One Book, One San Diego is our region’s community literary program, presented through the partnership of KPBS, the San Diego Public Library, the San Diego County Library, and more than 80 libraries, schools, and other organizations. In 2023, this program celebrates its 17th year of bringing readers in San Diego and Baja California closer through reading, discussing, and attending events centered around the same books.
The titles for One Book, One San Diego 2023 were announced at the San Diego Union-Tribune’s 7th Annual Festival of Books on Saturday, August 19. Here are the 2023 selections in the categories of Adult, Teen, and Kids:
Adult
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
Heather McGhee’s specialty is the American economy and the mystery of why it so often fails the American public. She found a root problem: racism in our politics and policymaking. This page-turning work of nonfiction tallies what we lose when we buy into the zero-sum paradigm—the idea that progress for some of us must come at the expense of others—and it presents proof of what McGhee calls the Solidarity Dividend: the benefits we gain when people come together across race to accomplish what we can’t do on our own.
Teen
Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango
No matter how hard seventh grader Iveliz tries, sometimes people say things that just make her so mad. And worse, her abuela Mimi keeps saying Iveliz’s medicine is unnecessary—even though it helps Iveliz feel less sad. But how do you explain your feelings to others when you’re not even sure what’s going on yourself? This powerful and compassionate novel in verse navigates mental health, finding your voice, and discovering that those who really love you will stay by your side no matter what.
Kids
Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady
When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as an astronaut, a dancer, and a superhero, too! But it’s Career Week at school, and Nigel can’t find the courage to share his dreams. It’s easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates—especially when he already feels out of place.
Use your library card to access these titles 24/7 through Libby. Don’t have a library card? Learn how to get one here.
Follow KPBS to learn when this year’s One Book author talks will be held, and keep an eye on San Diego County Library’s events calendar to find book discussions, storytimes, and more at a library branch near you. Happy reading!
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