What is a One Read?
The One Read for Racial Justice is an annual, collaborative, campus-wide initiative that seeks to raise awareness about racial justice issues, create opportunities for dialogues across difference and discipline, and to promote community. It’s like a giant book club where we all get together to read a common text and then discuss it as a community and plan other events that help deepen our understanding of the book and its themes. The One Read is an initiative led by the library in collaboration with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and alumni across departments and disciplines.
What book are we reading?
Somewhere in the Unknown World by Kao Kalia Yang
Somewhere in the Unknown World is a collection of powerful stories of refugees who have found new lives in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, told by the award-winning author of The Latehomecomer and The Song Poet.
All over this country, there are refugees. But beyond the headlines, few know who they are, how they live, or what they have lost. Although Minnesota is not known for its diversity, the state has welcomed more refugees per capita than any other, from Syria to Bosnia, Thailand to Liberia. Now, with nativism on the rise, Kao Kalia Yang—herself a Hmong refugee—has gathered stories of the stateless who today call the Twin Cities home. (From Kao Kalia Yang's website)
Where can I get the book?
- Borrow a print copy from St Kate’s or a partner library
- Access the eBook or audiobook for free via the St. Kate’s Library
- Purchase a copy from the St. Kate’s Bookstore
- Purchase a copy from your local, independent bookstore
- Enter to win a copy at one of the events below!
How do I participate?
- Read the book
- Attend an event
- Learn more by exploring our resource guide
- Organize an event or host a discussion
- Integrate the book into your course/work
- Join the planning group
Fall 2026 Event Series
The themes of Yang’s book are far reaching, just like the events on St. Kate’s campus. Watch this page for official One Read events, or partner events that correspond with Yang’s work.
Thursday, October 29, 6:30 p.m.
A Conversation With Kao Kalia Yang at The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University
Ongoing
September 12, 2026 to December 12, 2026
The Paglees: Between Reason and Madness at the Catherine G Murphy Gallery
“The Paglees: Between Reason and Madness questions and reframes the labeling of non-conforming women as crazy and the marginalization of immigrant women of color. This collective exhibition presents new decolonial narratives that center the reason and wisdom of brown women of the Global South and diaspora, and provide pathways to a creative feminist future. The Paglees believe in working in collaboration with other marginalized communities to build bridges and demand social, environmental, and legal justice for all.”
Opening Reception: September 12th 2026, 5-7pm
All Opening Events are free and open to the public.
More events forthcoming
Follow us here and on social media to keep up with new events as they are added!
Want to be more involved in the planning of this and future One Reads, including helping choose the next One Read text? Consider joining the planning group. Email Lizzy Tegeler, Librarian, (ejtegeler865@stkate.edu) and Lydia Fasteland, Equity and Belonging Coordinator (lbfasteland@stkate.edu) for more information.