The Big Read 2022

This winter, enjoy a great work of literature together as Fishtrap presents the NEA Big Read in celebration of the modern American classic, The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. Fishtrap has provided more than 600 free books and resources to schools, libraries, and community centers in Wallowa and Union Counties and will host weekly online events for the public to take in at Fishtrap.org.

The House on Mango Street is acclaimed by critics, beloved by children, their parents and grandparents, taught everywhere from inner-city grade schools to universities across the country, and translated all over the world. This landmark story collection is recognized as one of the most important contributions to modern literature. Find a copy at your local library or bookstore and join the conversation at Fishtrap.org.

“It’s remarkable the number of people who reached out to tell me how much this book has meant to them.” says Fishtrap Program Director Mike Midlo, “It’s an important story, a joy to read, and sure to inspire important conversations.”

Log on for the Big Read Kickoff Wednesday, February 16 at 6:00pm as Fishtrap hosts a live online interview with author of The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros from her home in Mexico. She is joined by Fishtrap’s Shannon McNerney as they talk about this landmark story, its impact, and take questions from the public. Viewers can also access the video afterwards to share in the classroom, at book group meetings, and around the family dinner table. Then, each following week you can enjoy new online events and discussions including resources on Chicano culture, videos, and even salsa dance lessons to practice in your living room.

Since 2006, Fishtrap has presented the Big Read as a way to bring a great work of literature to our communities by providing public events, discussions, and free books to Wallowa and Union County schools, libraries, as well as the general public. This year, Fishtrap is expanding the Big Read even further by partnering with even more Union County organizations including, Art Center East, Cook Memorial Library,  Eastern Oregon University Library, and the Historic Union Community Hall. Each are creating their own set of events and will be added to Fishtrap’s Big Read schedule. The NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. The program broadens our understanding of the world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. The program is supported locally by neighborhood businesses, foundations, and organizations including Community Bank, The Bookloft, Oregon Arts Commission, and Pacific Power Foundation.

Learn more and join the discussion at Fishtrap.org