Mayor Hancock Reveals 2016 Youth One Book, One Denver Summer Reading Program Selection

“Book Scavenger” from local author, Jennifer Chambliss Bertman was selected by more than 1,500 youth voters and is currently on the New York Times’ bestseller list.

“Youth One Book, One Denver provides our children a fun and interactive reading experience during the summer months,” Mayor Hancock said. “It creates a deeper connection within our communities – thousands of young people reading the same book at the same time, discussing their thoughts, and having valuable learning experiences."

Hancock was joined by Bertman as well as Councilman Albus Brooks, students from Cole Arts & Science Academy, and representatives from Denver Arts & Venues, the Denver Office of Children’s Affairs, Denver Public Library, Denver Afterschool Alliance, Tattered Cover, and other YOBOD partners.

The 2016 YOBOD program officially launches Saturday, June 11, 1 - 3 p.m. at Tattered Cover Book Store Colfax (2526 East Colfax Ave.).

Summer programming includes more than 50 interactive events and activities with several educational partners as well as activities for students to complete on their own. Events and activities are based on “Book Scavenger” and range from science and technology, to theatre and art. Students participating in events this summer will be invited to an end-of-summer celebration on August 6. A full list of related events may be found on www.ArtsandVenues.com/YOBODCalendar.

In its fifth year, the YOBOD summer reading program has grown to more than 3,500 event and program participants and another 3,500 book readers. The program offers children ages 9-12 a shared reading experience along with entertaining and educational programming to help combat summer learning loss.

Bertman will make several public appearances throughout the summer program. Youth participating in partnering summer programs will receive a copy of the book, as well as educational opportunities related to the book.  For more information please visit: ArtsandVenues.com/YOBOD

###About Denver Arts & Venues
Denver Arts & Venues’ mission is to amplify Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through premier public venues, arts and entertainment opportunities. Arts & Venues is the City and County of Denver agency responsible for operating some of the region’s most renowned facilities, including Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Coliseum and McNichols Civic Center Building. Arts & Venues also oversees the Denver Public Art Program, Create Denver, SCFD Tier III granting process, Arts Education Fund and other entertainment and cultural events such as the Five Points Jazz Festival, Urban Arts Fund, P.S. You Are Here and implementation of IMAGINE 2020: Denver’s Cultural Plan. www.ArtsandVenues.comAbout “Book Scavenger”

Twelve-year-old Emily is on the move again. Her family is relocating to San Francisco, home of her literary idol: Garrison Griswold, creator of the online sensation Book Scavenger, a game where books are hidden all over the country and clues to find them are revealed through puzzles. But Emily soon learns that Griswold has been attacked and is in a coma, and no one knows anything about the epic new game he had been poised to launch. Then Emily and her new friend James discover an odd book, which they come to believe is from Griswold and leads to a valuable prize. But there are others on the hunt for this book, and Emily and James must race to solve the puzzles Griswold left behind before Griswold’s attackers make them their next target. Published by Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company ISBN: 978-1-62779-115-1. Publication Date: June 2, 2015