Presented by PECO
It’s Free and for Everyone
Now in its 24th year, One Book, One Philadelphia is an outstanding literacy and civic dialogue initiative that encourages the greater Philadelphia region to come together through reading and conversation. Managed by The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, programming in 2026 runs from April 7 through May 28 and includes a series of FREE events, online and in-person at Free Library locations across the city, exploring themes from the selected work and youth companion titles. Visit our Calendar of Events to learn more, and stay connected by following The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Announcing the 2026 One Book, One Philadelphia Selections
Philadelphians are invited to delve into this year’s featured selection, Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng, a powerful novel exploring family, resistance, storytelling, and the impact of government policy on communities and personal identity.
Younger readers can join the conversation through discussions and programs inspired by our youth companion titles, including:
- Teen Companion Title: Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp
- Children’s Companion Title: How to Grow a Family Tree by Bea Birdsong
These books can be found at your neighborhood library branch or accessed through the Free Library’s catalog.
For all in-person events, please register at freelibrary.org/onebook.
Newsletter
Featured Title: Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
Our Missing Hearts is a haunting and hopeful novel set in a near‑future America governed by PACT—the Preservation of American Culture and Traditions—where fear is a tool of the state and “un‑American” ideas are systematically erased. The story follows twelve‑year‑old Bird Gardner as he sets off on a journey to find his mother, a poet whose work has been banned for its defiance and truth‑telling.
Celeste Ng’s powerful narrative explores the role of art as resistance, the importance of stories in preserving cultural memory, and the enduring bonds between parents and children. As the nation marks 250 years of independence, Our Missing Hearts invites readers to reflect deeply on the First Amendment, the fragility of freedom, and the courage required to protect the truth.
Emotionally resonant and beautifully written, this novel challenges us to confront censorship, injustice, and the narratives that shape our lives—while reminding us that hope and humanity can survive even in the darkest times.
About the Author:
Celeste Ng is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything I Never Told You, Little Fires Everywhere, and Our Missing Hearts. Her work, celebrated for its emotional depth and incisive social commentary, has been translated into more than thirty languages and adapted for the screen, including the acclaimed Hulu series Little Fires Everywhere.
A recipient of prestigious fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation, Ng continues to illuminate the intersections of family, art, and social justice through her storytelling. With Our Missing Hearts, she offers a timely, unforgettable exploration of resistance, identity, and the power of literature to challenge and transform.
Youth Companion Title: For Teens
This year’s Youth Selection for One Book, One Philadelphia is Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet, a vibrant and heartfelt novel by Laekan Zea Kemp. The story follows Penelope Prado and Xander Amaro—two teens navigating family obligations, identity, community, and the courage it takes to build a future you believe in. Set against the backdrop of a beloved family restaurant, the novel blends themes of belonging, resilience, and the power of love and food to heal.
Kemp’s writing offers young readers an uplifting and emotionally rich story that celebrates cultural heritage and community strength. Through Pen and Xander’s intertwined journeys, Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet encourages conversations about immigration, family expectations, mental health, and the pursuit of dreams—making it an inspiring companion to this year’s One Book selections.
About the Author:
Youth Companion Title: For Kids
How to Grow a Family Tree, written by Bea Birdsong and warmly illustrated by Jasu Hu, is a heartfelt picture book that celebrates the many ways a family can grow—through love, connection, community, and care. As the 2026 One Book, One Philadelphia selection for kids, this gentle, uplifting story helps young readers explore what family means, how relationships shape who we are, and the beautiful truth that families come in many forms.
Full of empathy and encouragement, How to Grow a Family Tree invites children to think about their roots while also imagining the branches they can grow as they learn, create, and connect with others. It’s a meaningful companion to this year’s adult and teen titles, reinforcing themes of belonging, identity, and resilience.
About the Author:
Bea Birdsong is an acclaimed author of picture books that center joy, courage, and the everyday experiences of childhood. Her works—including How to Grow a Family Tree—are known for their warmth, playfulness, and emotional depth. A former teacher, she writes stories that empower young readers and honor the many ways children understand and navigate the world.
Her books have resonated with families, educators, and librarians for their gentle insights and universal themes.
Resources
Programming Guidebook
Participate in discussions, workshops, film screenings, and more fun events for all ages inspired by this year’s One Book, One Philadelphia selections.
Book Club Discussion Questions
This discussion guide provides thought-provoking questions to guide your reading group in conversation about Our Missing Hearts
Related Events
Support for the 2026 One Book, One Philadelphia Program
The 2026 One Book, One Philadelphia program is endowed by the Joseph and Marie Field Fund, sponsored by the Field Foundation and is also made possible through generous support from PECO and The Sylvia W. and Randle M. Kauders Foundation, secured by the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. Media sponsors include Beasley, ClearChannel Outdoor, iHeartRadio, Intersection, Interstate, Keystone Outdoor, Outfront, KYW Radio, WHYY, and WURD.
Through incredible programs like this, the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation supports the Free Library of Philadelphia by providing resources and funding to enhance the library’s offerings and services. Through community engagement, donor support, and innovative initiatives, the Foundation works to create a vibrant, inclusive community dedicated to lifelong learning and cultural enrichment.
“One Book, One Philadelphia is a simple concept: a shared reading experience where we explore and discuss different perspectives and backgrounds. It encourages a better and richer understanding of the world around us, and the people in it.”
Brought to you by
With the support of
Marie and Joseph Field
Previous Years
The One Book, One Philadelphia series was founded in 2003 by the Free Library and the Office of the Mayor with support from Marie Field, who also served as chair of One Book until 2022. The program motivates tens of thousands of people annually to read a featured selection and participate in programming that encourages empathy, understanding, and dialogue among Philadelphia’s many communities.