Cicely Lewis: Igniting A Reading Revolution With Read Woke

**In the landscape of modern education, few figures shine as brightly as Cicely Lewis, a visionary school librarian whose passion for fostering critical thinking and empathy through literature has sparked a global movement. Based in Georgia, Cicely Lewis is not just a librarian; she is an architect of change, challenging students and educators alike to engage with books in a profoundly meaningful way.** Her groundbreaking "Read Woke" initiative has transcended school walls, inspiring chapters from Quebec to Scotland and fundamentally reshaping how we approach diverse narratives in education. Cicely Lewis's journey from a classroom teacher to the 2020 School Librarian of the Year is a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowering young minds. Her work goes beyond simply recommending books; it's about cultivating a generation of informed, compassionate, and socially aware individuals. Through innovative programs like book fashion shows and the widely adopted Read Woke Challenge, Cicely Lewis has created vibrant spaces where reading becomes an act of discovery, a tool for understanding, and a catalyst for change. This article delves into the remarkable impact of Cicely Lewis, exploring the origins of her movement, its far-reaching influence, and the enduring legacy she is building in the world of literacy.

Table of Contents

• Cicely Lewis: A Brief Biography
• The Visionary Behind Read Woke
  • A Response to Crisis: The Genesis of Read Woke
  • From Classroom to Library Leadership
• The Read Woke Movement: A Global Phenomenon
  • Defining "Woke" in Literature
  • Beyond the Books: Fashion Shows and Engagement
• Cicely Lewis: The 2020 School Librarian of the Year
• Empowering Diverse Voices: #OwnVoices and Collection Diversification
• The Impact of Read Woke: Fostering Critical Thinkers
• Cicely Lewis's Literary Contributions: Author and Advocate
• Connecting Communities: Family Book Clubs and Social Media
• The Future of Literacy: Cicely Lewis's Enduring Legacy

Cicely Lewis: A Brief Biography

Cicely Lewis is a prominent figure in the field of education and literacy, recognized for her innovative approaches to engaging students with diverse literature. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to fostering critical thinking and empathy among young readers. | Aspect | Details

The Visionary Behind Read Woke

A Response to Crisis: The Genesis of Read Woke

The genesis of the Read Woke movement by Cicely Lewis is rooted in a profound sense of responsibility and a direct response to pressing societal issues. In 2017, a year marked by significant social unrest and uncertainty, Cicely Lewis, then an English Language Arts teacher at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, Georgia, observed the impact of these events on her students. Specifically, the shootings of young unarmed Black people and the repeal of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) deeply affected her school community. These incidents highlighted a critical need for students to understand the complexities of the world around them, to develop empathy, and to find their voices. It was in this climate that Cicely Lewis started the Read Woke Challenge. Inspired by the words of civil rights leader John Lewis, who famously urged people to "get in good trouble, necessary trouble," Cicely Lewis sought to empower her students through knowledge. She believed that reading diverse and challenging books could serve as a powerful tool for understanding social justice issues, fostering critical thinking, and promoting active citizenship. The concept was simple yet revolutionary: encourage students to read books that "challenge a social norm, give a voice to the voiceless, provide information about a group that has been disenfranchised, seek to challenge the status quo, or have an opinion that will challenge a reader’s comfort zone." This initiative was not just about reading; it was about awakening, empowering, and preparing students to navigate a complex world.

From Classroom to Library Leadership

Cicely Lewis's journey to becoming a leading figure in literacy and information technology was a natural progression of her dedication to student empowerment. She served as a classroom teacher for twelve years, gaining invaluable experience in understanding student needs and the dynamics of learning. This extensive background in the classroom provided her with a unique perspective when she transitioned into her role as a school librarian. Her time as an English Language Arts teacher at Meadowcreek High equipped her with the pedagogical skills and insights necessary to design and implement impactful reading programs. Stepping into the library, Cicely Lewis saw an even broader opportunity to influence students' intellectual and emotional development. The library, often seen as a quiet space for individual study, transformed under her guidance into a vibrant hub of discovery and discussion. Her passion for creating lovers of reading, combined with her understanding of information technology, allowed her to innovate beyond traditional library services. This transition marked a pivotal moment, enabling her to scale her vision and truly become a leader in literacy, ultimately leading to the widespread adoption of the Read Woke movement and her recognition as the 2020 School Librarian of the Year. Her proven supervisory, management, and leadership professional skills, honed over years, undoubtedly contributed to her success in this expanded role.

The Read Woke Movement: A Global Phenomenon

Defining "Woke" in Literature

At the core of Cicely Lewis's revolutionary initiative is the concept of "Read Woke." It's more than just a catchy phrase; it's a philosophy for selecting and engaging with literature that promotes social awareness and critical consciousness. As Cicely Lewis herself articulated, "I started the Read Woke Challenge in response to the needs of my students." The term "woke" in this context refers to being aware of and attentive to social injustices and systemic inequalities. Read Woke™ books, created in partnership with Cicely Lewis, the Read Woke librarian, are carefully curated to embody this principle. These books are designed to amplify the voices of people who have historically been marginalized or silenced. They explore misunderstood and underexamined pasts, bringing previously buried history to light through compelling photographs and primary sources. A Read Woke book, by definition, challenges conventional narratives, questions the status quo, and provides insights into the experiences of disenfranchised groups. Examples of such impactful literature include Richard Wright's *Black Boy*, a powerful account of growing up Black in the rural South, and Anne Moody's *Coming of Age in Mississippi*, a classic autobiography that delves into similar themes. By encouraging students to read these types of books, Cicely Lewis aims to cultivate empathy, broaden perspectives, and equip young readers with the knowledge to understand and address societal challenges. The movement emphasizes that exposing readers to diverse narratives is not a fleeting trend but a fundamental necessity for creating informed and engaged citizens.

Beyond the Books: Fashion Shows and Engagement

Cicely Lewis's approach to promoting reading extends far beyond traditional book recommendations. She understands that engaging students requires creativity, innovation, and a touch of spectacle. When she isn’t challenging kids to read woke, Cicely Lewis hosts unique and highly engaging book fashion shows with her students. Imagine beautiful evening gowns, strobe lights, and a live DJ – no, it’s not the Academy Awards, and no, it’s not your regular school event. These fashion shows transform the act of reading into a dynamic, interactive experience. Students select a book, often a Read Woke title, and then design an outfit inspired by its themes, characters, or message. This creative process encourages deeper engagement with the text, allowing students to interpret and express their understanding in a tangible, artistic way. The fashion shows become a platform for students to share their literary insights, celebrate diverse stories, and showcase their creativity. This innovative method not only makes reading exciting and relevant but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among students. It's a testament to Cicely Lewis's belief that learning should be an immersive and memorable experience, proving that literature can inspire imagination and expression in myriad forms.

Cicely Lewis: The 2020 School Librarian of the Year

The profound impact of Cicely Lewis's work has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to literacy and education, Cicely Lewis was named the 2020 School Librarian of the Year by *School Library Journal* (SLJ) and Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company. This prestigious award is a testament to her innovative spirit, her unwavering dedication to students, and the far-reaching influence of the Read Woke movement. The award acknowledged her role as a school librarian at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, GA, and, crucially, as the creator of the Read Woke movement. Her ability to inspire a reading revolution, not just at her school but internationally, was a key factor in her selection. This recognition followed other significant accolades, including being named a 2019 *Library Journal* Mover & Shaker and receiving the 2019 National Teacher Award. These honors underscore her status as a leading voice in education, particularly in the realm of diverse literature and student engagement. The School Librarian of the Year award cemented Cicely Lewis's place as a transformative figure, whose vision continues to shape the future of libraries and literacy programs across the nation and beyond

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Read Woke with Cicely Lewis & Malaka Gharib – Arab American National Museum

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AJC Celebrating Teachers 2018: Cicely Lewis

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I had a great day at Newton County Public Schools as a guest author at