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About the Program
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.
Back to top2025 All Iowa Reads Selections & Program Resources
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.
REZ BALL by Byron Graves
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.
JAWBREAKER by Christina Wyman
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.
See the current year's shortlists, as well as past All Iowa Reads selections and shortlists:
Back to topSelection Process & Requirements
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.
Back to topSelection Committees
The current members of each All Iowa Reads committee are listed below:
Back to topContacts
Adult program: Helen Dagley | Helen.Dagley@iowa.gov
Teen and Kids programs: Janeé Jackson-Doering | Janee.Jackson-Doering@iowa.gov
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