KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — On Wednesday, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs announced the title of this year's "One Book Read City" novel.
It is a graphic novel named "Shelby and Watts: Tide Pool Troubles," and was written by Ashlyn Anstee. The children's novel follows a duo of friends as they use deductive skills and scientific knowledge to figure out why shells are missing from a beach.
"There’s no case the two of them can’t solve–one environmental mystery at a time," the novel's description says.
Every elementary school student in Knox County Schools will get a copy of the book through the One Book Read City initiative. Anstee, the author of the book, will also be at the Festival of Reading on May 18 to sign children's copies.
One Book Read City is an initiative that brings together businesses, nonprofits and schools to create a large dialogue about literacy. By helping make sure elementary school students all have the same book, leaders hope to encourage reading and support literacy skills in young children.
In 2023, the initiative circulated "Zoey and Sassafras: Marshmallows and Dragons" by Asia Citro. In total, 30,000 books have been distributed and the initiative brought together 40 community partners.
