KIPP 8th Graders Meet James McBride at Baltimore Book Festival

Thanks to One Maryland One Book and the support of KIPP Baltimore board member Wendy Perrow, KIPP Ujima Village Academy 8th graders were given the opportunity to privately meet with James McBride at the Maryland Humanities Council office on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 27, before McBride spoke to attendees of the Baltimore Book Festival.

James McBride is an author, screenwriter and musician. He has written, among other things, The Color of Water, Miracle at St. Anna and the screenplay for Spike Lee’s film version of Miracle at St. Anna. McBride was at the book festival to promote his latest book, Song Yet Sung, which is this year's One Maryland One Book, a statewide program that encourages all Marylanders to read the same book during the year. 

KIPP 8th graders are preparing to read Song Yet Sung, a historical-fiction novel based on the history of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad in Maryland.  

KIPP students, parents and faculty enjoyed their time with McBride, asking questions about his childhood and what inspired him to become a writer.   One Book One Maryland gave copies of The Color of Water to the KIPP students and faculty. McBride graciously signed books and spent time chatting with students before departing for his noon speaking engagement.

--Hilarie A. Szczygiel is the director of talent recruitment and communications at KIPP Baltimore.