Join Read & Run Chicago’s Team for the Read-a-Thon For Immigrant Justice
by Allison Yates
At Read & Run Chicago, we host events with book-themed guided routes where the story takes place, which means we use movement and books set in Chicago to better understand ourselves, each other, and our built environment. From book picks like the Cicero-based young adult novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez to Sahar Mustafah’s The Beauty of Your Face set in Bridgeview, our programming celebrates our fellow Chicagoans’ lived experiences and all the ways in which we can exist in this city, including as part of immigrant communities.
To center the stories of immigrant authors and learn more about the immigrant experience while directly promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees, readers and runners are invited to partake in ¡Viva! Los Libros (51st Ward Books) Read-a-Thon for Immigrant Justice, running April 12-May 10, 2025. ¡Viva! Los Libros is the city’s first bilingual bookshop for kids, now offering Latinx-centered stories for adults at Pilsen Arts and Community House.
[Related: Best Chicago Bookstores to Visit in 2025]
Readers & runners at Cicero Library before our Book Club Run of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez.
The Read-a-Thon will directly benefit the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (ICIRR). ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society. ICIRR stands up for immigrants by supporting access to health care and education, offering Know Your Rights Trainings, and leading policy and advocacy efforts. From literacy organization leaders to elected officials and Chicago chambers of commerce, there are many organizations like Read & Run Chicago supporting the Read-a-Thon. Any individual, whether associated with an organized group or not, is invited to participate and join the culminating celebration on Saturday, May 10 (details to come).
Readers & runners outside Al Bawadi Grill in Bridgeview, Illinois, before our Book Club Run of The Beauty of Your Face with Sahar Mustafah.
Why is there a Read-a-Thon?
With book bans threatening our access to information and culturally-relevant curriculums, and the livelihoods of fellow Chicagoans at risk, ¡Viva! Los Libros initiated the idea of a Read-a-Thon for serveral reasons:
Amplify the stories of immigrant authors from all across the global diaspora
Encourage community members of all ages to learn more about the immigrant experience
Activate grassroots giving to support organizations providing essential services to immigrant communities
As ¡Viva! Los Libros writes, “Most importantly, this will be a space for US-a space to be reminded that we are stronger together and that joy is the antidote to repression. We have what we need to make a difference. We are who we need to stay in this fight together.”
How can I join the Read-a-Thon?
There are many ways you can support the efforts of the Read-a-Thon:
Join Read & Run Chicago's team: Read & Run Chicago set up a landing page for donations from our readers. Donate to our goal here.
Start your own team: Any individual is welcome to start their own team or individual challenge. Click here.
Celebrate on May 10: Join Read & Run Chicago community lead Cynthia Chen as we show our support for the Read-a-Thon on Saturday, May 10. Details are forthcoming, but you can RSVP now on this link.
What should I read during the Read-a-Thon?
There are several community leaders curating suggested reading lists. Visit the organizer’s Instagram for updates.
Read & Run Chicago also has many suggestions. Our Summer 2025 season of events and corresponding book picks will be announced in our newsletter on Monday, April 7. While not every book featured in our Summer 2025 season relates directly to the immigrant experience, each of the books aims to deepen our understanding of the city. For Chicago-based immigrant-specific books, we created this suggested reading list.