The American Booksellers Association, Candlewick Press and General Motors are partners in the "STEM Reads" book giveaway, under which young readers are encouraged to explore interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through reading science fiction and fantasy. As part of the program, up to 20,000 copies of a special paperback edition of Christina Soontornvat's The Last Mapmaker (Candlewick), a "resolute, high-seas adventure set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world," are available to distribute to readers between the ages of 8 and 12 in underserved communities.
Under the program, independent booksellers can sign up to receive a free box of copies of The Last Mapmaker to distribute this fall and to purchase additional cartons at cost for the giveaway. Stores that participate in this giveaway will receive a marketing stipend and will be invited to enter to win an in-person or virtual visit from Soontornvat. The deadline to receive free books is May 31. Booksellers with questions about the program can contact project manager Sydney Jarrard via e-mail. And they can register here.
Soontornvat is the author of more than a dozen books for children of all ages, including Newbery Honor books A Wish in the Dark and All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team. She is passionate about STEM and STEAM and holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in science education.
ABA CEO Allison Hill said, "Independent bookstores and the American Booksellers Association have witnessed first-hand how books can change lives. ABA is proud to participate with General Motors and Candlewick to support indies as they inspire future readers, scientists, tech explorers, engineers, and mathematicians."
ABA Children's Group senior manager Gen de Botton added: "Science fiction and fantasy can open doors for future exploration and catalyze a young person's interest in studying science. ABA sees reading as the gateway for untapped inventors to discover the possibilities, whether that's advances in string theory, intergalactic space travel, the biomechanics of dragons and other mythological creatures, or even a future with flying cars."
Candlewick executive director of independent retail and Canada sales Elise Supovitz said, "We're immensely grateful to all the indie booksellers coast to coast who will make this literacy mission possible, and to the incomparable Christina Soontornvat, who is the perfect ambassador for this program."
Underwritten by General Motors, the program is part of the company's Future Fiction Collective, focused on diversifying science fiction and STEM literature and heightening representation of underserved communities.