Special Programs

2021 Books Build Bridges: Connecting Communities through Reading

Books Build Bridges is a community read program hosted by Hamilton East Public Library each fall to build community through shared experience, provide diverse reading opportunities and engage our community with noted authors. Featured books this year are The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande (Adults and Young Readers Edition) and Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote by Duncan Tonatiuh (Picture Book).

Join our community in reading, participating in book discussions, and meeting the award-winning authors.

Meet the Authors

Bestselling author, Reyna Grande

Reyna Grande is the author of the bestselling memoir, The Distance Between Us, where she writes about her life before and after she arrived in the United States from Mexico as an undocumented child immigrant. Her books have been adopted as the common read selection by schools, colleges and cities across the country.

Award-winning author, Duncan Tonatiuh

Duncan Tonatiuh (toh-nah-tee-YOU) is a Mexican-American author and illustrator of several award-winning children’s books. He grew up in San Miguel de Allende, México and graduated from Parsons School of Design and Eugene Lang College in New York City. His aim is to create images and stories that honor the past, but that are relevant to people, especially children, nowadays.

Get A Copy of the Book

Pick up a free copy of the featured novels (yours to keep, available while supplies last) at the Noblesville or the Fishers library beginning August 15, 2021. Or, borrow from our bookshelves or digitally through the library’s eBook collection: The Distance Between Us and Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote by Duncan Tonatiuh.

About the Books and Events

Registration required for all events.

The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande

The Distance Between Us is a memoir that represents the struggles of a family torn apart by poverty in Mexico and the search for a better life in the United States. Reyna’s journey as a girl to cross the US-Mexico border to join her family in Los Angeles is chronicled in her memoir, a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. A Young Readers edition of this book is also available, suggested for grades 6-9.

September 14 | 7:00 pm | Adults | In-Person and Virtual Event

Just the Facts book club will discuss The Distance Between Us at their regularly scheduled meeting. The author will not be present at this event. Registration required.

September 16 | 6:00 pm | Teens | Virtual Event

Reyna Grande will meet virtually with HEPL’s Teen Lit Café to discuss The Distance Between Us and The Distance Between Us Young Readers Edition.

September 23 | 7:00 | Book Discussion with Author | Virtual Event

Reyna Grande will join us for a virtual book discussion of The Distance Between Us.

October 2 | 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm | Author Talks | In-Person and Virtual Events

Reyna Grande will present two author talks in-person at the Fishers Library with a book signing to follow each event. Please bring your book to be signed. There will be an option for virtual participation. Registration required.

Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote by Duncan Tonatiuh

Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote, a Pura Belpré Author and Illustrator Honor Book and ALA/ALSC Notable Children’s Book and winner of the Tomas Rivera Mexican-American Children’s Book Award, is an allegorical picture book about the hardship and struggles of migrant workers and their families.

September 21 | 7:00 pm | Parents and Educators |Virtual Event

Duncan Tonatiuh will meet virtually with parents and educators to discuss Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote.

September 25 | 2:00 pm | Children and Families | Virtual Event

Duncan Tonatiuh will meet virtually with children and families to read and talk about the story and illustrations in Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote.