Wayne County Reads Returns with Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

​Richmond, IN – May 15, 2026 – Every Child Can Read (ECCR) is proud to announce the return of Wayne County Reads, a one-book, one-community initiative that brings families together through the shared experience of reading and conversation.

The program will run until July 31, 2026, encouraging families to read and discuss the selected book together.

This year’s featured book is Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate, a New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medal winner. The story follows Jackson, a boy facing housing instability as his family struggles to make ends meet. Along the way, Jackson reconnects with Crenshaw—an unlikely imaginary cat—who helps him navigate uncertainty, resilience, and what it means to ask for help. Through this shared reading experience, families can explore themes such as resilience, empathy, and the importance of support during difficult times. The selection aligns with ECCR’s mission to promote literacy while helping families navigate real-life topics through shared reading.

Free copies of Crenshaw – are available at multiple locations across Wayne County while supplies last, thanks to the generous support of community partners and sponsors, including:
· Bader Mechanical
· Ahaus
· Brewer Broadcasting
· Reid Health Community Engagement
· Quigg Fund
· Rob & Kelli Quigg Family
· Robin Henry
· Vonderhaar Farms

Pick up a free copy at:
· All Wayne County libraries (Richmond, Cambridge City, Hagerstown, Dublin, Centerville)
· Two Sisters Books & More (Richmond)
· Twice Read Books (Richmond)
· Northeastern Schools Administration Building (Fountain City)

Families are encouraged to pick up a copy early, read together throughout the summer, and follow ECCR on social media for weekly discussion prompts and updates.

“Wayne County Reads is about more than reading a book—it’s about creating space for meaningful conversations within families,” said Patti Peterson, Executive Director of ECCR. “We know when families read together, children build stronger literacy skills and confidence. With Crenshaw, we also have an opportunity to spark conversations about empathy and perseverance.”

Wayne County Reads is an annual event that continues to inspire and connect the community through literature. When the program was reintroduced in 2025, over 1,100 free books were distributed throughout Wayne County.

For more information about Wayne County Reads and Every Child Can Read, visit everychildcanread.org.

About Every Child Can Read (ECCR) Every Child Can Read is a Wayne County nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s literacy by increasing access to books and fostering a culture of reading across the community.