12-13-2023 Proclamation - One Book One Valley 2023. von
COLORADO
OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION
ONE BOOK ONE VALLEY 2023
A valley -wide Community Read sponsored by the Towns of Avon, Eagle,
Gypsum, Minturn, Red Cliff and Vail
WHEREAS, Community Read programs have united and uplifted hundreds of cities and municipalities throughout
the United States of America; and,
WHEREAS, the book "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee is a Young Adult title published in 2019 that is
available in print, eBook & eAudiobook formats; and,
WHEREAS, New York Times best-selling and Young Adult Novelist, Stacey Lee, is an award -winning author of 5
historical and contemporary young adult fiction. A native of Southern California and fourth -generation Chinese
American, she graduated from UCLA, then got her law degree from UC Davis King Hall. After practicing law in
Silicon Valley for several years, she finally took up the pen because she wanted the perks of being able to nap
during the day, and it was easier than moving to Spain; and,
WHEREAS, The Downstairs Girl" is a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the meaning of family in the
1890's. With prose that is witty, insightful, and at times heartbreaking, Stacey Lee masterfully crafts an
extraordinary social drama set in the New South. "By day, seventeen -year -old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for
the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous
author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie." When her column
becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared
for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender"; and,
WHEREAS, this Eagle Valley Community Read is the 12th Year of the One Book One Valley initiative. This year,
for the first time in our history, we have selected a Young Adult title for our community to enjoy. According to Ali
Teague from the Bookworm of Edwards, "I believe that every adult should read at least one middle grade or
young adult book per year, as they help us empathize and connect with young people. These books tend to have
the richest and most relatable characters who are not only discovering who they are, but also their place in the
world. They are also, generally, more optimistic about the state of the world so they can be that much needed
palette cleanser after reading a heavy -hitting adult book. But my favorite thing about books written for young
readers, and the reason I read several of them per year, is how unpretentious and accessible they are. Any adult
at any reading level can read a young reader's book and learn and feel just like our young readers do"; and,
WHEREAS, this Eagle Valley Community Read will feature book discussions in venues around the valley; a
movie night; a Chinese New Year Celebration; a Ninjago drop -in day; and, a special Guest Appearance by the
author next spring; and,
WHEREAS, the Vail Public Library, in collaboration with the Bookworm of Edwards, Colorado Mountain College,
Battle Mountain High School, Eagle Valley High School and Vail Mountain School have resolved to bring this
valley -wide Community Read program to the citizens of Eagle County; and,
WHEREAS, the One Book One Valley initiative will encourage literacy and shared enjoyment of reading
throughout Eagle County.
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Town Council of the Town of Avon, Colorado, do hereby promote the One Book
One Valley initiative and officially announce and promote the book "The Downstairs Girl' to all Eagle County
residents for their enjoyment and the enjoyment of all.
TOWN OF AVON
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