Established in 2003, the purpose of All Iowa Reads is to foster a sense of unity through reading. Iowans are encouraged to come together in their communities to read and talk about a single book title in the same calendar year. All Iowa Reads consists of three programs, each with one title chosen per year: adults, teens ages 12-18, and kids ages 8-12.
Libraries, book clubs, schools and other local organizations are encouraged to sponsor discussions of the titles. See the information below for current and past selections as well as materials including book reviews, discussion questions, author bios, and publicity materials to help libraries and groups prepare successful discussions.
2025 All Iowa Reads Selections & Program Resources
Adult Program Selection
DISTANT SONS by Tim Johnston
Find out more about the 2025 adult All Iowa Reads title Distant Sons by Tim Johnston, including a book summary, discussion questions, author bio, and promotional materials.
Find out more about the 2025 teen All Iowa Reads title Rez Ball by Byron Graves, including a book summary, discussion questions, author bio, and promotional materials.
Find out more about the 2025 kids All Iowa Reads title Jawbreaker by Christina Wyman, including a book summary, discussion questions, author bio, and promotional materials.
All Iowa Reads titles are selected by three committees of volunteers: one committee selects the title for adults, one selects the titles for teens, and a third committee selects the titles for kids. Members of the committees read widely, seeking books with broad appeal. In a series of meetings, members discuss possibilities that meet the criteria listed below. The list is narrowed to approximately five titles which are read by all members. Members provide their honest impressions independent of outside influence, and the final selection is made by consensus.
List items for All Iowa Reads Criteria
The adult All Iowa Reads title must:
Raise universal social issues relevant to Iowans
Lend itself to sustained, spirited, and in-depth discussion
Be available by January 1 of the selection year in a variety of accessible formats
Strike a balance between literary merit and broad appeal
Have an Iowa or Midwest connection
The All Iowa Reads committee strives to make a selection from an inclusive group of titles which reflect a diverse readership. The committee continually reevaluates selection criteria and updates as needed.
The All Iowa Reads titles for kids and teens will each:
Raise universal social issues relevant to Iowans
Be inclusive and reflect a diverse readership
Strike a balance between literary merit and youth appeal for middle grade fiction (ages 8-12, Kids All Iowa Reads) or young adult fiction (ages 12-18, Teen All Iowa Reads)
Lend themselves to sustained, spirited, in-depth discussion
Be available January 1 or the selection year in the following formats:
Paperback
Downloadable eBook format that is available for purchase and circulation by public libraries.
It is desirable, but not required, that the title:
Have an Iowa or Midwest connection
Is a recent publication (paperback edition released within the past three years) that has not been widely read
Libraries that host All Iowa Reads programs or discussion groups can submit feedback to share the impact the All Iowa Reads program has had on their library and community. Responses will be used to gauge the success of the program and help improve All Iowa Reads. The survey should be completed by a representative of the library after the event occurs.
