Every year Washington, Missouri holds a 5K race called “Run to Read!” The newspaper, the Y, the library, and the local independent bookstore combine forces to gather community around the wonder of books. This year they decided to donate a portion of every entry to the Bobbi Gibb Marathon Sculpture Project, and they invited me to attend to speak about Girl Running.

In addition to the 5K, there was a 1 mile story stroll. Along the route, middle schoolers from the cross country team held up displays from my book. I loved stopping with my fellow walkers and hearing parents read the story aloud to their kids.

Toddlers aren’t left out of this. There was an adorable Dash across the parking lot, with cheering parents waiting for their little ones

After running, everyone got to choose a book as a prize. I was staggered by the great selection of books here. And see the boxes under the tables? They’re still full of books, just waiting for space on the table.

I loved this event and the community connections it made. I was thrilled to share Girl Running. Hooray for running! Hooray for reading!

Girl Running by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Micha Archer. Nancy Paulsen Books: 2018.

Alyson Beecher hosts the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge at kidlitfrenzy.com. Visit there for more great nonfiction picture books!