The Bronx Is Reading, Tuma’s Books, and Wilde, Flowers & Books are hosting a spooky bookish themed party for all ages! Come dressed in your favorite book character or Halloween costume. The will be activities and book giveaways (while supplies last), and a Halloween costume swap/donation table hosted at YMPJ's Soundview Economic Hub!

ABOUT UNDER THE BRUCKNER PRESENTED BY YMPJ

YMPJ is embarking on an ambitious project to activate the public space under the Bruckner Expressway on Bronx River Ave.This space will be called the Under the Bruckner and serve as a small business incubator and showcase for local Bronx businesses and community members.

ABOUT WILD, FLOWERS & BOOKS

Wilde provides a curated book selection that represents the diversity, languages, and spirit of The Bronx. Together we can unlock the equity gaps surrounding literacy, such as lack of access to book ownership, eyecare and free glasses, and safe green spaces to enjoy and read in. Wilde events provide a space for the whole family to gather and enjoy books and nature.

ABOUT TUMAS BOOKS

Tuma's Books is an NYC based online & pop-up bookstore offering diverse books that represent the beautiful cultural identities, traditions, and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) that you likely may not discover on your own. We are considerate of whose stories are unrepresented or silenced and offer them front and center for diverse readers. Visit our website to shop our current Monthly Diverse Reads subscription titles, Mystery Diverse Reads or Blind Date with a Book, New & Bargain Books from our in-store stock, merchandise, gifts sourced from other BIPOC businesses, and more at www.tumasbooks.com.

We can’t wait to see you there!

RSVP to attend: https://SpooktacularUnderTheBruckner.eventbrite.com

Join us at the historic Andrew Freedman Home for a Storytime event with published authors, curated specially for Boogie Down kids! We're passionate about getting young readers excited about book culture. Stop by to enjoy a live reading, experience the beautiful Andrew Freedman Home, and snag a new, signed book for your home library! We'll be hosting children's author John Parra on April 6th. Learn more about him below:

John Parra is an award-winning artist, illustrator, author, and educator, best known for his, Latino themed, children’s picture books. His work on, Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year. His MTA artcard poster, Birdhouse Subways, was displayed throughout NYC subways and his art was seen on six U.S. Forever Postage Stamps titled: Delicioso. He regularly speaks as a visiting artist at schools and literary conferences across the country, advocating art and reading education and was also invited by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY to present a special event about his career and illustrations. His book, Growing an Artist: The Story of a Landscaper and His Son, is his debut as both author and illustrator and has received numerous starred reviews and recognitions. John currently lives with his wife, Maria, in Queens, New York.

Join us at the historic Andrew Freedman Home for a Storytime event with published authors, curated specially for Boogie Down kids! We're passionate about getting young readers excited about book culture. Stop by to enjoy a live reading, experience the beautiful Andrew Freedman Home, and snag a new, signed book for your home library!

At this event, we'll be hosting children's author Janelle Harper. Learn more about Janelle below:

Janelle Harper is a Bronx native who proudly carries her New York accent anywhere she goes. She finds inspiration in city living and the diverse experiences of the African Diaspora. When she is not enjoying the hidden gems of The Bronx, she is traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a proud veteran public school teacher that comes from a long line of educators. She is passionate about creating stories that reflect the children in her Bronx classroom and neighborhood. When she’s not thinking about her next book, Janelle can often be found in her dance studio, blasting music, yelling 5-6-7-8, and preparing elaborate student productions. Visit her online at www.janelleharperauthor.com

We can't wait to see you there!

RSVP to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/775671102147?aff=oddtdtcreator

(Tickets open February 5th, 2024)

Join us at the historic Andrew Freedman Home for a Storytime event with published authors, curated specially for Boogie Down kids! We're passionate about getting young readers excited about book culture. Stop by to enjoy a live reading, experience the beautiful Andrew Freedman Home, and snag a new, signed book for your home library!

We’ll be hosting children’s author Sharee Miller for this storytime. Learn more about her below:

Sharee Miller is the author and illustrator of the picture books Princess Hair, Don't Touch My Hair!, and Michelle's Garden, as well as the new graphic novel Curlfriends: New in Town, all published by LBYR. She is also the illustrator of The Shai and Emmie series written by Quvenzhané Wallis and Nancy Ohlin and Sam's Super Seats by Keah Brown. She lives in Jersey City with her spouse, son, and two cats, Pumpkin and Spice! 

RSVP to attend: https://TBIRstorytime2.eventbrite.com

Join us at the historic Andrew Freedman Home for a Storytime event with published authors, curated specially for Boogie Down kids! We're passionate about getting young readers excited about book culture. Stop by to enjoy a live reading, experience the beautiful Andrew Freedman Home, and snag a new, signed book for your home library!

RSVP to attend: https://TBIRstorytime.eventbrite.com

Visit The Bronx is Reading at our tent for the Bronx Terminal Market’s Winter Wonderland! Enjoy local vendors, get ahead on holiday shopping, and stock up on your winter library with our pop-up bookstore, Lair of Dreams.

Join us for our People's Book Fair and bring new books to your home! We're proud to host our book fair at the Andrew Freedman Home in the Bronx. For a $15 entry fee, attendees will have the chance to pick 3 books of their choosing and take home an exclusive TBIR tote bag. Drop everything and read with your new books provided by TBIR on November 17th and 18th!

Join us for our People's Book Fair and bring new books to your home! We're proud to host our book fair at the Andrew Freedman Home in the Bronx in collaboration with the Bronx Escape Room. For a $15 entry fee, attendees will have the chance to pick 3 books of their choosing and take home an exclusive TBIR tote bag. Drop everything and read with your new books provided by TBIR on November 17th and 18th!

Join us for our Authors & Writers Out Loud Event Series! Bronx Poet Laureate Kay Bell will be opening the series with a brief poetry reading! We’ll be hosting authors to engage in a panel discussion and sign copies of their books provided by our pop-up bookstore, Lair of Dreams. RSVP to attend this exclusive TBIR event. Check out the featured authors for November 4th below:

Andrea Navedo is a Bronx-born-and-raised Puerto Rican American actress best known for her role as Xiomara, a complex and genuine Latina, on The CW’s series Jane the Virgin, for which she received critical acclaim. She is dedicated to various charities, including A Place Called Home in South Central Los Angeles, and the Fresh Air Fund in New York City. Navedo has a passion for self-improvement, growth, and healing, and through her experiences seeks to help those who see themselves on the outside looking in. She and her family divide their time between their homes in Toronto and Connecticut. She has just published her first book, Our Otherness Is Our Strength.

John Manuel Arias is a queer, Costa Rican American poet and writer. He is a Canto Mundo fellow & alumnus of the Tin House Summer Writers Workshop. His prose and poetry have been published in PANK, The Rumpus, F(r)iction, Joyland Magazine, and Akashic Books. He has lived in Washington D.C., Brooklyn New York, and in San José, Costa Rica with his grandmother and four ghosts. Where There Was Fire is his first novel.

Mercy Tullis-Bukhari is a poet, essayist, and fiction writer who is Bronx-bred, Afro-Latina, Honduran and Garifuna, of Jamaican descent. She is a Callaloo Fellow, obtained her MA from Herbert Lehman College and her MFA in Creative Writing from The College of New Rochelle. She was named one of the “8 Authors Bringing Afro-Latina Stories to the Forefront” by Remezcla magazine and was a Pushcart Prize nominee in 2016 and 2018. She is also an English Language Arts high school teacher in the Southeast Section of The Bronx. Mercy’s third book, The Little Deaths, is available for purchase by Get Fresh Books. Mercy can be found at mercytullisbukhari.com.

Clarence A. Haynes has worked as an editor for a variety of publishers that include Penguin Random House and Amazon Publishing as well as Legacy Lit, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. He has edited top-selling fiction titles like The Hundredth Queen, Scarlet Odyssey, Legacy of Lies, These Toxic Things, and The Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller The Vine Witch, along with its two sequels. He is also the author of the nonfiction work The Legacy of Jim Crow.

Jonathan Conyers, acclaimed author of the memoir "I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here" (published by Legacy Lit, an imprint of Hachette) graduated from Stony Brook University as an EOP student in 2017, leaving a profound impact on the campus. During his time at the University, he was known as "Mr. Far Beyond," his towering presence gracing the university library and buses. In addition to his literary achievements, Jonathan Conyers is the founder of Conyers Media and the host of The Professional Winner Podcast. He also plays a pivotal role on the board of the Brooklyn Debate League, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Speech & Debate to at-risk communities. Currently, they are in the process of filming a documentary in collaboration with Vice News, and their efforts have supported numerous students in establishing new teams, competing at tournaments, qualifying for States and Nationals, and participating in debate summer camps. Jonathan gained significant recognition when he was featured in a 12-part story on Humans of New York, resulting in the remarkable achievement of raising 1.3 million dollars for his non-profit, the Brooklyn Debate League, and garnering over 1 million likes. His achievements have also been acknowledged by major publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and appearances on shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show. Beyond his philanthropic endeavors and media career, Jonathan serves as a respiratory therapist, specializing in neonatal and pediatric care at New York University Langone Hospital. He bravely stood on the frontlines during the COVID-19 crisis, contributing significantly to the nation's healthcare efforts. Jonathan has recently committed to a deal with Elliot Page and Pageboy Production who are in negotiations to bring his exceptional life to the big screen. Jonathan currently resides in New York City, with his wife and three young children.

Join us for our second Educator Social of the 2023-24 school year! We will be presenting TBIR’s Literacy Programming and potential author visit opportunities for educators in the Bronx and larger New York area. Come by to enjoy free food, meet other NYC educators, and make connections with The Bronx is Reading! The event will be held at Heyground Harlem at Communitas America from 6-8pm on November 3rd, 2023. Make sure to RSVP to this exclusive TBIR event!

Join us for our Authors & Writers Out Loud Series! Celebrate Halloween and Spooky Season with us as October 28th will be devoted entirely to young people. Join us for our 3rd annual Trick or Treat Give Me Something Good to Read giveaway where kids 0-18 can score FREE books (while supplies last), storytime events, and a panel discussion featuring contributors to Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed: 15 Voices from the Latinx Diaspora. The Bronx Poet Laureate Kay Bell will open up the show with a featured performance. RSVP to reserve your spot at this exclusive event. Learn more about our spotlit authors:

Kay Bell – Bronx Poet Laureate 2023-25 (Opening Author)

Kay Bell is an Educator, Storyteller and music enthusiast. Her poetry aims to weave the language of activism with the voice of the marginalized to confront and interrogate literary spaces of oppression. For her, writing works as a birthing floor for healing, invention, and reimagination— where the poetic voice is responsible for both blessing and bruising the inquiring reader. Through writings such as “Work Sonnet,” & “Watching You Sleep” Kay continues to give rise to poetics that challenge societal norms, promote empathy, and inspires change. Currently, she works as an Academic Advisor and Adjunct Professor at the City College of New York and can be found nurturing her plants and her two sons, in the heart of the South Bronx. IG: @poetesskay. Facebook: I Am Kay Bell. Website: iamkaybell.com

Zakiya N. Jamal was born in Queens, raised in Long Island, and currently resides in Brooklyn. In other words, she’s a New Yorker through and through. She holds a BA in English from Georgetown University and a MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Writing for Children and Young Adults from The New School. Her debut novel IF WE WERE A MOVIE will be published in 2025 by HarperTeen.

Cristina Arreola has written about books for Bustle, Elle, Latina Magazine, and more. She now works in publishing. Originally from El Paso, Texas, she lives on the Upper West Side with her partner, two cats, and piles and piles of books.

Janel Martinez is a writer and the founder of award-winning blog, Ain't I Latina?, an online destination celebrating Afro-Latinx womanhood. The Bronx, NY native is a frequent public speaker discussing media, culture and identity at conferences and events for Bloomberg, NBCU, New York University, SXSW, Harvard University and more. She’s appeared as a featured guest on national shows and outlets, such as MSNBC's The Culture Is: Latina, BuzzFeed, ESSENCE, NPR and Sirius XM, and her work has appeared in Adweek, Univision Communications, Oprah Daily, Refinery29, Remezcla and The New York Times, among others. The Honduran-American has been nominated for the 20th Annual Rosoff Award in the 20-Something Category and won the Afro-Latino Festival of New York's Digital Empowerment Award and, in 2018, was recognized at City Hall by the New York City Council, the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus and the Bronx Delegation to the NYC Council for her contributions as a woman of Garifuna descent. She penned "Abuela's Greatest Gift" in the YA anthology, Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed, published by Flatiron Books.

Kahlil Haywood is writer and editor from Brooklyn, NY whose family hails from Panama on both sides. Much of his work centers around the Black experience as it pertains to culture and entertainment. He has previously worked with publications such as Madame Noire, The Daily Mail, and EBONY. He currently functions as a Sports and Culture Columnist at Blavity.

Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is a queer Afro-Latine/x Dominican and Puerto Rican storyteller. Her ability to weave compelling stories has opened many doors for her as an author, speaker, and resume writer. She is also a mother and community organizer. During the day she works with community members, non-profit organizations, and government officials to make the world a better place. Then she puts her writer’s hat on to craft heartfelt stories about home, family, food, and the fun places she has been. Alyssa was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, and currently lives in Philadelphia, PA with her partner and daughter. She is the author of Plátanos Are Love, The Bronx Is My Home, and Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book. She hopes you enjoy her stories.

Join us for an evening with Alexa Patrick, author of the new poetry book Remedies for Disappearing, and Roya Marsh, co-founder of The Bronx is Reading’s annual Bronx Poet Laureate.

Join us for our Authors & Writers Out Loud Event Series! Bronx Poet Laureate Kay Bell will be opening the series with a brief poetry reading! We’ll be hosting authors to engage in a panel discussion and sign copies of their books provided by our pop-up bookstore, Lair of Dreams. Check out the featured authors for October 14th below:

Kay Bell – Bronx Poet Laureate 2023-25 (Opening Author)

Kay Bell is an Educator, Storyteller and music enthusiast. Her poetry aims to weave the language of activism with the voice of the marginalized to confront and interrogate literary spaces of oppression. For her, writing works as a birthing floor for healing, invention, and reimagination— where the poetic voice is responsible for both blessing and bruising the inquiring reader. Through writings such as “Work Sonnet,” & “Watching You Sleep” Kay continues to give rise to poetics that challenge societal norms, promote empathy, and inspires change. Currently, she works as an Academic Advisor and Adjunct Professor at the City College of New York and can be found nurturing her plants and her two sons, in the heart of the South Bronx. IG: @poetesskay. Facebook: I Am Kay Bell. Website: iamkaybell.com

Zakiya N. Jamal was born in Queens, raised in Long Island, and currently resides in Brooklyn. In other words, she’s a New Yorker through and through. She holds a BA in English from Georgetown University and a MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Writing for Children and Young Adults from The New School. Her debut novel IF WE WERE A MOVIE will be published in 2025 by HarperTeen.

Cristina Arreola has written about books for Bustle, Elle, Latina Magazine, and more. She now works in publishing. Originally from El Paso, Texas, she lives on the Upper West Side with her partner, two cats, and piles and piles of books.

Janel Martinez is a writer and the founder of award-winning blog, Ain't I Latina?, an online destination celebrating Afro-Latinx womanhood. The Bronx, NY native is a frequent public speaker discussing media, culture and identity at conferences and events for Bloomberg, NBCU, New York University, SXSW, Harvard University and more. She’s appeared as a featured guest on national shows and outlets, such as MSNBC's The Culture Is: Latina, BuzzFeed, ESSENCE, NPR and Sirius XM, and her work has appeared in Adweek, Univision Communications, Oprah Daily, Refinery29, Remezcla and The New York Times, among others. The Honduran-American has been nominated for the 20th Annual Rosoff Award in the 20-Something Category and won the Afro-Latino Festival of New York's Digital Empowerment Award and, in 2018, was recognized at City Hall by the New York City Council, the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus and the Bronx Delegation to the NYC Council for her contributions as a woman of Garifuna descent. She penned "Abuela's Greatest Gift" in the YA anthology, Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed, published by Flatiron Books.

Natasha Díaz is an award winning author and screenwriter currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. Natasha's scripts have placed as a quarterfinalist in the Austin Film Festival and a finalist for both the NALIP Diverse Women in Media Fellowship and the Sundance Episodic Story Lab. Her essays can be found in The Establishment and Huffington Post. Her debut novel, Color Me In came out in 2019. She is a contributor to the Wild Tongues Can't be Tamed anthology and coauthored two novels told in stories, The Grimoire of Grave Fates and House Party.

Kahlil Haywood is  writer and editor from Brooklyn, NY whose family hails from Panama on both sides. Much of his work centers around the Black experience as it pertains to culture and entertainment. He has previously worked with publications such as Madame Noire, The Daily Mail, and EBONY. He currently functions as a Sports and Culture Columnist at Blavity.

Join us on October 5th at Heyground Harlem for our Educator Social! If you're an educator in the Bronx or major NYC area, this event is curated especially for you. 

Take a look at our programming geared toward educators' mental health and wellness: First up, we'll be hosting our 2023 Mover & Shaker of the Year and licensed therapist Emely Rumble to give a presentation about therapy resources for educators, offer brief therapy consultation sessions, and recommend her favorite self-help and wellness books. Her recommendations will be available for purchase at the event. We will also be offering a meditation session and presentation on yoga for stress relief hosted by TBIR's assistant and certified yoga instructor, Isabella Acuña.

Our pop-up bookstore, Lair of Dreams, will be selling books on wellness, educator tips, and children's books suited for the classroom. Check out the bookstore at the event to learn how to set up your own registry with TBIR! 

Join us at our Educator Social to gain new insights on making the classroom a safe space for you and meet other educators in the New York area! Make sure to RSVP to get access to this exclusive TBIR event. 

Join us for our Authors & Writers Out Loud Event Series! We’ll be hosting Jonathan Conyers, Mercy Tullis-Bukhari, and Clarence A. Haynes. The authors will join our founder, Saraciea J. Fennell, in a panel discussion followed by a signing. Make sure to RSVP to attend this exclusive TBIR event!

Jonathan Conyers, acclaimed author of the memoir "I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here" (published by Legacy Lit, an imprint of Hachette) graduated from Stony Brook University as an EOP student in 2017, leaving a profound impact on the campus. During his time at the University, he was known as "Mr. Far Beyond," his towering presence gracing the university library and buses. In addition to his literary achievements, Jonathan Conyers is the founder of Conyers Media and the host of The Professional Winner Podcast. He also plays a pivotal role on the board of the Brooklyn Debate League, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Speech & Debate to at-risk communities. Currently, they are in the process of filming a documentary in collaboration with Vice News, and their efforts have supported numerous students in establishing new teams, competing at tournaments, qualifying for States and Nationals, and participating in debate summer camps. Jonathan gained significant recognition when he was featured in a 12-part story on Humans of New York, resulting in the remarkable achievement of raising 1.3 million dollars for his non-profit, the Brooklyn Debate League, and garnering over 1 million likes. His achievements have also been acknowledged by major publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and appearances on shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show. Beyond his philanthropic endeavors and media career, Jonathan serves as a respiratory therapist, specializing in neonatal and pediatric care at New York University Langone Hospital. He bravely stood on the frontlines during the COVID-19 crisis, contributing significantly to the nation's healthcare efforts. Jonathan has recently committed to a deal with Elliot Page and Pageboy Production who are in negotiations to bring his exceptional life to the big screen. Jonathan currently resides in New York City, with his wife and three young children.

Mercy Tullis-Bukhari is a poet, essayist, and fiction writer who is Bronx-bred, Afro-Latina, Honduran and Garifuna, of Jamaican descent. She is a Callaloo Fellow, obtained her MA from Herbert Lehman College and her MFA in Creative Writing from The College of New Rochelle. She was named one of the “8 Authors Bringing Afro-Latina Stories to the Forefront” by Remezcla magazine and was a Pushcart Prize nominee in 2016 and 2018. She is also an English Language Arts high school teacher in the Southeast Section of The Bronx. Mercy’s third book, The Little Deaths, is available for purchase by Get Fresh Books. Mercy can be found at mercytullisbukhari.com.

Clarence A. Haynes has worked as an editor for a variety of publishers that include Penguin Random House and Amazon Publishing as well as Legacy Lit, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. He has edited top-selling fiction titles like The Hundredth Queen, Scarlet Odyssey, Legacy of Lies, These Toxic Things, and The Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller The Vine Witch, along with its two sequels. He is also the author of the nonfiction work The Legacy of Jim Crow.

Join us for our 2nd annual Earth Day

Join us for a Beauty & Brains Book Talk with New York Times bestselling author Tia Williams in conversation with Hot 97's Miabelle on Saturday, January 28th at 7 PM ET to discuss Williams' novel, Seven Days in June! This is a ticketed event, so please use the following link to secure a seat: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beauty-and-brains-book-talk-featuring-nyt-bestselling-author-tia-williams-tickets-503494153567.

Tia Williams is an American novelist and editor. She has published 6 books and is best known for The Accidental Diva, The Perfect Find, and Seven Days in June. She is also a beauty editor who has written for magazines such as Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and more. Williams currently lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and daughter. 

Miabelle is a New York City based writer/host/producer with a love for arts and culture. Her experience has ranged from providing exclusive content to community newspapers, and major digital + print publications such as Complex Media, Vibe Magazine, HOT 97/WBLS, and more! Miabelle also works as a freelance editor for both fiction and non-fiction literature as well as utilizing her voice for commercials and on-air segments. 

Join us Saturday, April 30th at the Andrew Freedman Home for our in-person event for Independent Bookstore Day. From 10 AM - 2 PM, we will be joined by the wonderful writers listed above who will be doing live readings, book signings, and even a poetry workshop. We hope to see you there!

Join us Wednesday, October 27 at 6pm ET for a conversation with Bronx native and author Miles Marshall Lewis and journalist Dan Charnas to discuss Miles' newest book PROMISE THAT YOU WILL SING ABOUT ME.

This is a free event.

Join us Tuesday, September 7 at 6pm ET as we chat (virtually) with founder of Latina Rebels and author of For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color – Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez.

This is a free virtual event. RSVP on Crowdcast. You can purchase a copy of the book through our bookstore.

About For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts

For generations, Brown girls have had to push against powerful forces of sexism, racism, and classism, often feeling alone in the struggle. By founding Latina Rebels, Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez has created a community to help women fight together. In For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts, she offers wisdom and a liberating path forward for all women of color. She crafts powerful ways to address the challenges Brown girls face, from imposter syndrome to colorism. She empowers women to decolonize their worldview, and defy “universal” white narratives, by telling their own stories. Her book guides women of color toward a sense of pride and sisterhood and offers essential tools to energize a movement.

May it spark a fire within you.