TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, Ohio — The Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition invites readers of all ages to come together this fall for the 2026 One Book, One Community program featuring The Distance to Home by Ohio author Jenn Bishop.
One Book, One Community is a grassroots reading movement designed to bring people together through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book. Through literature, writing and conversation, the program seeks to break down barriers, create connections and strengthen the Tuscarawas County community.
This year’s selection, The Distance to Home, is Bishop’s heartwarming novel about family, grief, resilience, and finding the courage to return to something you love.
The middle-grade novel follows Quinnen, who was the star pitcher of her baseball team, the Panthers, until the death of her older sister and biggest supporter, Haley, changed everything. As Quinnen struggles with her grief and her desire to leave baseball behind, her family welcomes a player from the local minor league baseball team into their home for the summer. New friendships begin to help Quinnen discover that moving forward does not mean leaving her sister or the game she loves behind.
Told across two pivotal summers, The Distance to Home explores sisterhood, friendship, teamwork, and resilience. The book has been recognized as a Junior Library Guild Selection, a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book, an Amazon Editor’s Pick and a School Library Journal Popular Pick.
About Author Jenn Bishop
Jenn Bishop is the author of five novels for young readers, including the Parents’ Choice Gold Award-winning Things You Can’t Say. Her books have been selected by the Junior Library Guild and Bank Street College of Education and have been finalists for state book awards.
Bishop lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and will visit Tuscarawas County in November to meet with students and community members as part of this year’s One Book, One Community celebration.
Community Programming Planned Throughout the Fall
One Book, One Community programming will take place throughout September, October, and November, giving children, teens, and adults several ways to connect with the themes of The Distance to Home.
Programs include baseball- and softball-themed story times and activities, children’s and teen book clubs, Team Game Days for teens, adult book discussions, and other opportunities at libraries throughout Tuscarawas County.
A special program, “Teamwork Led Us to the State Championship!”, will take place Wednesday, October 21st, at 6:30pm at the Dover Public Library. Dover High School Head Softball Coach, Hannah Duff, and members of the Lady Tornadoes Softball Team will share the story of their journey to the 2025 State Championship and discuss how relationships, trust, and teamwork contributed to their success both on and off the field.
The program serves as a fitting lead-in to Bishop’s November visit, connecting the teamwork and softball themes found throughout The Distance to Home with the experiences of local student-athletes.
Additional programming includes:
- September 23rd story time at Dover Public Library
- October 14th Kids Book Club at the Tuscarawas County Public Library System’s Main Library
- Team Game Days for teens September 15th and October 13th at Dover Public Library
- October 5th Teen Continuous Book Club at the Tuscarawas Branch Library
- October 20th adult book discussions at the Bolivar and Strasburg Branch libraries
Readers can also visit the Tuscarawas County Public Library System’s Sugarcreek Branch after finishing the book to add their names to the One Book, One Community challenge wall.
Writing and Art Contests Offer Opportunities to Get Creative
Readers are also encouraged to participate in the annual One Book, One Community writing and art contests.
The 2026 Writing Contest, sponsored by the Tuscarawas County Writers Guild, is open to adults and students in grades 9–12. This year’s theme is “My Summer After the Fall.” Entries may be up to 3,000 words and must be postmarked by Thursday, October 1, 2026, or dropped off at any public library in Tuscarawas County.
Prizes will be awarded in both the adult and student divisions, with $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place. Winners will be announced during the November 2nd culminating event at Kent State University – Tuscarawas.
The 2026 Art Contest, sponsored by the Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition, is open to students in grades 6–12. Students are invited to create original artwork inspired by their experience with The Distance to Home, choosing their own theme and artistic medium.
Artwork must be submitted by Friday, October 16th, 2026, at any public library in Tuscarawas County or at the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts, 461 Robinson Drive SE, New Philadelphia. Art contest winners will also be announced during the November 2nd author event.
Schools Invited to Participate
The Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition (TCLC) encourages area middle schools and high schools to become involved in this year’s One Book, One Community initiative.
Participating schools can use The Distance to Home as an opportunity to engage students in conversations surrounding grief, friendship, family, resilience, teamwork, and finding the courage to move forward. TCLC provides books for students and teachers. A classroom and library guide, curriculum guide, and book discussion questions are also available on the Coalition’s website to support educators.
Schools and educators interested in participating in the 2026 One Book, One Community program are encouraged to contact the Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition’s One Book, One Community committee through email at onebooktuscarawas@gmail.com.
November Author Event
This year’s celebration will culminate on Monday, November 2, 2026, with a full day centered around author Jenn Bishop at Kent State University – Tuscarawas.
During the day, TCLC will host Literacy Connection Day, an event designed for middle school and high school students. Students will have the opportunity to participate in programming featuring Bishop and connect more deeply with the author and the themes explored in The Distance to Home.
That evening, the entire community is invited to An Evening with Author Jenn Bishop at 7:00pm in Founders Hall at Kent State University – Tuscarawas. Bishop will discuss her work and The Distance to Home as the community comes together to celebrate another year of shared reading, conversation, and creativity.
The evening event is open to the community. Winners of the 2026 writing and art contests will also be recognized as part of the One Book, One Community celebration.
Read Along with the Community
Copies of The Distance to Home are available through local public libraries. Readers can also access the book digitally through the Libby app with a valid library card or purchase their own copy.
For complete One Book, One Community information, including program dates, contest guidelines, classroom resources, and updates about the November 2nd author event, please visit the One Book, One Community page by clicking the button below.