NNPS unveils titles for month-long One City Reads
Posted: November 17, 2025
Newport News Public Schools announced book titles and plans for leading the One City Reads initiative to get all of Newport News reading together for the next month.
The books revealed for the program November 17 are "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate and "Framed" by James Ponti. Citizens are encourage to read either or both books by December 19 to be part of the city-wide reading campaign.
In NNPS, students in elementary school will read "The One and Only Ivan" while middle school students will read "Framed."
"One City Reads reflects our shared belief that reading opens doors for students to imagination, to understanding and to opportunity," said Dr. Kipp Rogers, NNPS Chief Academic Officer.
"It's exciting. When an entire community comes together around books, we're not only cultivating a love of reading in our students in our city, we're strengthening the fabric of our community."
Every student will receive a copy of the book for their grade level. Families and community members can access the daily reading calendar and activities to participate.
"We invite every person living and working in Newport News to join our students on this month-long reading journey," said Lori Wall, NNPS Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning. "It's part of many school-based activities students will experience this school year to encourage their love of reading."
Activities to promote literacy for all ages started at the One City Fall Family Fest on November 15 at the Brittingham-Midtown Community Center. Books were the theme of the family festival that included free books and literacy activities.
One City Reads is part of NNPS' larger Newport News Reads year-long student reading initiative designed to spark a love of books and stories throughout Newport News. Centered around the theme Reading is Our Superpower, Newport News Reads brings families, schools and community organizations together to celebrate the joy and power of reading through engaging activities like One City Reads, reading challenges, book clubs, and literacy nights.
"Newport News Reads promotes a culture where reading is valued, visible and vibrant," Wall said. "Together, we can inspire every child and adult in Newport News to read, grow and thrive. Because in our city, every reader is a hero."
