Dublin residents reading same ‘one book’ in March

The 2023 illustrated book “How Do You Spell Unfair?” details the true and courageous story of one young student as she faces a world filled with discrimination and racial bias. 

For its themes of equality and encouragement, the book has been selected for the 2024 Dublin One City, One Book program. Throughout the month of March, students and residents of Dublin will embark on the collaborative reading project as a way to encourage literacy and foster community.

“This is an incredibly inspiring story,” said Catherine Brown, a first grade teacher at Frederiksen Elementary School who helped create the annual initiative. “This program brings together students, parents, and everyone really.” 

The city- and district-wide program was initially founded as “One School, One Book” by Brown. Upon the program’s success, it was expanded in 2020 to serve the entire Dublin community. 

The project is funded jointly by the city of Dublin, Dublin Unified School District, Barnes and Noble, Dublin Partners in Education (DPIE), Dublin Public Library, Dublin Rotary Club and others. 

“It’s a true story that can teach not only the kids, but the adults reading as well, about important topics like discrimination. The main character, MacNolia, is a young girl who many students can see themselves in and relate to,” Brown said. 

Written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Frank Morrison, “How Do You Spell Unfair?” is also a Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book recipient. 

The book follows the true story of a young MacNolia Cox. In 1936 as an eighth grade student, Cox was the first African American to win the Akron, Ohio spelling bee. Following her win, she was invited to the prestigious National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. 

While leaving her home state, she was sent off at the train station with a military band and crowd of thousands in joy. 

All was celebratory until she crossed the line into Maryland where racial segregation rampant – and law. Major themes of the book are equality, community and perseverance. 

“This can be a very powerful experience when whole families, schools and communities read something like this as one. It’s a learning experience, not just because of the book’s message, but just the joy it is to read together,” Brown added. 

Dublin’s One City, One Book aims to bring together the community through shared reading experiences. The program also encourages non-student residents of Dublin to join in.