Each year a list of books representing the literary heritage of the affiliates of the Library of Congress Center for the Book is distributed by the Center for the Book during the National Book Festival in Washington, D. C. The books on this list are by authors representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As one of the state affiliates, the Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library is pleased to announce its selection for 52 Great Reads: The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall.
About the Book. In 1963, thirteen-year-old Arthur is sentenced to community service helping the neighborhood Junk Man after he throws a brick at the old man’s head in a moment of rage, but the junk he collects might be more important than he suspects. Inspired by the work of American folk artist James Hampton.
Nominated for 16 state book awards, including the 2016 Ohioana Book Award for Middle Grade/Young Adult Literature, an American Library Association Notable Book; an ILA Teachers Choice, and a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015. Inspired by the work of American folk artist James Hampton, award-winning author Shelley Pearsall has crafted an affecting and redemptive novel about discovering what shines within us all, even when life seems full of darkness.
About the A
uthor. Shelley Pearsall is the author of six books for middle grade and teen readers. Her inspiring and thought-provoking novels are used in classrooms nationwide, and she is a popular school speaker. Prior to becoming a full-time author, Shelley was a teacher in the public schools, as well as working in the education departments of several parks and history museums where she created museum theater programs. She has a B.A. from The College of Wooster and M.Ed. from John Carroll University. Shelley’s first book, Trouble Don’t Last, was published in 2002 and received the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. All of the Above and The Seventh Most Important Thing are ALA Notable Books. All six of Shelley’s books have appeared on numerous state reading award lists.
About the Library of Congress Center for the Book. Established by Congress in 1977 to “stimulate public interest in books and reading,” the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress is a national force for reading and literacy promotion. It sponsors educational programs that reach readers of all ages through its affiliated state centers and collaborations with nonprofit reading-promotion partners and through the Young Readers Center and Poetry and Literature Center at the Library of Congress.
The 18th Library of Congress National Book Festival will take place on Saturday, September 1 in Washington, D.C. Click here to download past 52 Great Reads lists.