By Deborah Van Duinen
Now in its 11th year, Hope College’s Big Read Lakeshore, an annual month-long community-wide reading program, continues to foster a culture where reading matters in West Michigan’s Ottawa, Muskegon, and Allegan counties. In collaboration with many libraries, nonprofit organizations, and schools, this annual reading initiative invites thousands of people of all ages to read and respond to literature with a shared theme.
The Big Read Lakeshore’s theme for this year centered around dreams. Participants were encouraged to explore questions about identity and community aspirations as they engaged in the following three books: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Mexikid, a middle-grade book by Pedro Martin, and Yuyi Morales’ children’s picture book Dreamers. Collectively, these stories entertained, challenged, inspired, and connected us.
At first glance, these books might not seem connected: a story about Jazz Age opulence, a graphic memoir of a Mexican-American boy, and a picture book depicting an immigrant’s journey. However, each story explores the themes of dreams, identity, and belonging.
With its exploration of the American Dream and the complexities of self-identity, The Great Gatsby reflects on societal aspirations and the often elusive nature of fulfillment. Set against the backdrop of 1920s America, Fitzgerald’s novel delves into the pursuit of wealth and status and questions what it means to be happy and belong in a rapidly changing world. This story invites readers to reflect on their dreams and the ways societal expectations might shape and influence these dreams.
In a very different way, Mexikid encourages readers to do the same. This middle-grade graphic memoir offers a contemporary narrative filled with humor. It provides a glimpse into the journey of a young boy navigating the intersection of Mexican and American cultures, the immigrant experience, and themes of family, heritage, and self-discovery. Readers are encouraged to consider the cultural and societal norms that influence identity formation and the quest for belonging in a multicultural society.
Lakeshore readers were encouraged to consider the following questions as they read each of these books:
- What do these stories say about dreams?
- How do cultural and societal norms affect the characters’ search for who they are?
- What are your dreams? What are your dreams for our community?
The Big Read Lakeshore is not just about reading; it’s about creating connections through various events designed to engage participants of all ages. Thus, we also encourage our Lakeshore readers to attend one of our many program events and book discussions. From lectures and dance performances to food events, book discussions, author events, zine workshops, and film screenings, we offered over 150 events at libraries, art galleries, college campuses, nonprofit organizations, and coffee shops. These gatherings provided a platform for over 20,000 readers to connect, share, and explore the themes and topics raised by our selected books.
Involvement in the 2024 program has not only enriched our understanding of literature but also strengthened the bonds that unite us as a diverse and vibrant community. Through shared reading experiences, we have explored the intricacies of identity, the resilience found in cultural heritage, and the universal pursuit of dreams.
The highlights of this year’s program were undoubtedly the two author visits. Thousands of middle and elementary students were able to connect directly with both Pedro Martin and Yuyi Morales. Their presence in our community enriched the program and inspired us to reflect on our own narratives.
Pedro Martin participated in six author events, including school visits, a zine workshop, and a library event. At his events, he poignantly examined the complexities of Mexican American identity. Through engaging anecdotes and humor, he brought to life stories of his past and made space for many community members to feel seen and valued. The kindness he showed to everyone he engaged with will be remembered for a long time.
As we conclude this year’s reading journey, we’re reminded of the power of stories to inspire change and bridge divides. The essence of our Big Read Lakeshore program lies in its ability to bring people together through literature. This shared experience fosters dialogue among participants from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to listen to one another’s perspectives. In this year’s communal exploration of dreams—both personal and collective—we hope to continue to create an environment where individuals can express their hopes for themselves and their community. We hope to continue to keep reading and dreaming. We hope to continue transforming our Lakeshore community, one story at a time.
If you are interested in our Big Read Lakeshore program and want more information, follow us on social media (Instagram- @bigreadlakeshore; @littlereadlakeshore), or visit our Big Read Lakeshore website and sign up for our newsletter.
Deborah Van Duinen is the Arnold and Esther Sonneveldt Professor of Education at Hope College in Holland, MI and director of Hope College’s Big Read Lakeshore and Little Read Lakeshore, annual community-wide reading programs in November. Her book, Widening the Lens: Integrating Multiple Approaches to Adolescent Literacy Instruction, was published this year. Deb received the Towsley Research Scholar award in 2013 and the 2016 Michigan Reading Association’s Individual Literacy Award for her leadership with The Big Read and with English education. In 2022, the Big/Little Read program received the Michigan Humanities Council’s Community Impact Partner of the Year award.
