author, Christina earned degrees in mechanical engineering and science education, and worked in science museums — experiences that often inspire the curiosity and wonder found in her books.
She is the author of other critically acclaimed works, including her nonfiction title “All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team,” which also received a Newbery Honor and was a finalist for the National Book Award. She continues to write stories that empower young readers, often weaving in elements of her Thai heritage, and she is recognized as a leading voice in contemporary children’s literature.
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Support for Big Read Lakeshore Provided by NEA
The program – organized by Hope College – has continued to be supported in part with a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and also supported by Arts Midwest. The NEA Big Read Lakeshore program has now received 11 grants from the NEA annually since 2014. To learn more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
This year’s community-wide NEA Big Read Lakeshore is in its 12th year, providing accompanying programs for four different-aged reader groups.
The NEA Big Read Lakeshore is a month-long, county-wide reading program that takes place each November, to support reading among various age groups and expose readers to great works for pleasure and enrichment. The program encourages local book clubs interested in reading any of the chosen titles to sign up on the program’s website (bigreadlakeshore.com) to gain access to free book discussion material and information on how to get involved. More than 50 private book clubs participate each year.
Hope College’s NEA Big Read, Middle Read, Little Read and Mini Read Lakeshore programs bring the community together around a common book for a month each fall, using the shared experience of reading, discussing and exploring the themes of the book as a springboard to listen to and learn from each other. Presented in collaboration with 75 community partners including lakeshore libraries, nonprofits, businesses, school districts and academic institutions, the programs involve thousands of readers along the Lakeshore each year.
For a list of participating community and school partners, visit: https://bigreadlakeshore.com/partners/