The Big Read, a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest, is a national initiative to promote literacy and support organizations that encourage reading, such as the Miami Book Fair, which celebrated its 35th anniversary last year. The Book Fair has been part of the Big Read since its inception in 2006.
It’s like one giant book club! A new book is selected each year and free copies are distributed in schools and at special community events inspired by the book’s themes.
This year’s Big Read selection is How We Became Human: New and Selected Poems 1975-2001, which encompasses the first 26 years of Joy Harjo’s career, including her groundbreaking classic She Had Some Horses. Born in Oklahoma, she is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and author of seven poetry books.
The Book Fair will give away free copies of How We Became Human at these events:
Big Read Kick-Off
Sunday, Feb. 24, at 1 p.m.
Everglades National Park
400001 State Highway 9336
Homestead, Fl. 33034
Tickets: Free
A discussion by Miccosukee native Betty Osceola, AIRIE Fellow Cathy Byrd and others about conservation efforts in the Florida Everglades, their effects on indigenous ways of life, and how to effectively communicate environmental concerns through the cultural arts.
Joy Harjo in Conversation with Natalie Diaz
Thursday, March 7, at 8 p.m.
Books & Books
265 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables, Fl. 33134
Tickets: Free
Harjo will discuss her poems, which span the brutalities of reservation life to the beauty of Native American culture and mythology. Moderated by poet Natalie Diaz.
Poetry Workshops with High School Students
Friday, March 8
Various Locations
Tickets: Free
Harjo and Diaz will lead community poetry workshops for local high school students. Each student will receive a copy of either Harjo’s How We Became Human or Diaz’s When My Brother Was an Aztec.
Mexican Poet Esteban Rios Cruz – in Spanish only
Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m.
Consul General of Mexico in Miami
1399 S.W. 1st Ave.
Miami, Fl. 33130
Tickets: Free
Zapotec poet Rios Cruz, recipient of the 2018 Nezahualcóyotl literature award, will read from his poetry collection Xaniaa gueela´/Al pie de la noche and discuss his experience writing in an indigenous Mexican language as an act of pride and cultural vindication of the people.